What are the running records in the World Athletics Championships?
With the Tokyo World Athletics Championships taking place from 13-21 September 2025, we’re looking at:
The World Athletics Championships records in all the running events
How the World Championship records compare to world records
Which records might be broken at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships
Want to follow the Tokyo World Championships? We’ve got the full schedule here!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS AND WORLD RECORDS?
A World Championship Record (CR) is run during a World Athletics Championships. Likewise, an Olympic record is run during the Olympic Games which take place every four years.
A world record (WR) can be run at any organised race meet. It is possible to run a world record at a World Championship and there are several examples of that below.
The World Athletics Championships take place every two years and alongside the Olympic Games they are the highest level of competition for track and field athletes. The winner in each World Championship event is crowned as World Champion and they hold that title until the next championships.
The World Athletic Championships feature a full schedule of running and field events. Here’s the full schedule for Tokyo 2025.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS VS WORLD RECORDS
Here are all the World Athletic Championships records alongside the world record (correct as of early September 2025). Several world records have been run during the World Athletics Championships. Here are details of all the running world records.
WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS RECORDS
MEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS RECORDS
WILL THERE BE ANY NEW RECORDS IN THE 2025 TOKYO WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS?
There are several races where the CR will likely be challenged. But as this is a World Championship we often see more conservative racing – winning medals means more than breaking records.
Women’s 5000m. With the four fastest women in history over the 5000m all racing in Tokyo this is certainly a CR we expect to be broken, and we expect a great race.
Women’s marathon. The second-fastest woman of all time is running the race, plus 2:18 is within reach of a significant number of the field. It’s potentially a tough marathon course with some 180-degree turnarounds, and World Champions races are often tactical, but there’s certainly potential for a new CR.
Men’s 800m. So far in 2025, six men have run inside the previous CR, and 15 men have run sub-1:43. We expect a very fast time and potentially even a new WR.
Men’s 5000m. With 16 men inside the CR so far in 2025, Eliud Kipchoge’s record from 2003 should be challenged.
FAQ ON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS RECORDS
Is the World Championships like the Olympics?Yes, the World Championships is like the Olympics, just it’s only for track and field events. The World Champs happens every two years, while the Olympics is every four years.
Is there prize money in the World Championships?Yes, there is prize money for placing in the top eight in each event. There is also a world record bonus of US$100,000.
Individuals
1st US$70,000
2nd US$35,000
3rd US$22,000
4th US$16,000
5th US$11,000
6th US$7000
7th US$6000
8th US$5000
Teams
1st US$80,000
2nd US$40,000
3rd US$20,000
4th US$16,000
5th US$12,000
6th US$8000
7th US$6000
8th US$4000
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Photo by Marco Mantovani/Getty Images
