This year was filled with countless incredible, brilliant, standout performances from athletes around the world and across events. But let’s be real, there were undoubtedly some that stood out from the others (at least in my opinion).
So, today, I’ll take you through the “12 Runs of Christmas” and count down my favorite performances of the year. Now, keep in mind, these are MY favorite performances of the year and are absolutely not chosen or graded based on any strict criteria. Just me and my favorite runs of the year, so let’s dive in.
12. Sabastian Sawe – Valencia Marathon
In his first-ever marathon, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe clocked one of the fastest debut times of 2:02:06. Not only was it one of the fastest debut times ever, but it was also the fastest marathon time of 2024.
Prior to his marathon debut, Sawe was already renowned for his success in the half marathon, where he previously won the inaugural Half Marathon World Championships in Riga, Latvia, back in 2023.
28-year-old Sawe came into Valencia as somewhat of an underdog in a field that included seasoned veterans like Keneisa Bekele and last year’s winner, Sisay Lemma. Despite the depth of experience in the field, Sawe was remarkably composed and showed tactical intelligence beyond his level of experience.
Why It Made My List
Now, here’s why this performance stood out to me. Sawe has already proven himself at the top level in the half marathon, but seeing him translate that success to the full marathon with such an incredible debut is rare and exciting. He ran with poise and confidence, even against some of the sport’s biggest names, and his ability to handle the pressure of such a high-caliber race was remarkable.
What makes it even more thrilling is that he’s still a rookie at this distance, which means there’s so much room for growth. A debut time of 2:02:06 isn’t just fast—it’s a sign of wild potential that he could become one of the greats if he continues to refine his craft.
This performance also showed he has both the physical talent and the mental toughness to succeed in marathons, which is no easy feat. For someone new to the event, to take on a field of seasoned champions and not only hold his own but dominate speaks volumes. It’s the kind of performance that keeps fans like me excited for what’s to come in 2025 and beyond.
Simply put, Sawe is a rising star, and this race was his breakout moment. That’s why it’s easily one of my favorite performances of the year.
11. Yomif Kejelcha – Valencia Half Marathon
Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha made history on Sunday, shaving just one second off the men’s half-marathon world record.
Competing in Valencia, Spain, Kejelcha cruised solo to the finish line with a time of 57:30, nipping the previous record of 57:31 set by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2021.
The 27-year-old displayed incredible consistency throughout the race, clocking 13:38 for the first 5k and following up with splits of 13:34, 13:34, and 13:36. His 10k mark was an impressive 27:12.
Why It Made My List
A world record. By ONE SECOND. I mean, come on, the suspense of that alone could power a whole season of a drama series.
But seriously, what stood out to me was how Kejelcha balanced all-out effort with razor-sharp pacing. It’s one thing to be physically prepared for a performance like this, but his ability to keep everything so precise—right down to that final push—was just next-level.
I also love how he ran solo for much of the race, which makes the feat even more impressive. Breaking a record like this with no one to push or pull you shows the mental toughness and confidence Kejelcha brought to the table that day.
And let’s not forget how visually iconic this race was—the image of him charging down the final stretch, knowing he’s on the brink of something historic, is unforgettable. Moments like this are why I love this sport, and Kejelcha delivered one for the ages. That’s why it earned its spot on this list.
10. Beatrice Chebet – Olympic 5,000m & 10,000m
Beatrice Chebet absolutely owned the track at the 2024 Paris Olympics, proving why she’s one of the biggest names in distance running right now. In the 10,000m, she played it cool, hanging with the lead pack like it was just another day at the office before flipping the switch with her killer kick to snag silver. Fast forward to the 5,000m, where she had to face a who’s-who of track legends, including Gudaf Tsegay and Sifan Hassan. No biggie for Chebet. She fought tooth and nail in that final lap and walked away with another gold medal, showing everyone she’s got range and grit.
Honestly, if you weren’t already keeping tabs on her, now’s the time. Yes, I know these are two performances ranked as one, but what can I say? I’m making the list, and Chebet’s performances at the Olympic Games were too iconic not to be included.
Why It Made My List
Chebet’s double podium in Paris wasn’t just a performance—it was a statement. She showed the perfect blend of strategy, strength, and speed that separates the greats from the rest. Watching her coolly navigate the tactical chaos of the 10,000m and then unleash her signature kick for silver was thrilling. And then to come back in the 5,000m against a stacked field and grab gold? That’s just pure dominance.
What makes this even more exciting is her age—only 24. Chebet has already proven she can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world, but you get the feeling she’s just warming up. Whether it’s her ability to stay calm under pressure or her knack for knowing exactly when to strike, she’s got all the tools to own the distance running scene for years to come.
These performances weren’t just Olympic highlights—they were a glimpse into the future of the sport. Chebet is a generational talent, and Paris was her grand announcement. That’s why she more than deserves her spot on this list.
9. Agnes Ngetich – 10K World Record Valencia
Agnes Ngetich didn’t just break the women’s 10K world record in Valencia earlier this year—she obliterated it with a mind-boggling 28:46. Let that sink in: she’s the first woman ever to dip under 29 minutes for the distance. Running solo for most of the race, she hit the halfway mark in 14:13, casually equalling the 5K record for a mixed race, too. It was a masterclass in controlled dominance.
When she crossed that finish line, jaws dropped, records crumbled, and the track world knew it had a new queen of the roads. But wait, it gets better—Agnes’s time wasn’t just faster than the previous road 10K record (29:14 by Yalemzerf Yehualaw); it also beat the track 10,000m record of 29:01.03 held by Letesenbet Gidey.
Why It Made My List
Now, I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Ngetich. In 2023, she crushed the 10k world record on the road in Brasov, breaking the 5k record along the way (noticing a trend here?). However, when World Athletics remeasured the course in Brasov, it was found to be 25 meters short…so no world record.
But, what really stands out to me is the way she split 14:13 for the first 5k, which equaled the world record for a mixed 5K. It’s not just the speed; it’s the composure and precision she brought to such an aggressive pace. This wasn’t a reckless run—it was a perfectly executed plan to make history.
And let’s not overlook the significance of her time. Running 28:46 doesn’t just shatter the road 10K record; it’s faster than the current track 10,000m record. That’s mind-blowing when you think about it—she ran on the roads what the best in the world are struggling to hit on the track.
8. Vincent Bouillard – UTMB
Vincent Bouillard of France stunned the trail-running world by winning the 2024 UTMB.
Bouillard seized the lead before the race’s halfway point following the surprising exit of defending champion Jim Walmsley, who was dealing with a knee injury. From that moment, Bouillard extended his lead, crossing the finish line in 19:54:23.
He becomes just the fifth person to complete the race in under 20 hours, finishing nearly 30 minutes ahead of the competition.
Before this race, Bouillard, a product engineer for HOKA and NOT a pro runner, was relatively unknown in the ultrarunning community. He has kept a low profile, with private social media accounts and minimal online presence. He was so unknown he didn’t even have a photo on the UTMB website before the race.
But Bouillard’s performance at UTMB has quickly changed that. His winning time is now the third fastest in the history of the race, only behind Jim Walmsley in 2023 and Kilian Jornet’s 2022 record.
Why It Made My List
As you’ve probably guessed by now, I’m a sucker for an underdog story. Not only was Bouillard an underdog, but he also works a full-time job at HOKA. But why does this make me like his story and performance even more?
I’m glad you asked.
Well, I’ve always been a big advocate for having balance in life. As someone who knows a lot of people at the highest level of endurance sport, it can get miserable and lonely because most people think you have to be so dialed in and live in this tiny box of eat, sleep, train, repeat to be any good.
While discipline is important, having balance and being someone outside of sport is equally as important. So yes, his performance is undoubtedly the main reason he made the list (obviously, it’s the biggest trail race in the world); who he is and how he got to where he is makes it one of my favorites on the list.
7. Peres Jepchirchir – London Marathon
Peres Jepchirchir reminded the world why she’s in a league of her own at the London Marathon this year. Clocking 2:16:28, she didn’t just cruise to victory—she shattered the women’s-only world record, previously held by Mary Keitany. Jepchirchir’s race was textbook perfection.
The first half? Smooth and steady. The second half? A blazing 1:06:34 that was duked out in a tactical battle among the best in the world. Breaking that kind of record isn’t just fast—it’s iconic. This performance was a BIG return for the reigning Olympic champion, who had been grappling with injuries in the lead-up.
Why It Made My List
I actually got to watch this race live and meet Jepchirchir after, and it was something special. Now, getting to witness Peres Jepchirchir’s performance live at the London Marathon was an unforgettable experience—but it wasn’t just the record-breaking run that left an impression.
What really stood out to me wasn’t just the performance itself—it was Jepchirchir’s demeanor afterward. After such a grueling and historic effort, she came into the mixed zone humble, grounded, and soft-spoken. Seeing that kind of grace and humility from someone who had just achieved one of the sport’s most iconic feats was incredibly moving.
The race atmosphere was electric, with the world’s best battling it out on one of the biggest stages, but it was Jepchirchir’s balance of sheer determination on the course and her down-to-earth personality off it that made this performance so special. It’s not every day you see an athlete combine such extraordinary physical talent with genuine humility, and that’s why this race earned its place on my list.
6. Noah Lyles – Olympic 100m
Earlier this year, Noah Lyles proved why he’s one of track and field’s biggest stars with a jaw-dropping performance in the Olympic 100m final. Known for his dominance in the 200m, Lyles stepped outside his comfort zone and into the spotlight of the sport’s most iconic race—and, unsurprisingly, delivered. He didn’t just win; he clocked a blistering 9.83 seconds to claim gold, cementing his status as the fastest man in the world.
What makes Lyles’ victory even more impressive is his versatility and knack for the dramatic. This is a guy who had already racked up three world championship titles in the 200m, and now, he’s proving his range with a historic 100m win. Not bad for someone who wasn’t even considered the favorite in this race. Lyles’ explosive start and killer finish silenced any doubts, and his post-win celebration afterward? Absolutely on-brand. He’s not just competing—he’s putting on a show, and the track world can’t get enough.
Why It Made My List
Noah Lyles’ Olympic 100m gold wasn’t just a race—it was a defining moment for the sport. Watching a 200m specialist step up, take on the world’s best in the 100m, and deliver a 9.83-second statement was nothing short of legendary.
What I loved most about this performance was the way Lyles silenced the skeptics. He wasn’t the favorite coming in, but he brought his signature confidence and delivered when it mattered most. His explosive start and that unmatched closing speed were a perfect mix of raw power and technical brilliance. And, of course, in true Lyles fashion, he made the moment larger than life with his post-race celebration.
5. Sifan Hassan – Olympic Marathon
Sifan Hassan’s Olympic marathon victory at Paris 2024 was another defining moment in her career (as is every race it seems), cementing her status as one of the greatest distance runners in history. The Olympic marathon wasn’t just any win—she won in an exhilarating sprint finish, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 2:22:55 (and showing that marathon running is indeed a contact sport). To make things even more impressive, this was Hassan’s third medal in just 10 days, including bronze in both the 5000 meters and the 10,000 meters. It’s like she’s rewriting the rulebook for what’s possible in distance running.
Hassan’s performance was nothing short of legendary. The race itself was grueling, with challenging hills and a strategic final stretch. But Hassan wasn’t just running; she was commanding the course, timing her surges perfectly to leave her competitors in the dust. Paris 2024 will go down in history as the Games where Sifan Hassan showed the world she’s not just a marathoner—she’s a force to be reckoned with across multiple distances.
Why It Made My List
Let’s be real—this was always going to be high on my list because I’m a self-proclaimed Sifan Hassan super-fan. But even if I wasn’t, how do you not put this performance up there?
Think about it: Hassan raced a 5k. Then she raced a 10k. Then she raced a marathon. Not just against any competition—against the best in the world, on the biggest stage in the world. And she medaled in all three events, capping it off with an Olympic marathon gold and a new Olympic record.
Her marathon win wasn’t just another gold medal; it was the cherry on top of an already absurdly impressive campaign. She didn’t just survive those three grueling races—she dominated, and in the marathon, she did it with a sprint finish that left her competitors gasping. I mean, who sprints at the end of a marathon after running two other medal-worthy races in the same week?
For someone like me, who can barely function for days after one hard race, Hassan’s resilience, strategy, and sheer toughness are nothing short of superhuman. This wasn’t just a race; it was a masterclass in what’s possible in endurance running, and it’s why she’ll always have a spot on my list.
4. Cole Hocker – Olympic 1500m
The most talked about race on the track at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games was easily the men’s 1500m.
The race set the stage for the biggest rivals in track, Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway and Josh Kerr of Great Britain, to go head-to-head for the first time in months on the biggest stage in athletics.
Ask anyone before the race and it was a battle for gold and silver between those two, but as you know, in the Olympic Games, anything can happen.
However, American Cole Hocker proved just that in the most commanding way…winning the men’s 1500m in Olympic record time.
From the start, Ingebrigtsen took charge of the race, leading it out in a 54.8 first lap, hoping to take the finishing sprint out of his competitors. Ingebrigtsen pressed the pace and even opened a gap to Kerr.
However, he was clearly not able to sustain his own pace for the entire 1,500m, and the gap closed.
Tensions were sky-high, and the crowd of 75,000 in Paris were all on the edge of their seats as the remaining group of four, including Kerr, Ingebrigtsen, Hocker, and American Yared Nuguse, got ready for the finishing meters.
Hocker, timing his sprint perfectly and defending the inside line after sitting in the entire race, was able to nip Kerr on the line, stopping the clock at 3:27.65, setting an Olympic record in a massive upset.
Why It Made My List
Once again, we’ve got an underdog story—but this isn’t just any underdog story. Cole Hocker took down two of the biggest names in track and field.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr are the headliners of the 1500m world, with rivalries so heated they practically have their own soap opera. Everyone expected this race to be about them, battling it out for gold and silver. But then, out of nowhere, Hocker crashes the party in the most dramatic fashion possible.
What makes this performance so incredible is how Hocker played it. He didn’t panic when Ingebrigtsen pressed the pace early. He stayed composed, sitting in the pack, conserving his energy while the others fought to keep up.
The fact that he dethroned two of the sport’s most talked-about stars, in a race everyone thought they had locked up, makes this an all-time favorite for me. It’s not just about the time or the record; it’s about the sheer audacity and brilliance of that run…it was truly a sight to see. Hocker proved that the spotlight doesn’t always belong to the usual suspects—and that’s why this performance had to make my list.
3. Ruth Chepngetich – Chicago Marathon
Ever since the 2023 Berlin Marathon, where Tigst Assefa set a new women’s world record of 2:11:53, all eyes have been on when a woman would break 2:10:00.
While the 2024 Chicago Marathon women’s elite field promised an exciting race, most predicted a potential course record at best, with hopes high to see a sub-2:13:00. A world record, let alone a sub-2:10:00, was the last thing we all expected.
That was until Ruth Chepngetich took off on a mission.
From the gun, Chepngetich created a gap from the rest of the field.
She came through the halfway point in 1:04:16, which not only was the fastest half-marathon run by a woman on American soil but also the fifth-fastest half-marathon run by a woman in history (and she still had another half-marathon to go!).
Although she slowed a bit in the second half, the crowds in Chicago pushed her on. Chepngetich blew the world record out of the water, crossing the line in 2:09:57. Chepngetich became the first woman in history to break 2:10:00, which is generally considered the equivalent of a male runner breaking 2:00.
Why It Made My List
Records like this don’t just happen—they redefine the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Chepngetich’s performance at the Chicago Marathon wasn’t just historic; it was groundbreaking. Seeing her smash through the 2:10:00 barrier—a milestone often equated to the men’s sub-2:00 marathon—felt like watching a new era in women’s marathon running begin right before my eyes.
What I loved most about this performance was the audacity of it. Chepngetich didn’t just run to win—she ran to make history, and she did it in fearless fashion. Going through the halfway point in 1:04:16? That’s not a strategy for someone who’s playing it safe; that’s someone who’s chasing greatness.
The second half was a battle, and you could see how much she had to dig deep to hold it together, but that’s what made it even more special. It wasn’t just about perfect splits or a smooth finish—it was about grit, determination, and pushing past every limit.
And yes, I know there’s been some controversy around this record, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Chepngetich did something no one else had done before. It was bold, it was thrilling, and it was unforgettable. That’s why this performance absolutely earned its spot on my list.
2. Femke Bol – Olympic 4x400m Relay
Femke Bol of the Netherlands won her team gold in the 4×400-meter mixed relay after a solo triumph. Entering the final turn in fourth place amidst heavy rain, a victory for the Netherlands seemed highly unlikely.
However, out of seemingly nowhere, Bol came around with an exceptional burst of speed and overtook the three competitors ahead of her, ultimately leading her team to gold.
Bol, renowned for her dominance in the 400 hurdles, ran a stunning anchor leg in 47.93 seconds. The Dutch team, consisting of Eugene Omalla, Lieke Klaver, Isaya Klein Ikkink, and Bol, clinched the gold at the Paris Olympics with a time of 3 minutes, 7.43 seconds, edging out the United States by 0.31 seconds.
Bol’s comeback was reminiscent of her performance at the previous year’s world championships, where she similarly secured gold in the women’s 4×400 relay after a remarkable recovery.
Now, I know relays aren’t as popular as the mainstream events, but this really is one you need to watch.
Why It Made My List
You’re probably scratching your head, wondering why a 400m relay leg outranks a marathon world record. Fair question—but here’s the deal: this wasn’t just any relay leg. Femke Bol delivered a moment of pure magic that encapsulates everything I love about track and field, especially with a team component involved.
Coming into the final turn, the Netherlands was in fourth place, the rain was pouring, and the odds of a win felt impossible. Then, Bol did what Bol does best—she defied logic. Her 47.93-second anchor leg wasn’t just fast; it was electrifying. She came out of nowhere; the sheer drama of the moment made it feel like something out of a movie.
What I adore about Bol is how she thrives under pressure. Whether it’s the hurdles or a relay, she finds a way to deliver when it matters most. And this wasn’t even her signature event—it was the mixed 4×400! Yet she turned it into one of the most unforgettable races of the Games.
Oh, and let’s be real: being a self-proclaimed Femke Bol superfan probably nudged this up my list too. But when an athlete gives you chills with their performance, you know it’s worth the hype.
Jasmin Paris – Barkley Marathons
Few events command the reverence and mystique of the Barkley Marathons in the world of endurance racing. This grueling test of athletes’ physical and mental limits, held annually in the unforgiving terrain of Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, has long been regarded as one of the world’s most challenging ultramarathon.
With a reputation for defeating even the most seasoned athletes, it stood as an unbeaten barrier for women seeking to etch their names into its lore. For years, women were applauded for making it through just one loop, but no one ever made it to the final loop.
That is until Jasmin Paris, a trailblazer in her own right, shattered expectations and made history as the first woman to conquer the Barkley Marathons. It was a historic moment that reverberated across the ultrarunning community, Jasmin Paris crossed the Barkley Marathon’s finish line in a time of 59:58:21.
Why It Made The List
Jasmin Paris’ finish at the Barkley Marathons wasn’t just a win—it was a seismic shift in the ultrarunning world. The Barkley is known as the ultimate test of endurance and strategy, a race designed to break even the toughest athletes. For years, women making it through a single loop was seen as an achievement. But Paris didn’t just finish a loop—she became the first woman in history to conquer all five loops and finish the race.
What makes this performance so extraordinary is the sheer mental and physical resilience it required. The Barkley Marathons isn’t just about running; it’s about surviving. Navigating brutal terrain, often in the dark, on little to no sleep, with a ticking clock constantly pushing you—it’s as much a battle of willpower as it is of athleticism.
Watching the videos back and seeing the photos from the moment she makes it to the iconic yellow gate continue to give me chills EVERY SINGLE TIME. While track and road running brought a lot of big moments this year, there was nothing as triumphant as these Barkley Marathons.
