Age is just a number, they say, but Alexander Rogoten, a 55-year-old amateur runner from Russia, has taken this phrase to a whole new level. At an age when many are winding down their athletic pursuits, Alexander did the unthinkable — he not only ran the Berlin Marathon but also set a new world record in the 55+ category, clocking an incredible 2:24:05. The runner-up, Tom Roger Vege-Tangen from Norway, finished more than 10 minutes behind Alexander. This time shattered the previous record of 2:25:56, held since 1986 by Piet van Alphen from the Netherlands.
Before this, if anyone remembers, Rogoten made his mark at the Limassol Half Marathon this past April. He took first place in the 50–54 age group, setting a personal best with a time of 1:11:08.
At the same time, he doesn’t keep track of his weight or follow any special diets. The only thing he does is switch to eating only grains, fruits, and vegetables about a month to a month and a half before a planned race.
According to Alexander, since he is his own coach, his race preparation is based solely on how he feels, relying more on intuition than on physical sensations. He tries not to set any time goals for completing a marathon distance, avoiding the pressure of having to achieve a specific result.
“I’ve completely removed the concept of ‘must perform’ from my life,” Rogoten shared. “This frees me from unnecessary psychological pressure. I just run for my own enjoyment.”
But what makes Rogoten’s story even more extraordinary is the fact that he only started running at the age of 45, and his first marathon finish back then was a respectable but far less remarkable 3:11:33. Fast forward a decade, and Alexander is not just finishing races — he’s rewriting the history books.
Dubbed the “Russian Benjamin Button” for seemingly turning back the clock with each passing year, Alexander’s journey is one of perseverance, late-life discovery, and an unyielding passion for self-improvement. His story proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams or break world records. At 55, Rogoten isn’t slowing down; if anything, he’s just getting started.