Catherine Ndereba

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Catherine Ndereba's career is a masterclass in consistency and longevity. She is the only woman to finish in the top two at five consecutive global championship marathons from 2003 to 2008. The Chicago Tribune named her the greatest women's marathoner of all time, a rare accolade for any athlete. Her world record in 2001 stood as a benchmark for years, and her four Boston Marathon wins place her among the most successful runners in the race's history. She paved the way for Kenyan women in athletics, proving that mental toughness could conquer the world's toughest courses.

AwardsCatherine Ndereba is one of the most decorated female marathoners in history. She won two World Championship gold medals (2003, 2007) and two Olympic silver medals (2004, 2008). Her marathon resume includes four Boston Marathon titles (2000, 2001, 2004, 2005) and two Chicago Marathon victories (2000, 2001). She set the women's marathon world record in 2001, a mark that stood for over a year.

Honours & Distinctions

National Hero of Kenya

Government of Kenya·2008

Recognized for paving the way for female distance runners and bringing honor to the nation.

Mandela Marathon Ambassador

Nelson Mandela Foundation·2024

Unveiled as an ambassador for the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon alongside Paul Tergat.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest Women's Marathoners of All Time

Chicago Tribune·2008

#27

Most Famous People from Kenya

iFANN Global Fame Rankings·2026

Magazine Covers

Runner's World

2001-10-15

The New Queen of Distance Running

The Kenya Times

2004-08-28

Ndereba's Silver Glory

Records & Feats

First Woman Under 2:19

World Record·2001

Became the first woman in history to run a marathon in under two hours and nineteen minutes.

Five Consecutive Top-Two Finishes

Career Milestone·2008

Finished in the top two at five consecutive global championship marathons (2003-2008).