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Illustration of a triumphant runner in a crowd wearing a Sub‑3 medal, highlighting the elite 0.0005% of people worldwide who complete a marathon in under 3 hours.

How rare is sub‑3? A back‑of‑the‑envelope estimate

Despite rising participation and faster technology, sub-3 remains one of the most selective milestones in endurance sport – reached by only a minute share of runners each year.
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025
Before-and-after photos of a runner’s transformation from overweight half marathon finisher to lean sub-3 marathoner crossing the line at Brighton Marathon.

How I went from being obese to running sub-3 in 12 months

A year after hitting my heaviest weight, I ran a sub-3 marathon. This is the journey, the lessons, and the mindset that made it possible.
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025
Do Alphaflys help you run a sub-3 marathon?

Do Alphaflys help you run a sub-3 marathon?

Sub-3 stays with you for life. And in my view, these shoes can help make it happen.
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025

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