Trends in average times

The following charts show the relative improvement in the average of the top 20 times in running events since 1981. The first data point normalizes all events to 1.0. The mens' Mile shows the least improvement due to the declining number of races (the Bowerman Mile at the Pre Classic now provides most of the top 20). The spike in 2020 was due to Covid, but there has been an acceleration since then, probably due to high tech shoes. If so, the Marathon has benefitted much more than the track events.

Last updated 11/1/2025.

Men

Women