Training volume and personal best time in marathon, not anthropometric parameters, are associated with performance in male 100-km ultrarunners

J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Mar;24(3):604-9. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c7b406.

Abstract

We investigated the relation between selected anthropometric and training variables and the personal best time in a marathon with total race time in 66 Caucasian male nonprofessional ultrarunners in a 100-km run. In the multiple linear regression analysis, the average weekly training volume in kilometers (r2 = 0.224, p < 0.01) and the personal best time in a marathon (r2 = 0.334, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with total race time, whereas no anthropometric variable was related to race performance (p > 0.05). We conclude that high training volume and a fast time in a marathon were more important for a fast race time in male 100-km runners than any of the determined anthropometric variables.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / physiology
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Body Height / physiology
  • Body Mass Index
  • Humans
  • Leg / anatomy & histology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Education and Training
  • Running / education
  • Running / physiology*
  • Time Factors