World Single Age Records
This section lists the fastest performances for each single age and for each of the standard distances, as known to ADR. Performances are subject to the same standards as listing for national records plus the additional requirement that the runner's date of birth (as well as the race date) must be known. These are required to be able to document the runner's exact age at the time of the performance. Single age records that meet the ARRS qualifying standards may be expected to be fairly reliable. At older (and younger) ages, the best marks known to ARRS are listed.
The IAAF does not ratify or maintain world single age records. The USATF does not have jurisdiction over world records and does not ratify single age records altho the USATF maintains such lists for the USA. These records should be identified as ARRS recognized world records.
Road Records
Record quality performances are those made on standard (loop) courses that are believed to be accurate. Marks made on point-to-point courses, defined as those courses whose start and finish lie more than 30% of the race distance apart and/or whose drop exceeds 1 meter per kilometer are not included.
Indoor Track Records
Marks achieved on indoor tracks of 200 meters or less are included. Times to hundredths of seconds are auto-times; times to tenths of seconds are hand times.
5000 meters
Outdoor Track Records
Times to hundredths of seconds are auto-times; times to tenths of seconds are hand times.
Contributors: Marty Post, Hans Dahlen, John Falvey, Dominique Eisold, Alex Wilson, Mick McGeoch, Juraj Gasparovic, David Blum