The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning is the only academic journal in S&C and Sport Science to be 'Diamond' Open Access. We have recently published a new article by Manuel, G., & Lance, B. (2024). titled, "Use of Critical Speed Models from World Record Data to Estimate Limits of Human Ultra-Endurance Running Performance"
Abstract
Ultra-endurance running (>42.2km) has increased in popularity in recent years and elite finish times continue to improve. Models of Critical Speed (CS) - the highest speed which can be maintained without fatigue - are routinely developed from short training distances to predict limits of performance in endurance events such as the marathon.
Purpose: To model critical speed (CS) from current world record data to estimate limits of ultra-endurance running performance in males (M) and females (F).
Methods: Current world record running performances from distances between 100m and 42.2km were used to develop two models of CS. A linear regression model used slope and y-intercept to estimate CS and finite anaerobic running distance (D’), respectively. Additionally, a curvilinear relationship between average speed and running distance was developed to estimate average speed at a given running distance.
Results: For F, CS was determined to be 5.26 m∙s-1 and D’ was 317.86 m. For M, CS was 5.82 m∙s-1 and D’ was 345.48 m. This model predicted average speed from current world records could be maintained for 11.5% (M, 50km) to 68.3% (F, 24h run) greater distance. The curvilinear decay relationship between average speed and running distance underestimated average speed at 42.2km for both M and F, yet predicted 1.7% (M, 50km) to 28.2% (F, 24h run) greater average speed for ultra-endurance races.
Conclusions: Current world records for ultra-endurance running are likely lesser than the physiological limits of humans and the magnitude of this effect increases with greater race distance.
Click the link below to read the full article:
Use of Critical Speed Models from World Record Data to Estimate Limits of Human Ultra-Endurance Running Performance | International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (iusca.org)
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