Comparative Effect of Fartlek Training and Sand Running on the Performance of Long-Distance Runners

This study compared the effects of fartlek training and sand running on cardiovascular endurance in male long-distance athletes. Forty-five inter-college male athletes from Utkal University, aged 18 to 22 years, were randomly assigned to three groups of 15 each: Experimental Group I (fartlek training), Experimental Group II (sand running), and a control group. All participants completed a pre-test and post-test using Cooper's 12-minute run/walk test. The two experimental groups trained for six weeks on alternate days, three sessions per week, while the control group did not receive special training. The data were analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at the 0.05 level of significance. Both training programmes produced significant improvement from pre-test to post-test. The adjusted post-test means also showed significant overall group differences. Post-hoc comparison indicated that both experimental groups outperformed the control group, whereas the difference between fartlek training and sand running was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that both methods are effective for improving cardiovascular endurance over a six-week period, and that neither method demonstrated clear superiority within the duration of the study.