The Most Famous Runner in the World, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the runner you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 11, 2024 07:15
Ranking famous runners helps clarify who leads in athleticism and popularity, guiding new fans towards athletes worth watching. When someone seeks to understand the sport of running, knowing who tops these lists can provide insights into styles, achievements, and the qualities that elevate a runner to global fame. It's a useful resource not just for fans, but also for coaches, aspiring runners, and sports analysts.
On this site, your votes directly influence the live rankings of the world's most famous runners. By participating, you contribute to a dynamic tally that reflects the current sentiments and preferences of running enthusiasts globally. This ongoing input ensures that the rankings remain fresh and relevant, offering an up-to-date snapshot of who is leading in the field of running.
Who Is the Most Famous Runner in the World?
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171votesJamaican sprinter, eight-time Olympic gold medalist, and world record holder in the 100m and 200m.Usain Bolt in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person born on August 21st
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous sprinter
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Olympian
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Jamaican
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Manchester United fan
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person in the Hall of Fame
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233votesEthiopian long-distance runner, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and world record holder in numerous events.Haile Gebrselassie in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous cross-country runner
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous marathon runner
- Position 10 of 10 in Most handsome man in Ethiopia
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39votes
Denis Barthel · CC BY-SA 4.0Kenyan marathon runner, Olympic gold medalist, and holder of the official marathon world record.Eliud Kipchoge in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous marathon runner
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417votesBritish long-distance runner, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and multiple-time world champion.Mo Farah in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Arsenal fan
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous cross-country runner
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519votes
Manfred Werner - Tsui · CC BY-SA 3.0American track and field athlete, nine-time Olympic gold medalist, and world record holder in the long jump.Carl Lewis in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous sprinter
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Olympian
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615votesCzech long-distance runner, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and world record holder in numerous events.Emil Zatopek in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Czech
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715votesMoroccan middle-distance runner, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and world record holder in the 1500m and mile.
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83votesKenyan-born Danish middle-distance runner, three-time world champion, and world record holder in the 800m.
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98votes
White House (Pete Souza) / Maison Blanche (Pete Souza) · Public domainAmerican track and field athlete, six-time Olympic medalist, and world record holder in the heptathlon.Jackie Joyner-Kersee in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person from St. Louis
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102votesBritish middle-distance runner, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and former world record holder in the 800m and 1500m.Sebastian Coe in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Sebastian
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person from Shropshire
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Ranking factors for famous runner
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AchievementsThe athlete's track record of accomplishments, such as Olympic medals, world records, and major championship wins.
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ReputationThe runner's reputation within the running community, including their impact on the sport, sportsmanship, and their influence on other runners.
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PopularityThe level of recognition and following the runner has among fans, both in their own country and internationally.
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Media coverageThe amount and quality of media coverage the runner receives, including interviews, features, and documentaries.
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EndorsementsThe runner's endorsement deals and sponsorships from major brands and companies, which can signify their marketability and influence.
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Social media presenceThe runner's reach and engagement on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, indicating their ability to connect with fans and promote their brand.
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LongevityThe consistency and longevity of the runner's career, including their ability to sustain success over a significant period.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous runner in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or runner is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2753 views
- 184 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each runner once every 24 hours. The rank of each runner is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous runner in the world
Running is one of the most popular and accessible sports in the world, with millions of people participating in races and marathons every year. From track and field athletes to long-distance runners, there are many famous runners who have achieved great success and fame in the sport.
When it comes to the most famous runner in the world, there are several names that come to mind. Some might argue that Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter who holds world records in the 100m and 200m, is the most famous runner of all time. Others might point to long-distance runners like Mo Farah, who has won multiple Olympic gold medals and set numerous records over his career.
Regardless of who you consider to be the most famous runner in the world, there is no denying the impact that these athletes have had on the sport and on popular culture. From inspiring millions of people to take up running as a hobby to breaking records and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, famous runners have left an indelible mark on the world of sports.
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