African Marathon Legends: Top Rankings by African Sport Ventures Group

Welcome to the Podium Pursuit Athlete Showcase series, where we shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent of African athletes who are making their mark on the world stage. From the tracks to the fields, and everywhere in between, these athletes are not just competitors, but ambassadors of their nations, embodying the spirit of determination, resilience, and excellence. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, delve into their journeys, and explore the inspiring stories behind their pursuit of podium glory.

In the realm of long-distance running, where stamina, speed, and sheer willpower converge, the latest African Athlete Rankings by the African Sport Ventures Group spotlight the elite marathon runners who have captivated the world with their remarkable performances. From the intense races to breathtaking finishes, these athletes embody excellence, inspiring future generations with their relentless pursuit of greatness.

Benson Kipruto

Taking the number one spot is Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, born on March 17, 1991. Kipruto’s ascent to the pinnacle of marathon running is marked by a series of extraordinary achievements.

His notable victories include the 125th Boston Marathon in 2021 with a time of 2 hours 09 minutes and 51 seconds, the 2022 Chicago Marathon clocking in at 2 hours 04 minutes 24 seconds, and the 2024 Tokyo Marathon where he set a personal best and new course record of 2 hours 02 minutes and 16 seconds.

Kipruto also demonstrated his consistency with third-place finishes at the 2022 and 2023 Boston Marathons, recording times of 2 hours 07 minutes and 27 seconds and 2 hours 06 minutes and 06 seconds, respectively.

His resilience was further showcased in the 2023 Chicago Marathon, where he finished second with a personal best of 2 hours 04 minutes and 02 seconds, trailing his compatriot Kelvin Kiptum, who set a new world record. Kipruto’s earlier victories include the 2018 Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the 2021 Prague Marathon.

Timothy Kiplagat

Securing the second spot is another Kenyan, Timothy Kiplagat Ronoh, born on September 18, 1993. Kiplagat’s prowess in marathon running is underscored by his impressive performances.

He placed 14th in the marathon at the 2023 World Championships and set a personal best time of 2 hours 02 minutes and 55 seconds at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon, making him the seventh fastest marathoner in history.

Notably, his 25K split during this race was the third fastest ever recorded for the distance. Kiplagat’s victories include the 2022 Abu Dhabi Marathon and the 2023 Saint Silvester Road Race, along with holding the course record for the Melbourne Marathon.

He also shares a training partnership and friendship with marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

Deresa Geleta Ulfata

Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta Ulfata, born on September 10, 1996, takes the third spot.

Ulfata’s talent was on full display when he won the 2024 Seville Marathon in a course record time of 2:03:27, earning him a personal best and making him the 20th fastest marathoner in history. This victory also secured his qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Ulfata’s winning streak includes the 2023 Beijing Marathon and the 2022 Lagos City Marathon.

Sutume Asefa Kebede

Leading the women’s rankings is Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede.

Kebede’s illustrious career is highlighted by her victory at the 2024 Houston Half Marathon, the 2023 Kolkata 25K, the 2019 Beijing Marathon, and the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.

Her rise to prominence began with her recorded victory at the 15K race at the Kerzerslauf in Switzerland on March 21, 2015.

Kebede’s subsequent wins included the 10K at the Paderborn Osterlauf, the Lago Maggiore Half Marathon, and the 25 Berlin, where she set an Ethiopian record with a time of 1 hours 21 minutes and 55 seconds.

Tigist Ketema

Ethiopian athlete Tigist Ketema, born on September 15, 1998, claims the second spot. Ketema made headlines with the fastest ever debut marathon time by a woman in 2023.

Her early career achievements include a bronze medal at the World U20 Championships in 2016 over 800 meters and gold at the 2017 African U20 Championships.

In November 2022, she won the Great Ethiopian Run 10 km race. Acting as a pacemaker for Faith Kipyegon’s world record-breaking 5000m run at the 2023 Diamond League in Paris, Ketema showcased her versatility.

She then won the 2024 Dubai Marathon with a record-breaking debut time of 2 hours 16 minutes and 07 seconds.

Rosemary Wanjiru

Kenya’s Rosemary Monica Wanjiru, born on December 9, 1994, rounds out the top three.

Wanjiru’s career is decorated with a silver medal in the 5000 meters at the 2015 African Games and a fourth-place finish in the 10,000 meters at the 2019 World Athletics Championships.

Her marathon success includes winning the 2023 Tokyo Marathon with a time of 2 hours 16 minutes 28 seconds, placing her sixth on the world all-time list.

Wanjiru’s impressive debut at the 2022 Berlin Marathon saw her finish second with a time of 2 hours 18 minutes, marking the second-fastest debut marathon by a woman at the time.

The African Athlete Rankings by the African Sport Ventures Group highlight the incredible talent and determination of these long-distance runners. Their achievements not only set new standards in the sport but also inspire countless others to pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication. As these athletes continue to break records and push the boundaries of human endurance, they pave the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps, perpetuating a legacy of excellence in African athletics.

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