They Broke The Marathon Again

Summary

The marathon world has seen revolutionary performances, with both men’s and women’s world records being broken multiple times since 2022. Breakthroughs in shoe technology, particularly Super Shoes, have enhanced runners' performance, but the evolution extends beyond gear. Mindset shifts, advanced training techniques, and new athlete approaches have all contributed to faster times. The growing number of sub-2:08 performances highlights this progression. With records continuing to fall, the marathon is entering a new era, prompting speculation on whether the men’s marathon will ever dip below two hours in a legal race, and how much further the women’s record can improve.

Takeaways

• 😀 Since 2022, the men's and women's marathon world records have been broken four times each, showcasing unprecedented performances in marathon history.
• 😀 Eliud Kipchoge's 2:01:09 marathon world record in 2022 was eclipsed by Kelvin Kiptum's 2:00:35 in 2023, solidifying his status as the greatest marathoner.
• 😀 On the women's side, Ruth Chepngetich set a new world record in 2024 with a time of 2:09:56, becoming the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier.
• 😀 The rise of carbon-plated 'super shoes' has played a significant role in improving marathon performance, with these shoes enhancing running efficiency by 4-6%.
• 😀 The number of sub-2:08 marathon performances has exploded, from just a handful in the early 2000s to over 200 performances in 2023 alone.
• 😀 In 2023, a sub-2:08 marathon performance was required just to place in the top 25 at the Valencia Marathon, a reflection of how the standard for elite marathoning has risen.
• 😀 Technological advances, particularly super shoes, have been credited with reducing marathon times by approximately 1 minute and 31 seconds on average.
• 😀 Beyond technology, the evolution of marathon times is also influenced by a shift in mindset, training, and the psychology of running, leading to greater athletic resilience and faster performances.
• 😀 The 10 fastest marathon performances of all time have come from races since 2018, showing how rapidly marathon times are improving year after year.
• 😀 The future of marathon running looks incredibly promising, with the potential for legal sub-2-hour men's marathons and continued improvements in the women's marathon world record before 2030.

Q & A

What has been the impact of Super Shoes on marathon performances?

Super Shoes, equipped with carbon plates, have significantly improved marathon performances by increasing an athlete’s running economy by 4-6%. This has led to faster race times, with studies showing an average reduction of 1 minute and 31 seconds in marathon times due to these technological advancements.

How many times have marathon world records been broken since the 2022 season?

Since the 2022 season, the marathon world records on both the men's and women's sides have been broken a total of four times. This includes records set by Eliud Kipchoge, Kelvin Kiptum, Tish Toha, and Ruth Jepnitch.

What is the significance of running a marathon in under 2 hours and 8 minutes?

Running a marathon in under 2 hours and 8 minutes is considered an elite performance. It is the equivalent of running each mile at a pace of 4:52, or each kilometer at 3:02, which historically would have been good enough to win most Olympic gold medals.

How many athletes achieved sub-2:08 marathon performances in 2023?

In 2023, a record-breaking 214 athletes completed marathons in under 2 hours and 8 minutes, a sharp increase from previous years, showing the rapid evolution of marathon running.

What has been the trend in the women’s marathon performances in recent years?

The women’s marathon has seen substantial improvements, with more than 30 performances under 2 hours and 20 minutes in the past three years. In 2023, Ruth Jepnitch set a world record with a time of 2:09:56, breaking the 2:10 barrier for the first time in history.

What role has the influx of new athletes played in the marathon's evolution?

The influx of new athletes has contributed to the rising number of world-class marathon performances. More runners are breaking into previously unattainable barriers, such as sub-2:08 and sub-2:20, driven by a combination of improved training, mindset, and technological advancements.

What does the average of the top 10 marathon times from 2017 to 2023 show?

The average of the top 10 marathon times worldwide has steadily improved since 2017. In 2023, the fastest top 10 average in history was recorded at 2:02:46, showcasing how much the expectations for elite marathon times have shifted.

How has the understanding of marathon psychology contributed to faster performances?

The understanding of marathon psychology has shifted, with athletes now approaching marathons with a better grasp of mental fortitude and race strategy. This, combined with physical training, has led to more athletes achieving record-breaking times.

What is the potential for breaking the 2-hour barrier in the men’s marathon?

While the 2-hour barrier in the men's marathon has yet to be officially broken in a legal race, the trend of rapid improvements, fueled by better technology and athlete mindset, suggests that it could be achieved in the next decade.

Why is 2023 considered a pivotal year for marathon running?

2023 is considered a pivotal year because it marked the fastest average top-10 marathon times in history, with the fastest average for the men's marathon at 2:02:46. Additionally, the year saw multiple record-breaking performances, further pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in marathon running.