Biological and Race Strategy Characteristics Investigated in Elite Endurance Track Running: A Systematic Review.

backgroundUnderstanding biological and race strategy characteristics of endurance track runners competing at benchmark events provides high-performance athletics programmes and coaches with valuable insight into what is required to succeed.

objectivesThe aim of this systematic review was to identify biological and race strategy characteristics investigated in elite able-bodied endurance track runners (Aim 1) and, where examined, highlight whether these characteristics could differentiate performance success within this elite cohort (Aim 2).

methodsFor this systematic review, searches across EBSCOhost (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete and SPORTDiscus), Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science were completed until May 2023. Searches also involved World Athletics Research Centre, New Studies in Athletics, handsearching and scanning of reference lists of included studies. Eligible studies were required to be published in English and have investigated performance-related biological or race strategy characteristics among senior able-bodied endurance track runners (800-10,000 m) capable of competing at benchmark events. Risk of bias of included studies was evaluated based on Sarmento et al.'s 16-item checklist. The review separated middle-distance runners (MDR) and long-distance runners (LDR), to account for the differing performance demands of these event groups. Studies were considered to address Aim 2 if they assessed for statistical associations between athlete characteristics and overall performance (e.g. race time) or compared characteristics between athletes with different competitive results (e.g. medallists and non-medallists).

resultsThirty-nine articles were included in this review, with 23 and 21 of these articles relevant to MDR and LDR, respectively. The most commonly reported characteristics were related to anthropometry (7 studies for MDR and LDR), biomechanics (7 studies for LDR), pacing (9 and 10 studies for MDR and LDR, respectively), qualification pattern (6 studies for MDR) and benchmark performance relative to athlete history (9 and 7 studies for MDR and LDR, respectively). However, the diversity of biological characteristics investigated and the generally small sample sizes makes it difficult to define an optimal biological profile for elite endurance runners. In contrast, race strategy characteristics investigated often included larger sample sizes providing a better understanding, especially in relation to pacing and for middle-distance events qualification patterns. Further, studies investigating whether characteristics differentiate performance among elite endurance track runners indicate that the most successful runners consistently demonstrate superior finishing ability. This is reflected in faster speeds during at least one 100-m segment of the final 400 m of the race and the ability to complete the final segments of the race at a pace close to, or faster than, their season best or 32-month best performance. In long distance events, better performance was associated with faster personal best times across the previous 32 months, indicating that having a high-ranking recent best time may be a prerequisite for succeeding at benchmark events. Faster 10,000-m runners had lower body mass and smaller arm and calf circumferences, suggesting a potential advantage of having lower non-functional mass. In middle distance events, success was associated with achieving superior qualification positions in the heats and semi-final, highlighting the importance of tactical positioning and efficient progression through qualification rounds. Faster male 800-m runners had a technique characterised by longer contact times and more compliant spring mechanics which may allow athletes to maintain or elevate speed during the sprint finish.

conclusionBiological and race strategy characteristics that profile elite endurance track runners and that, in several studies, showed association with performance success were discussed. These findings may assist high-performance athletics programmes and coaches in informing athlete development and investment. However, further research is required to establish a more holistic understanding of the biological profile of elite endurance track athletes and to determine which biological and race strategy characteristics may differentiate performance reliably among these elite runners.