Who, among elite marathoners, past & present, has the fastest leg turnover?

Question

My vote goes to Hiromi Taniguchi & Joan Samuelson

Answer 1

Most elite marathoners in the world (both inside and outside of Kenya) have a leg turnover (stride) rate of 180 strides per minute, regardless of the runner's physical build or size. Incredibly, this is true for runners of any distance. It has been postulated that human physiology dictates that the 180 stride rate is the most efficient in terms of energy expenditure when running.

So, having the fastest leg turnover rate does not make a better runner. In fact, if it is too much faster than 180 strides per minute, it may make them a poorer runner.

That said, I like to think that either Paul Tergat or Paula Radcliffe has a natural stride rate of 180.1 strides per minute, 0.1 more than everyone else. :)

Answer 2

Alberto Salazar with his 27:30 10k and 2:07 marathon