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Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners
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 t...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English English |
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Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
2025
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| _version_ | 1867614285006372864 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Kruger, Viljee |
| author2 | Bosch, Andrew |
| author_browse | Bosch, Andrew Kruger, Viljee |
| author_facet | Bosch, Andrew Kruger, Viljee |
| author_sort | Kruger, Viljee |
| collection | Thesis |
| description | 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. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/41678 |
| institution | University of Cape Town (South Africa) |
| language | English eng |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:49:36.562Z |
| license_str | Not specified — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences |
| publisherStr | Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository |
| spelling | oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/41678 Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners Kruger, Viljee Bosch, Andrew Pacing pattern pacing strategy pacing profile ultra-marathon, variability 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. 2025-09-02T10:20:42Z 2025-09-02T10:20:42Z 2025 2025-09-02T10:00:52Z Thesis / Dissertation Masters Masters http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41678 en eng application/pdf Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences University of Cape Town |
| spellingShingle | Pacing pattern pacing strategy pacing profile ultra-marathon, variability Kruger, Viljee Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners |
| thesis_degree_str | Master's |
| title | Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners |
| title_full | Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners |
| title_fullStr | Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners |
| title_full_unstemmed | Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners |
| title_short | Racing patterns of elite and non-elite male Two Oceans marathon runners |
| title_sort | racing patterns of elite and non elite male two oceans marathon runners |
| topic | Pacing pattern pacing strategy pacing profile ultra-marathon, variability |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41678 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT krugerviljee racingpatternsofeliteandnonelitemaletwooceansmarathonrunners |