Category: Races
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The 10 Most Iconic Running Races in the World
Running races have been a fundamental part of sports for centuries, offering athletes an opportunity to test their limits, showcase their skill, and achieve personal milestones. Across the globe, some races have built a legacy that stretches far beyond the finish line, drawing top athletes and spectators alike. Among these, the most iconic races stand…
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Pacing Strategies for Race Day: How to Avoid Starting Too Fast or Too Slow
On race day, one of the most important aspects of ensuring a successful performance is pacing. Whether you’re running a short 5K or tackling a marathon, getting the pacing right can make or break your race. Many runners struggle with maintaining an optimal pace, either starting too fast and burning out early or holding back…
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Top 10 Fastest Road Races in History: A Statistical Breakdown
Road races have long captivated audiences worldwide. From classic marathons to shorter, fast-paced events, elite runners consistently break barriers and set new records. This article highlights the fastest times ever recorded in road races and analyzes the factors contributing to these impressive feats, including course conditions, athlete profiles, and training techniques. The Evolution of Speed…
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National Records – 5000 Meters Outdoor Track
The 5000 meters is a middle-distance track event that tests an athlete’s endurance, speed, and strategic pacing. As one of the most widely contested distances in outdoor track and field, it demands not only physical prowess but also mental focus to maintain a consistent and efficient pace over 12.5 laps. This article examines the national…
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Measuring Trail Courses Using GPS Technology
Accurately measuring trail running courses has historically been a challenging task, particularly on rugged and mountainous terrain. However, the advent of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has made it easier for runners to obtain precise distances, even on challenging courses. In the Tucson Trail Run Series (TTRS), for example, runners now have the ability to…
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On the Effects of Wind on Road Performances
About two decades ago, I developed a model showing that runners could benefit from a tailwind on courses where the starting and finishing points were more than 30% apart from each other, relative to the race distance. This model became the basis for the current USA regulation, which defines a road race course as “point-to-point”…
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The IAAF Takes a Giant Step Backwards
The IAAF has made its recent decisions on world road records, focusing on a few key criteria. Out of the eight rules detailed, two seem reasonable. The first is that the course must be measured by an “A” or “B” IAAF/AIMS approved measurer. The second is that the course must not have an elevation drop…