The first official marathon took place during the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens. The exact distance of the course was not yet standardized, but it stabilized at 42.195 km during the London Olympics in 1908.

The first recorded reference time was that of Spyridon Louis, a Greek who won in 2h58min50s over a distance of about 40 km.

1920 - 1950: The beginnings of performance

• In 1925, Albert Michelsen (USA) established a time of 2:29:01s, becoming the first athlete to pass under 2:30.
• In 1952, Jim Peters (GBR) clocked a time of 2 hours 20 minutes 42 seconds, marking a significant advance.

1960 - 1980: The race to 2:10

• In 1967, Derek Clayton (AUS) broke the record in 2:09:36, the first marathon runner under 2:10.
• In 1981, Robert de Castella (AUS) pushed the limit to 2:08:18.

1990 - 2010: The era of the great marathon nations

• In 1999, Khalid Khannouchi (MAR/USA) became the first to go under 2:06 with 2:05:42.
• In 2003, Paul Tergat (KEN) raised the record to 2:04:55.
• In 2008, Haile Gebrselassie (ETH) improved the time in 2:03:59s in Berlin.

2010 - 2024: The era of Kenyan excellence

• In 2011, Patrick Makau (KEN) set a record of 2:03:38.
• In 2018, Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) reached a historic milestone with 2:01:39s in Berlin.
• In 2022, Kipchoge improved his own record in 2:01:09s.
• In 2023, Kelvin Kiptum (KEN) made history with 2:00:35s in Chicago.

A few months after setting the world record for the marathon (2:00:35s) in Chicago in October 2023, Kelvin Kiptum died in a car accident in Kenya with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

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1960 - 1990: The first performances

• In 1967, Mildred Sampson (NZL) achieved 3h19min33s.
• In 1985, Ingrid Kristiansen (NOR) lowered the score to 2:21:06.

2000 - Today: More and more impressive records

• In 2003, Paula Radcliffe (GBR) set an incredible time of 2h15min25s.
• In 2019, Brigid Kosgei (KEN) broke this record in 2:14:04s in Chicago.
• In 2023, Tigist Assefa (ETH) smashed the mark in 2h11min53s in Berlin.

• Technological advances : Carbon shoes and high-performance textiles have played a major role.
• Race strategies : The use of hares and the optimal weather conditions are decisive factors.
• Physical, mental and scientific preparation : Modern training and optimized nutrition make it possible to reach levels never seen before.

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The evolution of marathon world records is a fascinating testimony to the progress of athletics and human abilities. With current innovations, it is very likely that the 2-hour barrier under official conditions will soon be crossed. Who will be the next to make marathon history?