Middle- and long-distance running

It can be estimated that, at the elite level: the 800 m event requires the energetic equivalent of ~120% SO2max; the 1,500 m, 110% SO2max; the 3,000 m steeplechase, ~100% SO2max, the 5,000 m, ~96% SO2max; the 10,000 m, ~92% SO2max; and, the marathon, ~85% SO2max (Londeree, 1986). From this, it is clear that: anaerobic capacity becomes a progressively less important determinant of performance capability as the race distance increases; SO2max is an important determinant of success in all events, but perhaps particularly so at 1,500-5,000 m; and ‘sub-maximal’ physiological parameters such as running economy and lactate threshold/turn-point become progressively more important determinants of success when the race distance exceeds 5,000 m.