World’s Fastest Marathons – April 2026 edition released
The April 2026 edition is now live, presenting the full rankings for all included races. Data is drawn from publicly reported results and presented using Sub-3’s standard methodology.
Latest
Can trail running prepare you for a sub-3 marathon?
How Claire Howard broke three hours as a frame runner
How much recovery do you need after a sub-3 marathon?
How to plan your long run strategy for sub-3 marathon training
Strides in sub-3 marathon training: why they matter
In praise of Garmin’s smart scales
EXPERIENCES
How Claire Howard broke three hours as a frame runner
Claire Howard only discovered frame running a few years ago, but has already become the first known female frame runner to break three hours for the marathon. In this Q&A, she reflects on training, racing, congestion, equipment problems and the freedom she has found through the sport.
How I finally broke three hours at the Zurich Marathon
How Jerry Rief ran sub-3 marathons in every US state
10 things that finally made sub-2:40 happen in Seville
100 marathons. Sub-3 across three decades.
Sub-3 lessons from a lifetime in club running
How the power of positivity got me to 2:49
INSIGHTS
How much recovery do you need after a sub-3 marathon?
Running sub-3 takes a huge toll. Learn how long to rest before jogging, quality work, racing or tackling another marathon — and why patience pays off.
Strides in sub-3 marathon training: why they matter
Do you lose fitness if you take time off after a sub-3 marathon?
Injuries in sub-3 training - and how to stay ahead of them
How wind affects marathon racing (and your sub-3 chances)
10 ways to stay injury free when training for a sub-3 marathon
5 hacks for breaking three hours in the marathon
STRATEGY
How to plan your long run strategy for sub-3 marathon training
Learn how to plan your long runs for sub-3 marathon training. Build endurance, practise fuelling, and prepare for race day with a clear strategy.
Even pacing in big city marathons: is it realistic for sub-3?
How running tangents can shave minutes off your marathon time
How to run two sub-3 marathons in one training block
5 ways to survive the final 10K of a sub-3 marathon effort
How to use drafting to run a sub-3 marathon
