Marathon (sport)

The word marathon refers to a long-distance road running event of 42,195 m (26 miles and 385 yards).

World records and "world's best"

World records were not officially recognised by the IAAF until 1 January 2004; previously, the best times for the Marathon were referred to as the 'world best'. Courses must conform to IAAF standards for a record to be recognised. However, marathon routes still vary greatly in elevation, course, and surface, making exact comparisons impossible. Typically, the fastest times are set over relatively flat courses near sea level, during good weather conditions and with the assistance of pacesetters.

Related Topics:
World records - IAAF - 1 January - 2004

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The world record time for men over the distance is 2 hours 4 minutes and 55 seconds, set in the Berlin Marathon by Paul Tergat on September 28, 2003 (ratified as the world record by the IAAF on 1st January 2004), an improvement of 20 minutes and 44 seconds since 1947 (Marathon world best progression). The world record for women was set by Paula Radcliffe in the London Marathon on 13 April 2003, in 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds. This time was set using male pacesetters - the fastest time by a woman without using a male pacesetter ('woman-only') was also set by Paula Radcliffe, again during the London Marathon, with a time of 2 hours 17 minutes and 42 seconds set on 17 April 2005.

Related Topics:
Berlin Marathon - Paul Tergat - September 28 - 2003 - IAAF - Marathon world best progression - Paula Radcliffe - London Marathon - 13 April - 17 April - 2005

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All-time men's best marathon times under 2h 10'30"

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All-time women's best marathon times under 2h 30'00"

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