Kinesiology, Vol. 58 No. 1, 2026.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.26582/k.58.1.10
Estimating the association between body composition and half marathon running time of tier 1-3 runners: A cross-sectional study
Franjo Lovrić
; University of Mostar, Faculty of Science and Education, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Karla Šitić
; University of Split, Faculty of Kinesiology, Split, Croatia
Luka Androja
orcid.org/0000-0002-0546-6972
; University of Split, Faculty of Kinesiology, Split, Croatia
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* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
This study investigated the association between body composition parameters and half marathon running performance in a sample of 193 runners classified in tiers 1-3. Participants were measured for body fat percentage, muscle mass, visceral fat, body mass index, total body water, and bone mass using a bioimpedance analyser one day before the official race. The running time in minutes was recorded after the race. Descriptive statistics revealed a wide range of body composition and performance values, reflecting the heterogeneity of the examined runners. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictive value of the body composition variables on running time. The model, which included six body composition parameters, explained almost 83% of the variance in half-marathon running time (R²=0.834), with body fat percentage emerging as the only significant predictor (β=0.193, p=.002). Higher body fat percentage was associated with longer running times, while other parameters did not reach statistical significance. The reduction in the Root Mean Square Error relative to the baseline model confirmed the improved prediction accuracy when other body composition measures were included. These findings highlight the importance of body composition, especially body fat percentage, in endurance performance. The results can help coaches and sports professionals optimize training and monitor body composition to enhance athletic performance in runners.
Ključne riječi
anthropometry; running time; endurance; runners
Hrčak ID:
348330
URI
Datum izdavanja:
30.6.2026.
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