World Record Marathons

Posted by Paul A. Heckert Sep 26, 2007

Let's remember the fourth anniversary of the day two world records were set in the marathon.

On September 28, 2003 Paul Tergat ran the Berlin marathon in a world record time of 2:04:55. This time works out to an average pace of 4:46 minutes per mile for the 26.2 mile distance. He was 34 years old at the time.

On the same day Fauja Singh ran the Toronto marathon in 5:40, for an average pace of almost 13 minutes per mile. Singh's marathon does not sound nearly as impressive until one also learns that Singh was 92 years old. Singh set a marathon world record for the 90 and over age group.

Let's also not forget Sammy Korir who also ran the Berlin marathon that day. He finished just 1 second behind Tergat in what would have been a world record time had Tergat not just broken the record. Korir turned in a world record performance without the distinction of having a world record.

I'm not sure which record is more impressive. The world record in the marathon, or anything else, is certainly impressive. I can't even run one mile at that pace, let alone 26 in a row. On the other hand just completing a marathon, in any time, is an impressive achievement for a 92 year old.

I can't help wondering what Singh could have done had he run seriously in his youth and what Tergat will be doing in his 90s.

In 2009, just 2 years away, Singh will be 98. He hopes to set another record, by being the oldest person to complete a marathon. I wish him luck.

Anyone care to try for 100?