The athletes ranked here will have achieved the following, scored more than 100 points in the Time-to-Run scoring system as well as achieved at least 4 out of the criteria listed at the end of the points scoring system.

The criteria consists of the following: their performances will be broken down to see their achievements at Championship level as well as their personal best time, whether they won at different venues as well as their performance as barrier breakers or world record holders. The most important is that the athlete can win on two different courses against good competition.

This ranking system is aimed mainly at the modern era from the 80`s onwards, however we shall rank the greats before the 80's according to their achievements.