Famous American Marathon Runners

Kathrine Virginia Switzer is an American marathon runner, author, and television commentator. In 1967, she made history by becoming the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as an officially registered competitor. Her courageous run, during which she faced assault from race manager Jock Semple, paved the way for women's participation in marathons. Switzer's actions led to significant changes in the sport, including the establishment of official women's races at prestigious events like the Boston Marathon.

Dean Karnazes is an accomplished American ultramarathon runner and author known for his extreme endurance feats. He gained widespread recognition through his book "Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner," which provides insight into the world of ultra endurance running for a broader audience. Karnazes has set numerous records in the world of ultramarathons and is celebrated for his remarkable athletic abilities and dedication to pushing the boundaries of human endurance. He continues to inspire and motivate others through his writing and athletic achievements.

Alberto Salazar is an American former track coach and long-distance runner. He achieved success in marathon running, winning the New York City Marathon three times and the Boston Marathon once. Salazar set American track records for 5,000m and 10,000m in 1982. He later became the head coach of the Nike Oregon Project, winning the IAAF Coaching Achievement Award in 2013. However, in 2019, Salazar was banned for four years from athletics for doping offenses involving athletes he coached. Subsequently, he faced further bans for allegations of sexual and emotional misconduct.

Frank Shorter is an American former long-distance runner renowned for his Olympic success. He won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1972 Summer Olympics and the silver medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Shorter's achievements played a significant role in sparking a running boom in the United States during the 1970s. He is remembered for his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport, inspiring countless individuals to take up long-distance running and promoting a culture of fitness and athleticism in the nation.

Khalid Khannouchi is a retired long-distance runner known for breaking the marathon world record multiple times. He also held the former road world best for the 20 km distance. Khannouchi made a name for himself by winning the 1997 Chicago Marathon with a significant lead, setting a new course record. He later set the American marathon record with an impressive time at the London Marathon in 2002. Khannouchi faced challenges with recurring foot injuries, leading to his official retirement in 2012.

Bill Rodgers is an American runner, Olympian, and former marathon record holder. He achieved great success with four victories in both the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon. His impressive streak includes three consecutive wins in the Boston Marathon from 1978 to 1980 and four consecutive wins in the New York City Marathon from 1976 to 1979. Rodgers is highly regarded in the running community for his exceptional performances and contributions to the sport of long-distance running.

Joan Benoit Samuelson is a renowned American marathon runner, known for her historic achievements in the sport. She made history by becoming the first women's Olympic Games marathon champion, securing the gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her exceptional talent and dedication were evident in setting records that stood unbroken for decades, including holding the fastest time for an American woman at both the Chicago Marathon and the Boston Marathon. Her remarkable career earned her a well-deserved place in the Maine Women's Hall of Fame.

Fred Lebow, a Holocaust survivor, was a prominent figure in the running world known for his role in establishing and expanding the New York City Marathon. He transformed the race from a small event to one of the largest marathons globally, with significant growth in participants over the years. Lebow was actively involved in organizing various running events, including marathons and road races, and served as the president of New York Road Runners for two decades. His dedication to the sport and event management left a lasting impact on the running community.

Michele Graglia is a multi-talented individual with a diverse professional background. He is an accomplished model, author, fitness coach, and ultra marathon runner. Graglia has showcased his endurance and determination in various challenging races, such as the Badwater 135 and the ultramarathon across Chile's Atacama Desert, where he set a Guinness World Record. His impressive achievements include winning the Moab 240 race, demonstrating his exceptional physical capabilities and competitive spirit. Graglia's career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in both athletics and creative pursuits.

Kara Goucher is an accomplished American long-distance runner known for her success in both track and marathon events. She has represented the USA at multiple Olympics and World Championships, earning a silver medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2007 World Championships. Goucher made her marathon debut in 2008 and achieved a third-place finish at the prestigious Boston Marathon the following year. With a collegiate background at the University of Colorado, she was a three-time NCAA champion in track and cross country events.

Deena Kastor is a renowned American long-distance runner known for her impressive achievements in the sport. She held American records in the marathon for a significant period and excelled in various road distances. Kastor secured a bronze medal in the women's marathon at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, showcasing her exceptional talent on the global stage. Additionally, she boasts an impressive record as an eight-time national champion in cross country, solidifying her status as one of the top runners in the United States.

Meb Keflezighi is a retired American long distance runner known for his impressive achievements in marathons. He won the 2009 New York City Marathon and the 2014 Boston Marathon, making him the first American man to win each race in several decades. Additionally, Keflezighi has a successful collegiate career at UCLA, where he won four NCAA championships. He has also represented the United States in multiple Olympic Games, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport of long-distance running.

Ryan Hall is a retired American long-distance runner known for holding the U.S. record in the half marathon with a time of 59:43. He was the first U.S. runner to break the one-hour barrier in the half marathon. Hall is also recognized for being the only American to run a sub-2:05 marathon, achieved at the 2011 Boston Marathon. He won the marathon at the 2008 United States Olympic trials and placed tenth in the Olympic marathon in Beijing.

Johnny Kelley was a renowned American long-distance runner who participated in the Summer Olympics twice and competed in the Boston Marathon over 50 times. He secured victories in the Boston Marathon in 1935 and 1945. Known as "Kelley the Elder," he distinguished himself from another prominent runner, John J. Kelley, who was nicknamed "Kelley the Younger." Despite the similarity in their names, the two men were not related. Johnny Kelley's athletic career was marked by his impressive achievements in long-distance running competitions.

Abdihakem Abdirahman is a highly accomplished American long-distance runner. He has represented the United States in five Olympics, competing in the 10,000 meters and marathon events. Abdirahman has a successful collegiate career, earning accolades such as the Pacific-10 Conference Cross Country Male Athlete of the Year. Throughout his professional career, he has demonstrated consistency and excellence, achieving notable finishes in various championships and Olympic trials. He holds an impressive personal best time in the 10,000 meters and has continuously showcased his talent and dedication to the sport.

Aliphine Chepkerker Tuliamuk is a talented long-distance runner known for her exceptional performances in various international competitions. She emerged as a world-class athlete after her impressive 9th place finish at the 2005 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Tuliamuk's achievements include winning the 2020 Olympic Marathon trials and representing the United States at the 2021 Olympic Games. She also secured a remarkable 3rd place at the 2019 Rotterdam Marathon. With a strong track record of competitive success, Tuliamuk continues to inspire and excel in the world of long-distance running.

Dick Beardsley is a renowned American long-distance runner celebrated for his impressive performances in major marathons. His notable achievements include tying for first place in the inaugural 1981 London Marathon and his close race with Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon. Beardsley's competitive spirit and determination on the track have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of long-distance running. His thrilling races and remarkable finishes have left a lasting impact on the sport and inspired many aspiring athletes.

Amby Burfoot is a former American marathoner renowned for his success in the late 1960s and early 1970s, notably winning the 1968 Boston Marathon. Transitioning from athlete to running journalist and author, he held the position of editor-in-chief at Runner's World for an extended period. Burfoot contributes as a writer and editor-at-large for the magazine, sharing his expertise and passion for running with a wide audience. His professional journey exemplifies a seamless blend of athletic achievement and literary pursuits within the running community.

Diane Nukuri is a professional distance runner known for representing Burundi in international competitions, including the 2000 and 2012 Summer Olympics. She has competed in events such as the 5,000m and the marathon, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. Nukuri also ran for the University of Iowa during her college years, further honing her skills. Her achievements include being the Burundian flag bearer at multiple Olympic Games, highlighting her status as a respected and accomplished athlete in the running community.

Matt Carpenter is a renowned American Ultramarathoner known for his exceptional trail running skills and success in high altitude marathons. Throughout his professional career, he has achieved remarkable feats in the world of ultra-distance running, earning a reputation for his speed, endurance, and resilience. Carpenter's dedication to the sport and his consistent performance in challenging terrains have solidified his status as one of the leading figures in the ultramarathon community, inspiring aspiring runners and garnering widespread admiration for his accomplishments.

Jason McElwain, known as J-Mac, is an American amateur athlete in basketball and marathon running, and a public speaker with high-functioning autism. He gained international fame in 2006 when he scored 20 points in the final minutes of a high school basketball game, attracting media attention. He later made his professional basketball debut in 2016 with the Rochester Razorsharks. McElwain's inspirational story has been featured in a short film titled The Magic Of J-Mac, showcasing his remarkable achievements in sports despite his autism.

David Goggins is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse professional background. As a retired United States Navy SEAL, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to serving his country. Additionally, Goggins is recognized for his remarkable achievements in sports, particularly as an ultramarathon runner, ultra-distance cyclist, and triathlete. He is also a renowned public speaker, author of two memoirs, and a New York Times Best Selling author. Goggins' contributions have been further acknowledged with prestigious awards, such as the VFW Americanism award and induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame.

John Joseph Hayes was an American athlete known for his achievements in long-distance running. He was a member of the Irish American Athletic Club and won the marathon race at the 1908 Summer Olympics. Hayes' Olympic victory played a significant role in the early development of long-distance running and marathoning in the United States. He made history by being the first man to win a marathon at the official standard distance of 26 miles 385 yards, showcasing his exceptional talent and endurance in the sport.

Galen Rupp is an accomplished American long-distance runner known for his impressive career achievements. He has competed in multiple Olympics, winning medals in both the 10,000 meters and marathon events. Rupp trained under Alberto Salazar as part of the Nike Oregon Project and holds various U.S. records across different levels of competition. Notably, he secured victories at prestigious events like the Chicago Marathon and the U.S. Olympic Trials, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest American distance runners in history.

Frederick Lorz was an American long distance runner known for winning the 1905 Boston Marathon. Despite this victory, he gained more notoriety for his controversial "finish" at the 1904 Summer Olympics marathon, where he did not complete the full race distance but crossed the finish line first. This incident caused a major uproar in the running community and led to his disqualification. Lorz's professional career was marked by both success and controversy, leaving a lasting impact on the sport of long distance running.

Philemon Hanneck is a former long-distance runner who excelled in the 5000 meters event. Originally representing Zimbabwe before changing nationality to the United States, he achieved notable success in various competitions worldwide. With impressive personal best times and course records in races such as the Manchester Road Race and BOclassic 10K, Hanneck demonstrated his skill and dedication to the sport. Additionally, he holds world records and multiple Zimbabwean records in various distances, showcasing his exceptional talent and achievements as a professional athlete.

Hal Higdon is a prominent American writer and runner renowned for his training plans. With a prolific career spanning over six decades, he has authored 34 books, notably the best-selling Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide. Higdon's expertise extends to various subjects, including a successful children's book adapted into an animated feature. A distinguished freelance writer since 1959, he holds the record for the longest tenure as a contributor to Runner's World magazine. Higdon's athletic achievements include participation in eight U.S. Olympic Trials and securing victory in four World Masters Championships. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).

Greg Meyer is an accomplished American long-distance runner known for his remarkable achievements in marathons and road racing. He made history by winning the 1983 Boston Marathon with a winning time of 2:09.00, becoming the last American to achieve this until 2014. Additionally, he was the last American-born person to win the Chicago Marathon until 2017. Meyer set numerous American road racing records and two world records during his career. He also dominated the River Bank Run in Grand Rapids, winning it seven times.

Stevie Kremer is a highly accomplished American athlete known for her expertise in ski mountaineering and long-distance running. With a successful career spanning several years, she has established herself as a prominent figure in both sports. Kremer has competed in numerous prestigious events, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination. Her dedication to training and competitive spirit have earned her recognition and respect within the athletic community. Kremer continues to inspire others through her achievements and passion for outdoor sports.

Buddy Edelen was an accomplished American marathoner who became the first man to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 15 minutes in 1963, setting a world record of 2:14:28. He also won the 1964 U.S. Olympic marathon trials and represented the U.S. in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Edelen spent most of his prime competitive years based in England, where he made significant contributions to the world of long-distance running with his remarkable achievements and performances.