Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners
| dc.contributor.advisor | Bosch, Andrew | |
| dc.contributor.author | Kruger, Viljee | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-02T10:20:42Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-02T10:20:42Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.date.updated | 2025-09-02T10:00:52Z | |
| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Limited information exists about the pacing patterns of elite and non-elite runners competing in the 56km Two Oceans Marathon. Objective: The main aim of the study was to establish and compare similarities and differences in pacing patterns between elite and non-elite male runners in the Two Oceans Marathon. Methods: Data was analysed from the Two Oceans Marathon database of finishers. Male participants across 10 races from 2007 – 2019 formed the sample group (N=25 315). The sample group was ordered fastest to slowest and subsequently divided into 8 groups (A-H) by merit of finishing times. Four timing segments (1-4) were recorded and used to calculate pace (in km/h) in each segment and mean race pace of each finisher. A Generalised Linear Mixed Effects Model (GLMM) analysis was used to examine the patterns of average pace change between groups. Results: A reduction in average pace was observed across all groups for the first three segments, with an increase in average pace for the final segment (p<0.0001). Pairwise comparison of change in pace between mean race pace across all four segments demonstrated that elite runners start the race more conservatively when compared to non- elite runners (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The findings demonstrated a parabolic type pacing pattern where elite runners demonstrated less pace variation, while non-elite runners displayed more pace variation. Non- elite runners completed the first half of the race substantially faster relative to their overall race pace. Results suggest that to achieve an optimal pacing pattern, non-elite runners should consider adopting a more realistic starting pace. | |
| dc.identifier.apacitation | Kruger, V. (2025). <i>Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners</i>. (). University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41678 | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.chicagocitation | Kruger, Viljee. <i>"Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners."</i> ., University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 2025. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41678 | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.citation | Kruger, V. 2025. Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners. . University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41678 | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.ris | TY - Thesis / Dissertation AU - Kruger, Viljee AB - Introduction: Limited information exists about the pacing patterns of elite and non-elite runners competing in the 56km Two Oceans Marathon. Objective: The main aim of the study was to establish and compare similarities and differences in pacing patterns between elite and non-elite male runners in the Two Oceans Marathon. Methods: Data was analysed from the Two Oceans Marathon database of finishers. Male participants across 10 races from 2007 – 2019 formed the sample group (N=25 315). The sample group was ordered fastest to slowest and subsequently divided into 8 groups (A-H) by merit of finishing times. Four timing segments (1-4) were recorded and used to calculate pace (in km/h) in each segment and mean race pace of each finisher. A Generalised Linear Mixed Effects Model (GLMM) analysis was used to examine the patterns of average pace change between groups. Results: A reduction in average pace was observed across all groups for the first three segments, with an increase in average pace for the final segment (p<0.0001). Pairwise comparison of change in pace between mean race pace across all four segments demonstrated that elite runners start the race more conservatively when compared to non- elite runners (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The findings demonstrated a parabolic type pacing pattern where elite runners demonstrated less pace variation, while non-elite runners displayed more pace variation. Non- elite runners completed the first half of the race substantially faster relative to their overall race pace. Results suggest that to achieve an optimal pacing pattern, non-elite runners should consider adopting a more realistic starting pace. DA - 2025 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - Pacing pattern KW - pacing strategy KW - pacing profile KW - ultra-marathon, variability LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PB - University of Cape Town PY - 2025 T1 - Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners TI - Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41678 ER - | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41678 | |
| dc.identifier.vancouvercitation | Kruger V. Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners. []. University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 2025 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41678 | en_ZA |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.language.rfc3066 | eng | |
| dc.publisher.department | Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | |
| dc.publisher.faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences | |
| dc.publisher.institution | University of Cape Town | |
| dc.subject | Pacing pattern | |
| dc.subject | pacing strategy | |
| dc.subject | pacing profile | |
| dc.subject | ultra-marathon, variability | |
| dc.title | Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners | |
| dc.type | Thesis / Dissertation | |
| dc.type.qualificationlevel | Masters | |
| dc.type.qualificationlevel | Masters |