How Biomechanical Improvements in Running Economy

Authors: Wouter Hoogkamer Rodger Kram Christopher J Arellano

Publish Date: 2017/03/03

Volume: 47, Issue: 9, Pages: 1739-1750

PDF Link

Abstract

A sub2hour marathon requires an average velocity 586 m/s that is 25 faster than the current world record of 020257 572 m/s and could be accomplished with a 27 reduction in the metabolic cost of running Although supporting body weight comprises the majority of the metabolic cost of running targeting the costs of forward propulsion and leg swing are the most promising strategies for reducing the metabolic cost of running and thus improving marathon running performance Here we calculate how much time could be saved by taking advantage of unconventional drafting strategies a consistent tailwind a downhill course and specific running shoe design features while staying within the current International Association of Athletic Federations regulations for record purposes Specifically running in shoes that are 100 g lighter along with secondhalf scenarios of four runners alternately leading and drafting or a tailwind of 60 m/s combined with a 42m elevation drop could result in a time well below the 2hour marathon barrierWouter Hoogkamer and Christopher Arellano have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this review Rodger Kram is a paid consultant to Nike Inc which is engaged in a sub2hour marathon project The views expressed in this manuscript do not represent those of Nike Inc

Keywords: