Special endurance coefficients enable the evaluation of running performance

Area of Science:

• Sports Science and Biomechanics
• Human Physiology
• Athletic Performance Analysis

Background:

• Running performance depends on speed and endurance, with pace declining as distance increases.
• Existing models explain pace decline but lack validated measures for pace variability.
• Normative data for pace decline across standard track distances are incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel metric, the coefficient of special endurance (KsA), for quantifying relative pace loss.
• To establish statistically validated norms for pace decline in male runners across standard track distances.
• To provide a tool for evaluating running performance, individualizing training, and identifying talent.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of over 14,000 race times from competitive male runners.
• Introduction of the coefficient of special endurance (KsA) to quantify pace loss between adjacent race distances (100/200m to 5000/10,000m).
• Empirical derivation of KsA values and establishment of reference ranges.

Main Results:

• KsA values remained nearly constant over decades for national runners, exhibiting low variability.
• KsA accurately predicts race times with less than one percent error.
• Derived KsA values serve as statistical norms for pace loss from 100m to 10,000m.

Conclusions:

• The coefficient of special endurance (KsA) is a reliable and statistically validated metric for evaluating running performance.
• KsA-based reference ranges enable performance evaluation from international to regional levels.
• This approach offers insights for training individualization, talent identification, and development, with potential applicability to female, junior, and road runners.