Abstract
Background
Drafting is a common technique to reduce the drag experienced by elite runners on races, leading to faster finish times. The tactic has been successfully used in previous marathon world records.
In the 2023 Chicago Marathon, Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum broke the marathon record after a 2:00:35 finish. This feat is impressive considering the lack of use of drafting, despite the availability of two pacers for the majority of the race.
Methods
In this study, the drag faced by Kiptum and his pacers during the race is calculated by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The performance of each runner is evaluated from an energetic standpoint, and the analysis is extended to include more efficient drafting formations.
Results
Running in proper formations results in drag reductions in excess of 70% for the main runner. Our results indicate that, by properly using the advantages of drafting, Kiptum could have finished the race at a staggering 1:57:34, a full three minutes better than his own record and 215 s better than the previous world record.
Conclusion
Proper use of drafting does indeed improve the energetic performance of a runner, allowing for lower race times and potentially helping elite runners in breaking the 2-h barrier for a marathon.
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Data sharing statement
All relevant data are provided in the manuscript.
Abbreviations
- CFD:
-
Computational fluid dynamics
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Fernandes, G.D., Maldonado, V. The sub 2-h marathon is at hand: how Kelvin Kiptum can use drafting to improve his impressive world record. Eur J Appl Physiol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05458-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05458-7