Exclusive: David Rudisha on the 800m Record Chase and Marco Arop’s Half-Marathon Move

The men's 800m event in 2024 redefined the boundaries of middle-distance running, delivering thrilling performances that have shaken the all-time rankings and intensified the chase for the world record. 

As the athletics world gears up for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, a new generation of athletes is inching closer to breaking David Rudisha's legendary 1:40.91 mark, set at the 2012 London Olympics.

The Chase for Rudisha’s Record

Rudisha’s record, achieved in what is widely regarded as "The Greatest 800 Meter Race Ever," has remained untouched for over a decade. 

His unprecedented front-running performance made him the first and only man to break the 1:41 barrier. However, 2024 saw an extraordinary shift, with several athletes closing in on this historic milestone.

Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi has emerged as the front-runner in this pursuit. 

The 20-year-old’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular, as he claimed Olympic gold in Paris with a blistering 1:41.19, narrowly beating Canada’s Marco Arop by 0.01 seconds in the fastest Olympic 800m final in history. 

Wanyonyi later improved his time to 1:41.11, tying for the second-fastest time ever with Wilson Kipketer and coming within 0.20 seconds of Rudisha’s record.

In addition to Wanyonyi, a new generation of stars has risen. 

Athletes like Marco Arop, Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, France’s Gabriel Tual, and the United States’ Bryce Hoppel have rewritten the history books, securing top spots among the all-time fastest 800m runners. 

Hoppel, who shattered the US national record at 1:41.67, finished fourth in the Olympic final, an extraordinary time that would have won gold in every previous Olympic edition except 2012.

SportsBoom chatted with Rudisha, who has held the 800m world record for 13 solid years, and he opened up on the impact of half marathons on middle-distance athletes, the surge of lucrative races and their impact on athletes, and holding the world record for more than a decade.

Marco Arop’s surprising half-marathon feat

While Arop’s prowess in the 800m is unquestionable, his foray into long-distance racing raised eyebrows. 

On Sunday, December 16, 2024, the 26-year-old won the Rocket City Back Half Marathon in Huntsville, Alabama, clocking an impressive 1:11:15 on a hilly course. 

The performance was undoubtedly commendable, but Rudisha, believes it may be too soon for a middle-distance runner like Arop to venture into such long races.

“For now, I think the half marathon is too much for a middle-distance runner like Marco Arop. He should have gradually transitioned, maybe trying 1,500m or a mile first. The 800m requires a lot of speed, and going too long too soon might affect rhythm and explosiveness," Rudisha told SportsBoom.com. 

Lucrative Races and Their Impact

The rise of high-stakes competitions like the Grand Slam Track series has introduced another challenge for 800m athletes. 

While these races offer substantial prize money and help athletes gauge their endurance, Rudisha advised caution and emphasized the importance of strategic race selection, lest athletes lose focus.

“These races help prepare athletes for major championships like the Tokyo World Championships. But during my time, I ran selectively to avoid burnout. My advice is to reserve energy for the main events and not over-race before big championships," he explained.

Will the World Record Finally Fall?

Rudisha’s 1:40.91 record, achieved on August 9, 2012, remains the ultimate benchmark. Despite rapid advancements in training techniques, nutrition, and shoe technology, no one has yet managed to surpass his feat. However, with the likes of Wanyonyi edging ever closer, the record’s days may be numbered.

“I have never seen an 800m world record being broken. It will be very special to witness that moment, and I believe Wanyonyi has what it takes to break it."

He is confident that Wanyonyi, now ranked as the second-fastest 800m runner of all time, has the talent and dedication to make history, and with the right training and race strategy, he could be the one to finally rewrite the record books.

Rudisha’s Legacy and Reflections

Holding the world record for 13 years is a testament to Rudisha’s dominance in the event. 

His final competitive race was in 2017, and though a quadriceps injury prevented a comeback, his legacy continues.

Beyond his physical struggles, Rudisha endured personal challenges, including the loss of his father, a near-fatal car crash, and personal setbacks like marital issues. Despite the challenges, he has remained an ambassador for the sport, using his experience to guide the next generation.

“Confidence has always been my strength. I always knew when I was going to run fast. I set the standard, just as those before me did. Now, it’s up to the new generation to push it further," he concluded.

Since his retirement, Rudisha has taken on ambassadorial roles, including at the World Championships in Budapest and the forthcoming World Indoor Championships in Glasgow. He is also a key figure in advocating for remedies for climate change.