Recent Improvements in Marathon Run Times Are Likely Technological, Not Physiological

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Athletic Performance

Background:

• World records in running events from 5km to the marathon have been consistently broken since 2016.
• This performance increase correlates with advancements in shoe technology, specifically carbon fibre plates (CFPs).
• Modern CFPs enhance running economy by over 4%, improving performance by more than 2%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of advanced shoe technology on athletic performance and the integrity of sport.
• To address concerns that technology, rather than athlete ability, is becoming the primary performance differentiator.
• To propose a regulatory adjustment to mitigate the influence of shoe technology on competitive outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of performance data in relation to the introduction and evolution of CFP shoe technology.
• Review of current World Athletics regulations on competition footwear, including sole thickness and plate limitations.
• Evaluation of the potential impact of a reduced sole thickness (20mm) on running economy and performance.

Main Results:

• CFP shoes demonstrably improve running economy and performance, contributing to numerous broken world records.
• Current regulations (40mm sole thickness, one plate) permit significant technological advantages.
• A 20mm sole height is suggested as a practical measure to limit the performance-enhancing effects of shoe technology.

Conclusions:

• The current trajectory of shoe technology threatens the credibility and essence of elite athletic competition.
• The reliance on technology as a performance differentiator is particularly problematic given industry sponsorships.
• Reducing sole thickness to 20mm offers a viable solution to rebalance the influence of technology versus athletic prowess.