World Record Time in Men's Marathon Set Today at the Berlin Marathon

Andrew Makau won the Berlin Marathon for the 2nd year in a row today in a world record time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, 38 seconds. This is 21 seconds faster than Haile Gebrselassie's previous world record time set 3 years ago on the same course. 2:03:38 is a tad under 4:43 per mile. At this point in my life, I'd love to do ONE mile in that time! That's an incredible time!

Makau's time in last year's race was 2:05:08, so he shaved a minute and a half off of last year's time. A minute and a half represents an improvement of about 1.2%.

Makau's 5K split times were as follows:

• 1st 5K: 14:37
• 2nd 5K: 14:40
• 3rd 5K: 14:35
• 4th 5K: 14:38
• 5th 5K: 14:48
• 6th 5K: 14:20
• 7th 5K: 14:38
• 8th 5K: 14:59 (slacker)
• Final 2K: 6:23

Talk about consistency!

Looking for a personal best time? The Berlin Marathon appears to be a good bet. The last 4 times the men's world record was set took place in Berlin today, 2008, 2007 and 2003.

For the last 30 years or so, men's and women marathon records have been almost exclusively set in London, Chicago, Rotterdam and Berlin.

Congratulations, Patrick Makau!