A time of 2:03:38 at the 2011 Berlin Marathon established Patrick Makau Musyoki as the world record holder for the distance, a position he maintained for two years. Before his marathon accomplishments, he built a reputation in Europe through consistent sub-one-hour half marathon performances, signaling a transition to the longer event that would define his professional athletic career.
Early Career and Half Marathon Success
Born on 2 March 1985 in Kenya, Makau attended Unyuani School until 1999 and subsequently Kyeni Academy in Misiani. He began his running career in 2001. His international debut occurred at the 2006 IAAF World Road Running Championships, where he placed 26th. By 2007, he finished second at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, clocking 59:13 behind Samuel Wanjiru. He secured silver medals at both the 2007 IAAF World Road Running Championships and the 2008 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, contributing to team victories on both occasions. In 2009, he achieved a personal milestone by winning the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon with a time of 58:52, the second-fastest time recorded at that distance at the time.
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Makau made his marathon debut in 2009 at the Rotterdam Marathon, finishing fourth in 2:06:14. He returned to the distance in 2010, winning the Rotterdam Marathon with an improved time of 2:04:48. Later that year, he won the Berlin Marathon, overcoming Geoffrey Mutai with a time of 2:05:08. These efforts earned him the AIMS World Athlete of the Year award. At the 2011 London Marathon, he finished third in 2:05:45 after sustaining a fall midway through the race.
Setting the World Record
On 25 September 2011, at the Berlin Marathon, Makau faced world record holder Haile Gebrselassie. After the halfway point, Makau distanced himself from the Ethiopian runner to finish in 2:03:38, an average pace of 4:42.9 per mile. This performance lowered the previous world record by 21 seconds. His record stood until Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich broke it at the 2013 Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:03:23.
Later Seasons and Performance Decline
During 2012, Makau experienced mixed results. He placed second at the Granollers Half Marathon and fifth at the Great Manchester Run. He withdrew from the 2012 London Marathon due to injury, missing selection for the Olympic team. He recovered to win the Frankfurt Marathon in October 2012 with a time of 2:06:08. By the 2013 London Marathon, however, he struggled with form, finishing in 2:14:10, outside the top ten participants.
Fast facts
- Born: 2 March 1985, Kenya
- World Record time: 2:03:38
- World Record date: 25 September 2011
- 2010 AIMS World Athlete of the Year
- Career start: 2001
- 2009 Rotterdam Marathon time: 2:06:14
- Frankfurt Marathon 2012 victory time: 2:06:08
Questions readers ask
How long did Patrick Makau hold the marathon world record?
He held the record for two years, from 2011 until 2013.
Did Makau compete in the Olympic Games?
No, he was not selected for the Kenyan Olympic team in 2012.
