Will a running shoe shave two minutes and 58 seconds off the marathon world record?
In the 1950s, the race for the four-minute mile put human limits in the headlines. Then, in the 1960s, the sub-10-second 100m held the world’s attention – before it fell, with a little help from the thin air in Mexico City. And now, ostensibly, we stand on the brink of the 1:59 marathon. I remain unconvinced that it is as imminent as some people want to believe – at least as a legitimate performance. Dennis Kimetto’s current world record, from 2014, stands at 2:02.57, which is a long way from 1:59.59. Three minutes to a four-hour marathoner? No problem. Three minutes to a 2:03 marathoner? Big problem!
WHY THE FUSS NOW?
When Kimetto set the current record, it was predicted that sports science and medicine would take an East African to the ‘promised land’ within five years. Which put the sub-two hour barrier in the spotlight.
Esta historia es de la edición April 2017 de Runner's World.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2017 de Runner's World.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
THE MIND OF MASSYN
IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.
TAKING CHARGE
OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.
