Race Analysis of the World’s Best Female and Male Marathon Runners

Abstract

Background: Beyond the difference in marathon performance when comparing female and male runners, we tested the hypothesis that running strategy does not different according to sex. The goal of the present study is to compare the running strategy between the best female and male marathon performances achieved in the last two years. Methods: Two aspects of the races were analyzed: (i) average speed relative to runner critical speed (CS) with its coefficient of variation and (ii) asymmetry and global tendency of race speed (i.e., the race’s Kendall τ ) . Results: The females’ best marathons were run at 97.6% ± 3% of CS for the new record (Brigid Kosgei, 2019) and at 96.1% ± 4.4% for the previous record (Paula Radcliffe, 2003). The best male performances (Eliud Kipchoge, 2018 and 2019) were achieved at a lower fraction of CS (94.7% ± 1.7% and 94.1% ± 2.3% in 2018 and 2019, respectively). Eliud Kipchoge (EK) achieved a significant negative split race considering the positive Kendall’s τ of pacing (i.e., time over 1 km) ( τ = 0.30; p = 0.007). Furthermore, EK ran more of the average distance below average speed (54% and 55% in 2018 and 2019, respectively), while female runners ran only at 46% below their average speed. Conclusions: The best female and male marathon performances were run differently considering speed time course (i.e., tendency and asymmetry), and fractional use of CS. In addition, this study shows a robust running strategy (or signature) used by EK in two different marathons. Improvement in marathon performance might depend on negative split and asymmetry for female runners, and on higher fractional utilization of CS for male runners.

Pacing profiles and tactical behaviors of elite runners

“… 57 Furthermore, research comparing the pacing strategies in men's and women's marathon world record performances since 1998 reveals that women adopted a more even pace (when paced by other women) whereas men displayed a more negative pace. 58 , 59 As with records set over shorter distances, this highlights that running at an even pace is most likely to result in the fastest finishing times and that such a pacing strategy is facilitated by favorable weather, a well-prepared pack of pacemakers and flat courses. Table 1 indicates the different observational studies used to conduct the current review.…”

Physiological demands of running at 2-hour marathon race pace

“…It appears that elite athletes run marathons at a mean speed that resides in the heavy-intensity domain, that is, above LT but below CS (22,30). Indeed, it has been calculated that elite distance runners are able to sustain a marathon race speed at $96% of CS when the latter is estimated using personal best performance times established over shorter race distances (22,31). Therefore, for a 2-hour marathon to be achievable, it is necessary for CS to occur at a minimum of 22 km/h.…”

Monitoramento da carga de treinamento na corrida: Aspectos fisiológicos e metodológicos na aplicabilidade prática desta modalidade

“…Dados recentes vêm demonstrando crescente número de adeptos nas corridas de rua (Billat et al, 2012) e este número pode ser maior nos seguintes anos. E mesmo que há uma significativa maioridade de praticantes amadores comparada com número de atletas profissionais, a busca pelo desempenho (melhor tempo de corrida) é notável entre os que são praticantes regulares (V. L. Billat, Vitiello, et al, 2020). Com isso, a demanda de treinos são maiores, os controles não acompanham e o riscos de lesões são aumentados, tanto para homens quanto para mulheres (van der Worp et al, 2015).…”