Kinesiology, Vol. 56 No. 1, 2024.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.26582/k.56.1.13
Pacing strategies in men’s and women’s world record marathon performances and Olympic Games and World Championship’s winning performances
Arturo Casado
; Centre for Research in Sport Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
Luis Eduardo Ranieri
orcid.org/0000-0003-1319-3334
; Centre for Research in Sport Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
*
José J. Díaz
; Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Fitness Across Lifespan, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
Brian Hanley
orcid.org/0000-0001-7940-1904
; Carnegie School of Sports, Leeds Becket University, Leeds, United Kingdom
Carl Foster
; Department Exercise and Sports Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI, United States of America
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The aims of this study were to compare marathon pacing profiles between major championships winning races and world record (WR) races in men’s and women’s long-distance runners. Percentages of mean race speeds (%RS) for each 5 km section and last 2,195 m were compared between the latest 12 men’s and 8 women’s marathon WRs and the most recent 14 men’s and 14 women’s performances leading to either World Championship or Olympic Games (championships) gold medals, and between sexes in championships, through analysis of variance. Additionally, the coefficient of variation in pace (%CV) was compared through independent samples t-tests. %RS during the first 5 km was greater in WRs than championships in men (p=.010, d = 1.07), with a subsequent even pacing profile. More negative pacing profiles were adopted in championships than WRs in men (p<.001, d = 2.07). Women’s WR and championship performances were characterized by even and negative pacing profiles, with different %CV (p<.001, d = 1.89). Whereas marathon WRs are characterized by fast, even and sustained paces, slower paces and more negative pacing approaches with fast endspurts are adopted during winning major championship performances. These fast endspurts are specially used by women in championships.
Keywords
behavior; competition; endurance; running; tactics
Hrčak ID:
318307
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2024.
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