If you’ve ever wondered just how fast a 67-year-old can run a marathon, or what the women’s half marathon world record looks like for the 75–79 age group, we now have the answer — and we’re keeping it updated.
Today we’re launching the Runners Over 50 Masters Running World Records page — a living, filterable reference for road running world records across every masters age group from 50–54 all the way to 90+, for both men and women, across the four core road distances: 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon.
Why We Built It
Masters world records don’t get the attention they deserve. When a 73-year-old runs a 1:19 half marathon — as Belgian Eddy Vierendeels did in Ghent in March 2024 — that’s a jaw-dropping athletic achievement that barely registers in the mainstream running press.
We think that needs to change. The over-50 running community is the fastest-growing segment of the sport. Our Strava club alone has over 10,000 members across 100+ countries. These athletes deserve a home for their records.
What’s on the Page
The page covers:
- 9 age groups — 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85–89, and 90+
- Men and women — separate records for each
- 4 distances — 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon
- 72 records total, all sourced from World Athletics Masters and USATF Masters
You can filter by gender, age group, and distance — so if you’re a 58-year-old woman training for your first marathon, you can instantly pull up what the world’s fastest woman in your age group has run.
Records That Will Stop You in Your Tracks
A few that stood out to us while building this:
Mohammed El Yamani (France) ran 2:28:28 at age 60. At the 2026 Seville Marathon. That’s a 5:41 per mile pace. For 26.2 miles. At age 60.
Mariko Yugeta (Japan) ran 2:59:06 at age 65. At the 2025 Kobe Marathon. She became the first woman over 65 to break three hours in the marathon — one of the great masters achievements in the history of the sport.
Ed Whitlock (Canada) is all over this page. The late Canadian legend holds multiple records across the 75–79 and 80–84 age groups. His 3:04:54 marathon at age 75 remains one of the most extraordinary performances in running history.
Alan Davies (UK) ran a 37:05 10K at age 70. That’s a 5:59 per mile. In September 2024.
Know of a Broken Record?
Masters records fall more often than you’d think — and we don’t always catch them immediately. If you know of a verified road performance that should be on the page, use the submission form at the bottom of the records page. Include a link to official results and we’ll verify and update it.
This Page Is for You
Whether you’re chasing an age-group PR, looking for motivation, or just want to know what’s humanly possible at 72, this page is your reference. Bookmark it, share it, and come back when the records fall.