The 100-km ultra-marathon is a popular and traditional event in the world of running. Various scientific studies have delved into different aspects of the 100-km race, ranging from training methods, performance prediction, age-related performance decline, to the influence of race course characteristics. One crucial aspect that has been explored is the origin of the fastest 100-km ultra-marathoners, with varying conclusions over the years.
A recent study aimed to re-evaluate the origin of the fastest 100-km ultra-marathoners using a machine learning approach. The study also sought to identify the countries where the fastest 100-km races are held and explore the influence of race course characteristics, such as elevation changes and course types, on performance. The research hypothesized that elevation changes and race course characteristics could significantly impact race performance in 100-km ultra-marathons.
The study analyzed a vast dataset of over 858,000 race records from 317,000 unique runners across 80 different countries participating in 100-km races held between 1892 and 2022. The findings revealed that elevation was the most critical predictor of performance in 100-km ultra-marathons, surpassing factors such as gender, age group, and country of origin. Running on a track was found to be the fastest course type, followed by road, trail, and mountain running. Additionally, flat running was faster than running on hilly courses.
Interestingly, the study highlighted that the fastest athletes predominantly originated from African and Eastern European countries, with countries like Swaziland, Botswana, and Belarus producing some of the top performers. The research also noted that Africa, the Middle East, and Europe hosted the fastest 100-km races, with countries like Botswana, Qatar, and Belarus ranking high in terms of race speeds.
Overall, the study shed light on the significant influence of elevation and race course characteristics on 100-km ultra-marathon performance. By understanding these factors, athletes and coaches can make informed decisions when selecting races and optimizing performance strategies. The findings provide valuable insights for the ultra-running community and pave the way for further research into the culture and environmental influences on long-distance running events.
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