Famous Kenyan Marathon Runners

Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner known for his exceptional achievements in marathon running. He is a two-time Olympic marathon champion and has held the world record in the marathon. Kipchoge has won numerous World Marathon Majors, including the London and Berlin Marathons multiple times. He made history by being the first person to run a sub-two-hour marathon during the Ineos 1:59 Challenge. His consistent success and dedication to the sport have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time.

Brigid Jepchirchir Kosgei is a highly accomplished Kenyan long-distance runner known for her expertise in the marathon. She has secured victories in prestigious races such as the Chicago Marathon in 2018 and 2019, the London Marathon in 2019 and 2020, as well as the Tokyo Marathon in 2021. Kosgei made history by holding the marathon world record for women in a mixed-sex race, achieved at the Chicago Marathon in 2019. Her remarkable career also includes winning the silver medal in the marathon event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Mary Jepkosgei Keitany is a former Kenyan professional long distance runner known for her impressive achievements in marathons and half marathons. She held world records in women-only marathons and half marathons, along with world bests in various road race distances. Keitany's exceptional performances have earned her a place among the top athletes in the world, with notable accolades such as winning the 2017 London Marathon and being honored for her contributions to education in Kenya through the Shoe4Africa foundation.

Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich is a Kenyan professional athlete specializing in long-distance running. He has excelled in events ranging from 10 km to the marathon, achieving numerous accolades throughout his career. Kipsang was the bronze medallist in the marathon at the 2012 Summer Olympics and held the world record in the marathon with a time of 2:03:23. He has won prestigious marathons such as the Frankfurt Marathon, London Marathon (twice), New York Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon. Kipsang's impressive half marathon time is 58:59.

Samuel Kamau Wanjiru was a highly accomplished Kenyan long-distance runner known for his exceptional achievements in marathon running. He made history by winning the Olympic gold in the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, setting an Olympic record in the process. Throughout his career, Wanjiru set multiple world records in events such as the 10,000m and the half marathon. He also won prestigious marathons like the London Marathon and Chicago Marathon, showcasing his remarkable talent and speed on the international stage.

Paul Tergat is a renowned Kenyan long-distance runner known for his exceptional achievements in the sport. He made history by setting the world record in the marathon in 2003, solidifying his position as one of the greatest long-distance runners. Tergat's focus on the marathon in the latter part of his career led to numerous world records and championship victories in various disciplines like track events, cross country, and road races. He continues to inspire and train in Eldoret, Kenya, leaving a lasting impact on the running community.

Dennis Kipruto Kimetto is a renowned Kenyan long distance runner specializing in road running events. He gained international recognition for holding the world record in the men's marathon with a remarkable time of 2 hours 2 minutes 57 seconds. Kimetto's exceptional performance solidified his status as one of the elite athletes in the sport. Despite eventually being surpassed by Eliud Kipchoge in 2018, Kimetto's legacy continues to inspire aspiring runners and fans alike with his incredible achievements and dedication to the sport.

Geoffrey Kiprono Mutai is a renowned Kenyan long distance runner known for his exceptional performance in road running competitions. He made history by setting the fastest marathon time at the Boston Marathon in 2011, although it was not recognized as a world record due to course criteria. Mutai has secured significant victories in events like the Monaco Marathon, Valencia Half Marathon, and RAK Half Marathon. He also holds an impressive half marathon personal best time of 58 minutes 58 seconds. Mutai broke the course record at the New York City Marathon in 2011 and 2013, showcasing his dominance in the sport.

Lawrence Cherono is a Kenyan long-distance runner known for his impressive marathon performances. He has achieved significant success in prestigious marathons such as Boston and Chicago, showcasing his talent and determination. Cherono's career took a hit in 2024 when he received a seven-year competition ban for admitting to breaching anti-doping rules. Despite this setback, his legacy as the 8th fastest marathon performer of all time at the 2020 Valencia Marathon solidifies his place as a formidable athlete in the running world.

Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, also known as Mwafrika, is a renowned Kenyan marathon runner who has left a significant mark in the world of long-distance running. He has achieved great success in his career, holding the record for the Boston Marathon and winning the prestigious race four times. Cheruiyot's exceptional talent, dedication, and consistency have made him a respected figure in the marathon community. His impressive performances have solidified his reputation as one of the top athletes in the sport, inspiring many aspiring runners around the world.

Abel Kirui is a renowned long-distance runner from Kenya, excelling in marathons with impressive achievements. Notable wins include back-to-back victories in the World Championship marathon in 2009 and 2011, with the latter featuring the largest winning margin in event history. He secured the silver medal in the 2012 London Olympic marathon. Kirui's professional accolades also include triumphs at the 2008 Vienna City Marathon and the 2016 Chicago Marathon, alongside notable placements as a runner-up in the 2007 Berlin Marathon and the 2017 Chicago Marathon.

Geoffrey Kamworor is a highly accomplished Kenyan professional long-distance runner with an impressive track record in various competitions. He has claimed victories at the World Half Marathon Championships multiple times and also secured individual titles at the World Cross Country Championships. Kamworor has excelled in marathons as well, winning prestigious events such as the New York City Marathon. Known for his speed and endurance, he has consistently performed well in major international races, solidifying his reputation as one of the top athletes in the world of distance running.

Catherine Ndereba is a retired Kenyan marathon runner known for her exceptional achievements in the sport. She has an impressive track record, finishing in the top two in five consecutive global championship marathons between 2003 and 2008. Ndereba has won the marathon at the World Championships in Athletics twice and earned silver medals at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympic Games. She has also claimed victory at the Boston Marathon four times and the Chicago Marathon twice, including setting a world record in 2001. Ndereba's outstanding performances have solidified her reputation as one of the greatest women's marathoners of all time.

Tegla Chepkite Loroupe is a renowned Kenyan long-distance track and road runner with an impressive professional career. She holds world records for 25 and 30 kilometers and previously held the world marathon record. Loroupe is a global advocate for peace, women's rights, and education. She made history as the first African woman to hold the marathon World Record and has won prestigious races such as the New York City Marathon multiple times. Loroupe's achievements include three World Half-Marathon championship titles and organizing the Refugee Team for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

Yobes Ondieki is a Kenyan former 5000 m runner who achieved significant success in distance running. He won the World Championships' gold medal in Tokyo in 1991 and set a temporary Kenyan 5000 m record in the same year. Ondieki was known for his demanding training sessions and his ability to maintain a high pace. He became the first athlete to break the 27-minute barrier over 10,000 meters in 1993, setting a world record time. Ondieki was consistently ranked among the top performers in the world in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters during his career.

Joyciline Jepkosgei is a highly accomplished Kenyan long-distance runner known for her exceptional performances in various distances ranging from 10,000 meters to the marathon. She holds multiple world records, including the former half marathon and 10 km world records. Jepkosgei has achieved significant milestones in her career, such as winning bronze at the African Championships in Athletics and setting multiple world records during a single event. She has made history by becoming the first woman to break the 65-minute barrier in the half marathon and the first Kenyan to break six world records in six months.

Ruth Chepng'etich is a highly accomplished Kenyan road racing athlete, specializing in marathon and long-distance events. She has achieved significant success in her career, including winning the Marathon World Championship in 2019 under challenging conditions. Chepng'etich has also secured victories in prestigious races such as the Chicago Marathon multiple times. Her outstanding performances have placed her among the top athletes in the world, with her personal best in the marathon ranking second on the all-time list. Additionally, she holds an impressive record in the half marathon event.

Priscah Jeptoo is a highly accomplished Kenyan long-distance runner known for her expertise in the marathon. With victories in major marathons around the world, including New York, Paris, Turin, and London, she has solidified her reputation as a top contender in the sport. Her impressive personal best time of 2:20:14 for the marathon distance reflects her exceptional skill and dedication. Additionally, Jeptoo has achieved notable success in half marathons, ranking third all-time in the distance with a best time of 66 minutes and 11 seconds.

Martin Kiptolo Lel is a highly successful Kenyan professional long distance and marathon runner with an impressive career record. He has claimed victories in prestigious races such as the London Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Great North Run. Lel has set course records and personal best times in various events, showcasing his exceptional talent and endurance. He has also represented Kenya in international competitions like the Olympics and has continued to excel in the marathon circuit, inspiring others with his achievements.

Edna Ngeringwony Kiplagat is a renowned Kenyan long-distance runner with notable achievements in the marathon. She has clinched the World Champion title in 2011 and 2013, showcasing her prowess in the sport. Kiplagat has secured victories at reputable events such as the Los Angeles and New York City Marathons, solidifying her status as an elite athlete. Her impressive personal best time of 2:19:50 hours was achieved at the London Marathon in 2012. Over the years, she has continued to excel, claiming victories at prestigious races like the Boston Marathon and earning accolades at the IAAF World Championships.

Emmanuel Kipchirchir Mutai is a highly accomplished long-distance runner from Kenya, specializing in marathons. He made a successful transition from half marathons to the full distance in 2007, quickly establishing himself as a top contender in the field. Mutai has achieved notable successes throughout his career, including podium finishes at prestigious events such as the London Marathon and the World Championships. Known for his impressive speed and endurance, Mutai holds impressive records and has consistently performed at a high level in major competitions, solidifying his reputation as one of the world's top marathon runners.

Patrick Makau Musyoki is a Kenyan runner known for his remarkable achievements in the marathon and half marathon distances. He held the world record in the marathon for two years after his record-breaking run at the 2011 Berlin Marathon. He has also excelled in half marathon competitions in Europe, consistently finishing in sub-1-hour times. His impressive performances in these races have solidified his reputation as a highly skilled and competitive long-distance runner on the international stage.

Joyce Chepchumba is a renowned long-distance athlete from Kenya. She achieved international success by winning a bronze medal in the marathon event at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Known for her exceptional endurance and skill, Chepchumba has inspired many with her dedication to the sport and remarkable performances on the track. Throughout her career, she has represented her country with pride and has left a lasting impact on the world of long-distance running.

Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot is a Kenyan marathon runner known for his specialization in the marathon distance. He has gained a reputation as a dedicated and successful athlete, consistently achieving top-five finishes in international marathons. Cheruiyot is recognized for his focus on marathons over other distances, earning him the title of a "true marathoner." His professional career is marked by impressive performances in various prestigious marathon events, showcasing his talent and determination as a competitive long-distance runner.

Erick Wainaina is a renowned Kenyan marathon runner with a successful career spanning several years. He achieved Olympic success by winning a bronze medal in 1996 and a silver medal in 2000, in addition to finishing seventh in the 2004 Summer Olympics marathon. Wainaina showcased his talent on the world stage by competing in various championships and consistently finishing in top positions. He has a strong record in Japanese races, winning multiple titles such as the Tokyo International Marathon and the Hokkaido Marathon, further solidifying his reputation as a top marathon runner.

Salina Jebet Kosgei is a renowned long distance runner from Kenya with a prolific professional career. She has achieved significant success in her field, including winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Kosgei has also competed in the Olympics, showcasing her talent on the international stage. She has secured victories in multiple marathons, notably triumphing at the prestigious 2009 Boston Marathon. Kosgei's dedication, skill, and perseverance have solidified her reputation as a top athlete in the world of long distance running.

Jonathan Kiplimo Maiyo is a Kenyan long-distance runner known for his impressive performances in half marathon and marathon events. He has achieved remarkable personal bests in these races, ranking him among the top twenty all-time in both categories. Maiyo initially started as a pacemaker, assisting Haile Gebrselassie in breaking a marathon world record. Transitioning to competitive marathon running, he has secured top ten finishes in major races like the Berlin and Tokyo Marathons. Additionally, he has claimed victory in half marathons in Breda and Zwolle.