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Published on: November 9, 2018
The two-hour marathon: who and when?
M J Joyner1, J R Ruiz, A Lucia
1Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. joyner.michael@mayo.edu
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|August 7, 2010
Summary
Breaking the 2-hour marathon barrier requires exceptional running economy and a small physique, often developed through early high-altitude exposure and intense training. While East Africans are favored, historical running dominance shows regional variations are common.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Achieving elite marathon times, such as breaking the 2-hour barrier, is influenced by multiple physiological and environmental factors.
- Historical analysis reveals periods of regional dominance in distance running, suggesting that specific geographic or genetic factors may play a role.
- Understanding the interplay of factors like VO2max, running economy, body size, and environmental exposures is crucial for elite performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the physiological and environmental prerequisites for achieving sub-2-hour marathon times.
- To examine the historical context of regional dominance in elite distance running.
- To identify knowledge gaps concerning the relationships between maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), running economy, body composition, and metabolic/thermoregulatory responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on elite marathon runners and physiological performance metrics.
- Analysis of historical trends in distance running performance across different regions.
- Identification of key physiological variables (e.g., VO2max, running economy, body size) relevant to extreme endurance performance.
Main Results:
- Outstanding running economy and small body size are likely characteristics of runners breaking 2 hours.
- Early life exposure to high altitude and significant physical activity are probable contributing factors.
- No single factor or genotype appears obligatory, and historical regional dominance in running is a recurring phenomenon.
Conclusions:
- While East Africans are currently favored to break the 2-hour marathon, physiological research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions influencing this feat.
- Further investigation into the links between VO2max, running economy, body size, thermoregulation, and fuel utilization is warranted.
- Understanding these physiological underpinnings can inform training and talent identification for future endurance athletes.
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