Study What Connects Marathon World Records with Space Technology

Heriot-Watt University and Synopsys show in a study that elite marathon runners could shorten their target time by up to 40 seconds through optimized running formations and aerodynamic strategies. Under the right conditions, it would even be possible to beat the recently broken mark of under two hours.

For the analysis, the researchers digitally modelled the runners with Ansys Discovery, a software for the rapid design and optimization of designs, and simulated their aerodynamic behaviour with Ansys Fluent, a tool for precise flow calculations. Supplementary wind tunnel tests served as a reality check to compare the simulations with real measurement data. In this way, they were able to show that air resistance plays a much greater role in long-distance running than previously assumed. The results contradict the previous assumption that aerodynamics are only relevant at high speeds and show that an optimized airflow also enables measurable energy savings in long-distance running.

Reduce Drag by up to 90 Percent in the Slipstream

The study shows that runners achieve the greatest aerodynamic benefit when they adopt the right position within a group. Those who do not run alone, but instead position themselves cleverly in a well-organized group, can reduce air resistance by up to 90 percent - and thus significantly reduce energy expenditure.Even if it sounds paradoxical at first: even the top runners benefit from those behind them. The athletes following close behind push the air forwards and thus take the pressure off the leader - an effect that is well known in cycling but has been underestimated in long-distance running until now. Depending on your position in the field, even running in the slipstream can bring noticeable advantages: Running close behind other athletes saves up to 20 to 30 seconds in the marathon. Combined with other aerodynamic optimizations, the finish time can even be shortened by 30 to 40 seconds under realistic racing conditions.

Clothing and Hairstyle Still Play a Role

The study combines formation tactics with existing aerodynamic findings and adds a new model for long-distance running. The result: if you wear tight-fitting clothing, style your hair to optimize airflow or use aerodynamic headgear, you can reduce air resistance - and thus gain five to ten seconds, depending on the situation. Even if these individual effects appear marginal at first glance, the researchers make their relevance clear: in elite marathons, seconds often make the difference between winning and losing. The potential is correspondingly great when several aerodynamic improvements add up.

What This Means for Runners of All Levels

The results are not only important for top athletes aiming for historic records, but also for recreational runners. This is confirmed by the study:

Run together: If you stay in a group, you benefit from the slipstream and save energy. One behind the other instead of next to each other: A row formation reduces air resistance for everyone involved. Divide your energy: Running in a group for longer conserves your reserves for the decisive final phase.

About the Study

The study, led by Professor Bert Blocken from Heriot-Watt University, is the first to simulate and experimentally test the aerodynamics of marathon running groups of up to 45 athletes. Using Synopsys simulation and analysis software, the team examined more than 24 different running formations. These included varying distances, lateral arrangements, mixed groups of men and women and staggered formations. In order to ensure proximity to practice, the team checked the simulations with wind tunnel tests at two independent locations. In this way, the calculated flow patterns were to represent real running conditions as accurately as possible.