High VO2 Max + Efficient Running Helps Elite Athletes Run Sub-2 Hour Marathon

Article title: Physiological demands of running at 2-hour marathon race pace

Authors: Andrew M. Jones, Brett S. Kirby, Ida E. Clark, Hannah M. Rice, Elizabeth Fulkerson, Lee J. Wylie, Daryl P. Wilkerson, Anni Vanhatalo, Brad W. Wilkins

From the authors: “In this study, we present the physiological test data of some of the world’s best male distance runners which were collected as part of Nike’s ‘Breaking 2’ marathon project. This study makes several novel contributions to our understanding of the physiology of elite-level marathon running.”

This study is highlighted as one of January’s “best of the best” as part of the American Physiological Society’s APSselect program.