The year 2016 was a landmark period for the global running community, marked by record-breaking performances and the prestigious Rio Olympic Games. For many runners and fans, 2016 represented a peak in marathon participation and the rise of legendary athletes who continue to dominate the sport today. Whether you are researching historical race data or looking for inspiration from past events, understanding the top-ranked marathons of that year provides valuable insight into the evolution of long-distance running.
In this guide, we will break down the highest-rated marathons of 2016, including the World Marathon Majors and unique regional races that stood out for their organization and atmosphere. We will also provide tips on how to find specific race results and historical rankings from that season.
The World Marathon Majors of 2016
The World Marathon Majors (WMM) consist of the six most renowned marathons in the world. In 2016, these races saw some of the fastest times in history and served as a proving ground for athletes preparing for the Summer Olympics. Here is a look at the standout WMM events from that year.
London Marathon: A Record-Breaking Performance
The 2016 London Marathon is often remembered for Eliud Kipchoge’s incredible performance. He finished with a time of 2:03:05, setting a new course record at the time and coming within seconds of the world record. The event was highly praised for its flat, fast course and the massive crowds that lined the streets of London.
Boston Marathon: The 120th Anniversary
As the world’s oldest annual marathon, the 2016 Boston Marathon was a special edition marking its 120th year. While the weather was warmer than usual, the event remained a top-tier experience for qualifiers. Lemi Berhanu Hayle and Atsede Baysa took the top spots, with Baysa performing a legendary comeback in the final miles.
Berlin Marathon: A Duel for the Ages
Berlin is known for being the fastest course in the world, and 2016 did not disappoint. Kenenisa Bekele won the men’s race in 2:03:03, which was the second-fastest time ever recorded at that point. The race was a masterclass in pacing and strategy, cementing Berlin’s reputation as the premier destination for runners seeking a personal best.
New York City Marathon: Youth and Experience
The 2016 New York City Marathon saw Ghirmay Ghebreslassie become the youngest male winner in the race’s history at just 20 years old. On the women’s side, Mary Keitany secured her third consecutive victory. The race was lauded for its challenging five-borough course and unparalleled spectator support.
Top Rated Regional and Unique Marathons
Beyond the major global events, several other marathons in 2016 received high marks from participants for their unique themes, scenic routes, and excellent organization. These races often provide a more community-focused experience compared to the massive scale of the Majors.
- The Flying Pig Marathon (Cincinnati): This race was frequently cited as one of the most unique marathons of 2016. Known for its ‘swine’ themed medals and ‘pig-struction’ zones, it offered a challenging hilly course through the suburbs of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
- Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, D.C.): Often called ‘The People’s Marathon,’ the 2016 event was praised for its patriotic atmosphere. Runners passed through major national monuments, and the race remained one of the largest in the U.S. that did not offer prize money, focusing instead on the spirit of the run.
- Big Sur International Marathon: For those seeking scenery, the 2016 Big Sur race was a top contender. Running along Highway 1 in California, participants enjoyed views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Bixby Bridge, though the course is notoriously difficult due to wind and elevation changes.
The 2016 Olympic Marathons in Rio
Because 2016 was an Olympic year, the marathons in Rio de Janeiro were the most watched running events of the season. These races were unique because they were held in humid, tropical conditions, which forced athletes to prioritize strategy over raw speed.
Eliud Kipchoge won the men’s gold medal, further establishing his status as the greatest marathoner of the era. In the women’s race, Jemima Sumgong made history by becoming the first Kenyan woman to win Olympic gold in the marathon. These performances influenced marathon training trends for years to follow, emphasizing heat acclimatization and tactical racing.
How to Find Historical 2016 Race Results
If you are looking for specific rankings or individual finishing times from 2016, there are several reliable ways to access this data. Most major races maintain digital archives of their results for several decades.
- Official Race Websites: Most marathons, such as Chicago, Boston, or London, have a ‘Results’ or ‘Archive’ section on their official websites. You can usually filter by year, age group, and gender.
- Athlinks: This is a comprehensive database that aggregates race results from around the world. By creating a free profile, you can search for almost any timed event that occurred in 2016.
- Marathon Guide: This website is an excellent resource for historical rankings and runner reviews. It allows you to see how participants rated specific 2016 races based on course difficulty, organization, and crowd support.
- World Athletics: For elite results and world rankings from 2016, the World Athletics (formerly IAAF) website provides detailed statistical breakdowns of the top performances globally.
Why 2016 Remains Significant for Runners
The year 2016 saw a surge in the ‘marathon tourism’ trend, where runners traveled internationally specifically to participate in high-ranking events. It was also a year where shoe technology began to see significant shifts, leading to the rapid speed increases observed in the following years. Reviewing the best races of 2016 helps modern runners understand the standards of excellence that define today’s major events.
Whether you were a participant in one of these 2016 races or are a student of the sport, the data from that year highlights a period of incredible growth and athletic achievement. By looking back at what made these races successful—from the organization of the Flying Pig to the elite standards of Berlin—runners can better choose their future events and set informed goals for their own training.
If you found this look back at the top marathons of 2016 helpful, you may also enjoy our guides on how to train for your first marathon or how to qualify for the world’s most prestigious road races.