A curated list of male and female elite marathon runners who have established or held official world records since the year 2000, highlighting the evolution of marathon performance in the 21st century.
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The current official men's world record holder with a time of 2:00:35, set at the Berlin Marathon in 2022. He also famously ran an unofficial sub-two-hour marathon under the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in 2019.
An Ethiopian legend who held the men's world record for nearly a decade, clocking 2:01:41 at the London Marathon in 2019. He previously held the record with a 2:02:57 run in Berlin in 2005.
A Kenyan runner who shattered the previous world record at the 2011 Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:03:38. His performance broke Dennis Kimetto's record by eight seconds, showcasing the rapid improvement in marathon times.
The Kenyan athlete who set the world record at the 2014 Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:02:57. He held this title for nearly seven years until Eliud Kipchoge broke it, marking a significant era in marathon history.
An Ethiopian icon who held the world record multiple times in the 2000s, including a 2:03:59 run at the 2008 Berlin Marathon. He was the first man to break the 2:04 barrier in a standard marathon race.
Although known for his Olympic gold, Wanjiru set a notable world record at the 2009 Rotterdam Marathon with a time of 2:05:10. He was a dominant force in marathon running during the late 2000s.
An Ethiopian runner who currently holds the women's world record with a staggering time of 2:11:53, set at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Her performance broke the previous record by over a minute, redefining women's marathon capabilities.
The previous women's world record holder, who set a time of 2:14:04 at the 2019 Chicago Marathon. She held the record for three years until Tigst Assefa surpassed it, establishing a new standard for female elite marathoners.
A British legend who set the women's world record of 2:15:25 at the 2003 London Marathon. Her record stood for nearly two decades, highlighting her dominance and exceptional longevity in long-distance running.
While primarily known for the London Marathon win, noting that women's records are strictly managed; however, Assefa and Kosgei are the key record holders. This list focuses on verified WRs.
Note: Eliud Kipchoge is the primary record holder. This entry is excluded to avoid duplication or confusion with other runners.
Dutch runner who won the 2020 Tokyo Olympics marathon but did not hold the world record. Included in training contexts but not as a record holder for this specific list.
Eritrean-born runner who set a course record in Rome but not the world record. Excluded from this specific list of official world record holders.
Kenyan runner who held the world record in the early 2000s (e.g., 2:20:08 in 2002). She was a pioneer for women's marathon running before more recent sub-2:15 performances.
Kenyan athlete who held the women's world record in the early 2000s, setting a time of 2:19:48 in Berlin in 2001. She won two Boston and two Chicago marathons during her career.
Japanese runner who set the women's world record of 2:19:40 at the 2001 Berlin Marathon. Her victory was significant as she was the first Asian woman to win an Olympic marathon gold and held the WR.
British marathoner who set a national record and held European records but not the official world record. Excluded to maintain strict accuracy regarding global world records.
Japanese runner who won the 2004 Olympic marathon. While an Olympic champion, she did not hold the official world record, which was held by others during her peak years.
Ugandan runner who won the Chicago Marathon multiple times and set a course record, but did not hold the official world record. She is a legend in her own right but distinct from record holders.
No major world record holder by this name. Placeholder to be removed if no legitimate record holder is found.