"Who do you think is the greatest distance runner of all time, and why?"

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2 years ago 09/29/2023 11:23pm EDT

I've been pondering the age-old question in distance running: Who deserves the title of the greatest distance runner of all time? With so many incredible athletes to choose from across different eras and disciplines, it's a topic that can ignite some passionate debates.
Whether it's the legendary dominance of athletes like Haile Gebrselassie, the enduring legacy of Emil Zátopek, or the modern-day marvels like Eliud Kipchoge, there's no shortage of candidates.
But who, in your opinion, truly stands out as the greatest and why? Is it their world records, their Olympic performances, their impact on the sport, or a combination of factors that sets them apart? I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic.
Let's dive into this debate and celebrate the incredible achievements of distance runners from around the world. Share your pick for the greatest distance runner and the reasons behind your choice. It's bound to be an exciting discussion!

2 years ago 09/29/2023 11:29pm EDT

re: SonicStrider

SonicStrider wrote:
I've been pondering the age-old question in distance running: Who deserves the title of the greatest distance runner of all time? With so many incredible athletes to choose from across different eras and disciplines, it's a topic that can ignite some passionate debates.
Whether it's the legendary dominance of athletes like Haile Gebrselassie, the enduring legacy of Emil Zátopek, or the modern-day marvels like Eliud Kipchoge, there's no shortage of candidates.
But who, in your opinion, truly stands out as the greatest and why? Is it their world records, their Olympic performances, their impact on the sport, or a combination of factors that sets them apart? I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic.
Let's dive into this debate and celebrate the incredible achievements of distance runners from around the world. Share your pick for the greatest distance runner and the reasons behind your choice. It's bound to be an exciting discussion!

Bernard Lagat.

Few people can surprise people on the Olympic stage, then later qualify for the trials as a master with a final kick and then medal again in the Olympics and then set a masters record at Carlsbad. He ran a 13:41 in his 40s.

There's never been a scandal about Lagat.

And the kicker for me is that he never changed his routine between Kenya and the US and kept his talent (and because I respect the Japanese diet, and the Japanese in general, I think his wife helped).

There will be faster and more decorated, but for me, it's Lagat.

2 years ago 09/29/2023 11:43pm EDT

re: SonicStrider

I think of Roger bannister just due to the fact he broke the 4 minute barrier when it was thought impossible. It opened the door in the running world, and raised the level of not only performances, but of the mindset among endurance athletes.

Although I understand the argument of the mile not being “distance”, since distance and middle distance are two entirely different categories.

It’s easy to say Eliud Kipchoge because we are living in his era.

Heck, how about the messenger guy who invented the marathon event back in the Roman days!?!? He’s the GOAT!!

2 years ago 09/29/2023 11:45pm EDT

re: Youngtimer

Youngtimer wrote:
I think of Roger bannister just due to the fact he broke the 4 minute barrier when it was thought impossible. It opened the door in the running world, and raised the level of not only performances, but of the mindset among endurance athletes.
Although I understand the argument of the mile not being “distance”, since distance and middle distance are two entirely different categories.
It’s easy to say Eliud Kipchoge because we are living in his era.
Heck, how about the messenger guy who invented the marathon event back in the Roman days!?!? He’s the GOAT!!

You mean Pheidippides? Yeah. That "Roman" was actually Greek because the battle of Marathon was in Greece.

Do any of you read?

2 years ago 09/29/2023 11:47pm EDT

re: SonicStrider

The answer is unequivocally kenenisa bekele. If you don’t know this or don’t agree with this you are a casual.

3:32, 7:25, 12:37, 26:17, 2:01:41. In the old spikes with shoddy pacing and no wave lights. In 2019 was 2 seconds away from simultaneously holding 5k 10k marathon WR

Has the hardware, double Olympic and world 5k/10k champ

Winning record against every runner he ever raced

Dominated the golden league in the deepest era of distance running

5 time double short and long course world XC champion back when that actually meant something. Made kipchoge look like mincemeat regularly.

2 years ago 09/29/2023 11:49pm EDT

re: it's Bernard

it\'s Bernard wrote:
SonicStrider wrote:
I've been pondering the age-old question in distance running: Who deserves the title of the greatest distance runner of all time? With so many incredible athletes to choose from across different eras and disciplines, it's a topic that can ignite some passionate debates.
Whether it's the legendary dominance of athletes like Haile Gebrselassie, the enduring legacy of Emil Zátopek, or the modern-day marvels like Eliud Kipchoge, there's no shortage of candidates.
But who, in your opinion, truly stands out as the greatest and why? Is it their world records, their Olympic performances, their impact on the sport, or a combination of factors that sets them apart? I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic.
Let's dive into this debate and celebrate the incredible achievements of distance runners from around the world. Share your pick for the greatest distance runner and the reasons behind your choice. It's bound to be an exciting discussion!
Bernard Lagat.
Few people can surprise people on the Olympic stage, then later qualify for the trials as a master with a final kick and then medal again in the Olympics and then set a masters record at Carlsbad. He ran a 13:41 in his 40s.
There's never been a scandal about Lagat.
And the kicker for me is that he never changed his routine between Kenya and the US and kept his talent (and because I respect the Japanese diet, and the Japanese in general, I think his wife helped).
There will be faster and more decorated, but for me, it's Lagat.

You are stupid. Who cares that he ran 13:41 at some older age? Or that he made a weak US Olympic team? He got owned regularly by the other greats of his generation. Has only 2 golds. No WR’s.

2 years ago 09/29/2023 11:51pm EDT

re: Casuals abound

Casuals abound wrote:
it\'s Bernard wrote:
Bernard Lagat.
Few people can surprise people on the Olympic stage, then later qualify for the trials as a master with a final kick and then medal again in the Olympics and then set a masters record at Carlsbad. He ran a 13:41 in his 40s.
There's never been a scandal about Lagat.
And the kicker for me is that he never changed his routine between Kenya and the US and kept his talent (and because I respect the Japanese diet, and the Japanese in general, I think his wife helped).
There will be faster and more decorated, but for me, it's Lagat.
You are stupid. Who cares that he ran 13:41 at some older age? Or that he made a weak US Olympic team? He got owned regularly by the other greats of his generation. Has only 2 golds. No WR’s.

Actually I am the dumb bass. Obvious troll. I’m so tired I didn’t notice

2 years ago 09/29/2023 11:52pm EDT

re: Casuals abound

Casuals abound wrote:
it\'s Bernard wrote:
Bernard Lagat.
Few people can surprise people on the Olympic stage, then later qualify for the trials as a master with a final kick and then medal again in the Olympics and then set a masters record at Carlsbad. He ran a 13:41 in his 40s.
There's never been a scandal about Lagat.
And the kicker for me is that he never changed his routine between Kenya and the US and kept his talent (and because I respect the Japanese diet, and the Japanese in general, I think his wife helped).
There will be faster and more decorated, but for me, it's Lagat.
You are stupid. Who cares that he ran 13:41 at some older age? Or that he made a weak US Olympic team? He got owned regularly by the other greats of his generation. Has only 2 golds. No WR’s.

Yes. I made my assertion and I stand by it. You didn't list any athlete.. you just called names. I would say you're far more stupid. I wish a hex on you and yours.

2 years ago 09/29/2023 11:56pm EDT

re: it's Bernard

it's Bernard wrote:
SonicStrider wrote:
I've been pondering the age-old question in distance running: Who deserves the title of the greatest distance runner of all time? With so many incredible athletes to choose from across different eras and disciplines, it's a topic that can ignite some passionate debates.
Whether it's the legendary dominance of athletes like Haile Gebrselassie, the enduring legacy of Emil Zátopek, or the modern-day marvels like Eliud Kipchoge, there's no shortage of candidates.
But who, in your opinion, truly stands out as the greatest and why? Is it their world records, their Olympic performances, their impact on the sport, or a combination of factors that sets them apart? I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic.
Let's dive into this debate and celebrate the incredible achievements of distance runners from around the world. Share your pick for the greatest distance runner and the reasons behind your choice. It's bound to be an exciting discussion!
Bernard Lagat.
Few people can surprise people on the Olympic stage, then later qualify for the trials as a master with a final kick and then medal again in the Olympics and then set a masters record at Carlsbad. He ran a 13:41 in his 40s.
There's never been a scandal about Lagat.
And the kicker for me is that he never changed his routine between Kenya and the US and kept his talent (and because I respect the Japanese diet, and the Japanese in general, I think his wife helped).
There will be faster and more decorated, but for me, it's Lagat.

Never been a scandal? Are you joking? He literally tested positive for EPO. People call him "b sample" lagat for a reason.

2 years ago 09/30/2023 12:12am EDT

re: SonicStrider

SonicStrider wrote:
I've been pondering the age-old question in distance running: Who deserves the title of the greatest distance runner of all time? With so many incredible athletes to choose from across different eras and disciplines, it's a topic that can ignite some passionate debates.
Whether it's the legendary dominance of athletes like Haile Gebrselassie, the enduring legacy of Emil Zátopek, or the modern-day marvels like Eliud Kipchoge, there's no shortage of candidates.
But who, in your opinion, truly stands out as the greatest and why? Is it their world records, their Olympic performances, their impact on the sport, or a combination of factors that sets them apart? I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic.
Let's dive into this debate and celebrate the incredible achievements of distance runners from around the world. Share your pick for the greatest distance runner and the reasons behind your choice. It's bound to be an exciting discussion!

Paavo Nurmi would have to be right up there. He claimed an incredible 453 races in his career. He was undefeated for 121 consecutive races over 800m. You could call him the Floyd Mayweather of distance running. He also never suffered a defeat in a cross country race or the 10,000 meters.

2 years ago 09/30/2023 12:12am EDT

re: SonicStrider

I think the answer is technically Paavo Nurmi based on:

1) Olympic medal count

2) advancing the sport with his revolutionary training techniques

3) inspiring countless others to test their limits

4) only distance runner to be on a country's currency

My personal favorite, however, would be Zatopek, and I think one could argue for him being the greatest due to his insane 1952 Olympic triple and how he was an ambassador for the sport. My opinion was highly influenced by the biography about him, Today We Die a Little!

2 years ago 09/30/2023 12:25am EDT

re: SonicStrider

2 years ago 09/30/2023 12:41am EDT

re: SonicStrider

2 years ago 09/30/2023 12:47am EDT

re: SonicStrider

Maybe the greatest distance runner of all time is really just the friends we made along the way

2 years ago 09/30/2023 12:47am EDT

re: Youngtimer

Youngtimer wrote:
I think of Roger bannister just due to the fact he broke the 4 minute barrier when it was thought impossible. It opened the door in the running world, and raised the level of not only performances, but of the mindset among endurance athletes.
Although I understand the argument of the mile not being “distance”, since distance and middle distance are two entirely different categories.
It’s easy to say Eliud Kipchoge because we are living in his era.
Heck, how about the messenger guy who invented the marathon event back in the Roman days!?!? He’s the GOAT!!

Absolutely nobody thought it was impossible to break 4 minutes. Gunder Hägg ran 4,01 in 1945 and the reason that WR stood for so long was that WW2 destroyed one generation of milers.

2 years ago 09/30/2023 1:06am EDT

re: SonicStrider

Bekele is the G.O.A.T He won 11 or so World Cross Country titles. 3 Olympic gold medals. 5000m & 10000m WR's and a 2:01:41 marathon PR.

Mo Farah is the 2nd best. 6 World Championship gold medals and 4 Olympic gold medals. I believe he holds the world record for the 1 hour run and 2 mile world record.

And on a lighter note, Galen Rupp was the best ever Peter Pan look-a-like runner.

2 years ago 09/30/2023 1:07am EDT

re: Casuals abound

I say its Geb. He was an all timer in every event from the 1500 (would have set the WR in the indoor 1500 but El G outkicked him) to the marathon. He set 27 world records.

I think the key for me is that he came along and took the 5 and 10 records into a whole new realm that 25 years later only two guys have bettered. He ultimately dropped the 5k WR by 19(!) seconds and the 10k by 30. Bekele only dropped them by 2 and 5 seconds, respectively, which to me shows how much more dominate Geb really was.

2 years ago 09/30/2023 1:10am EDT

re: SonicStrider

2 years ago 09/30/2023 1:11am EDT

re: Born in the 856

agreed until you mentioned farah, he wasnt ever competitive when he was up against true threats in those events

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