Pacing in Long-Distance Running: Sex and Age Differences in 10-km Race and Marathon

Abstract

Background and objective: The recent availability of data from mass-participation running events has allowed researchers to examine pacing from the perspective of non-elite distance runners. Based on an extensive analysis of the literature, we concluded that no study utilizing mass-participation events data has ever directly compared pacing in the 10-km race, with other long-distance races. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess and compare pacing between 10-km runners and marathoners, in regards to their sex and age. Materials and methods: For the purpose of this study, official results from the Oslo marathon (n = 8828) and 10-km race (n = 16,315) held from 2015 to 2018 were included. Results: Both 10-km runners and marathoners showed positive pacing strategies. Moreover, two-way analysis of variance showed that women were less likely to slow in the marathon than men (9.85% in comparison to 12.70%) however, not in the 10-km race (3.99% in comparison to 3.38%). Finally, pace changing is more prominent in youngest and oldest marathoners comparing to the other age groups (12.55% in comparison to 10.96%). Conclusions: Based on these findings, practitioners should adopt different training programmes for marathoners in comparison to shorter long-distance runners.

Keywords: endurance; health; marathoners; recreation; running.

Figure 1

Women’s (upper panel) and men’s (lower panel) running time in the first and second half of 10-km race and marathon. Data showed as mean ± standard deviation. **—Significant differences at p < 0.01.

Figure 2

Pace change in 10-km race and marathon for women and men. Data showed as mean ± standard deviation. **—Significant differences at p < 0.01.

Figure 3

Pace change in 10-km race and marathon for women’s (upper panel) and men’s (lower panel) age groups. Data showed as mean ± standard deviation. **—Significant differences at p < 0.01.