7-Year-Old Sets Half-Marathon Age Record for Second Year — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Tom Black, a 7-year-old runner, completed the Nashville Half Marathon in 1:39:48, setting a new age record. His father, Kyle, ran alongside, finishing one second behind. Tom averaged 7:37 per mile on the hilly course, surpassing 2,100 runners.
Last year, aged 6, Tom ran the same course in 1:50:52, breaking the previous record by 16 minutes. This year, he improved by another 11 minutes, finishing 20 minutes ahead of the average men’s time. The course, with over 750 feet of elevation change, is considered difficult. Read more culture coverage.
Tom’s times are measured against the world single-age list by the Association of Road Racing Statisticians. His latest time is 3:48 under the age 7 boys’ record. Despite concerns from some, Tom’s pediatrician approves his running activities. Related: Celebrity Finish Times Revealed at 2026 New York City Marathon.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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What should runners know about 7-Year-Old Sets Half-Marathon Age Record for Second Year?
Tom Black from Brentwood, Tennessee, breaks his own record with a 1:39:48 finish. Tom Black, a 7-year-old runner, completed the Nashville Half Marathon in 1:39:48, setting a new age record. His father, Kyle, ran alongside, finishing one second behind. Tom averaged 7:37 per mile on the hilly course, surpassing 2,100 runners.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on November 7, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated November 7, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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