http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon_world_record_progressionSally V wrote:
Let's look at it this way. Paula's marathon record converts (using McMillan race predictor) to a 1:47:8 800 meters. The oldest track record is a 1:53.28 set more than 30 years ago by a runner who looks muscular even for a man. The record is rarely approached even today. But a clean Paula ran the equivalent of a 1:47.8 800 meters - that is more than 5 seconds faster than a dirty runner who was supremely doped up. Does that seem reasonable?
For shits and giggles, Paula's WR was faster than any man ran until 1958.
In 1958, the 800 WR was 1:45.7.