What do you think of these rankings? from The Best American Marathoners Ever

buraian Moderated by buraian

Or this lens?

I'd love to hear your feedback, particularly about the scoring system and the rankings. Hit me with any criticism you have and if I think it's valid, I'll try to modify the formula and update the scores.

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    DanMoriarity DanMoriarity Dec 13, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
    Great lens!! Very interesting and informative. Personally I think Bill Rodgers deserves to be higher, but otherwise I think your list is pretty accurate. Nice work!!
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    Brian Pitt Brian Pitt Aug 18, 2009 @ 11:38 pm
    You say Alberto Salazar was a sophomore at the University of Oregon when he won his first New York City Marathon in 1980 (Oct. 28th). Actually, he probably graduated 4-1/2 months before that marathon as he started there in the fall of 1976.
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    marathoner marathoner Apr 4, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
    I think you also have to look at who has had the most impact on due to their running. I would list Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, and Joan Samuelson at the top. They helped changed perceptions of what American runners could do.
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    Anon Anon Nov 14, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
    I love the idea, but you put too much weight on the Olympics. If your goal is to rank the best American marathoner the disparity between the Olympics and the Majors is too big. Often the fields are stronger and deeper at the Majors than at the Olympics since the Kenyans for example can only send 3 runners, this leaves out many of the top runners in the world. You would need to win 15 major marathons to cancel out one Olympic win, that seems a bit much. Same for the world championships. Also, I think its a mistake to not award points for top 10 performances in the Majors. If you are looking for the best American marathoner the criteria should be, speed, career longevity, performance in big races, rank at the time the race was run, not over all. If you were the best in the world 50 years ago, but your times don't compare to today it seems you are being penalized forthe era in which you ran. I don't necessarily disagree with your ranking, but I do think the methodology could be improved.
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    buraian buraian Jun 23, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
    Hi All,

    I've added a couple people to the list I overlooked the first time: Johnny Hayes and Leonard "Buddy" Edelen. Thanks to all for the feedback!

    Buraian
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    Amby Burfoot Amby Burfoot Jun 23, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
    Brian: I love your marathon ranking system. It's an objective approach that nonetheless gives top points to Championship victories. And I couldn't agree more with your number one ranking for Joan Benoit Samuelson. Thanks for this great contribution to Marathon lore.

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