Until recently, it was thought that maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) was elicited only in middle-distance events and not the sprint or marathon distances. We tested the hypothesis that VO_2max can be elicited in both the sprint and marathon distances and that the fraction of time spent at VO_2max is not significantly different between distances. Methods: Seventy-eight well-trained males (mean [SD] age: 32 [13]; weight: 73 [9] kg; height: 1.80 [0.8] m) performed the University of Montreal Track Test using a portable respiratory gas sampling system to measure a baseline VO_2max. Each participant ran one or two different distances (100 m, 200 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, 10 km or marathon) in which they are specialists. Results: VO_2max was elicited and sustained in all distances tested. The time limit (Tlim) at VO_2max on a relative scale of the total time (Tlim at VO_2max%Ttot) during the sprint, middle-distance, and 1500 m was not significantly different (p > 0.05). The relevant time spent at VO_2max was only a factor for performance in the 3000 m group, where the Tlim at VO_2max%Ttot was the highest (51.4 [18.3], r = 0.86, p = 0.003). Conclusions: By focusing on the solicitation of VO_2max, we demonstrated that the maintenance of VO_2max is possible in the sprint, middle, and marathon distances.

Exercise physiologists and coaches prescribe heart rate zones (between 65 and 80% of maximal heart rate, HR_max) during a marathon because it supposedly represents specific metabolic zones and the percentage of $\dot{V}$O_2max below the lactate threshold. The present study tested the hypothesis that the heart rate does not reflect the oxygen uptake of recreational runners during a marathon and that this dissociation would be more pronounced in the lower performers’ group (>4 h). While wearing a portable gas exchange system, ten male endurance runners performed an incremental test on the road to determine $\dot{V}$O_2max, HR_max, and anaerobic threshold. Two weeks later, the same subjects ran a marathon with the same device for measuring the gas exchanges and HR continuously. The %HR_max remained stable after the 5th km (between 88% and 91%, p = 0.27), which was not significantly different from the %HR_max at the ventilatory threshold (89 ± 4% vs. 93 ± 6%, p = 0.12). However, the %$\dot{V}$O_2max and percentage of the speed associated with $\dot{V}$O_2max decreased during the marathon (81 ± 5 to 74 ± 5 %$\dot{V}$O_2max and 72 ± 9 to 58 ± 14 %v$\dot{V}$O_2max, p < 0.0001). Hence, the ratio between %HR_max and %$\dot{V}$O_2max increased significantly between the 5th and the 42nd km (from 1.01 to 1.19, p = < 0.001). In conclusion, pacing during a marathon according to heart rate zones is not recommended. Rather, learning about the relationship between running sensations during training and racing using RPE is optimal.

Marathon running leaves a significant carbon footprint regarding CO₂ emissions; for example, 37 percent of New York Marathon participants travel internationally to New York. The aim of this study is to estimate the CO₂ footprint of a person training and competing in a marathon; we will also propose methods to minimize the CO₂ footprint because of transportation. In addition, we also examine the influence of food practices and hygiene on training and racing a marathon. Methods: We estimated the annual carbon footprint of one person taking part in a marathon. We considered all training, racing, and travelling (local and international) for one person (we are going to give him the first name of “Henri”), and then compared his CO₂ footprint with his colleagues playing tennis and soccer. The excess CO₂ footprint whilst running and for shoes, clothing, books, magazines, insurance, travel, hygiene, laundry, and resources for electronics and additional food consumed were calculated. For competitions, we estimated and compared the CO₂ emission from transportation to national vs. international marathon (New York). Results: We estimated that our runner emitted 4.3 tons of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e), including all greenhouse gases. A transatlantic flight to New York corresponded to 3.5 tons CO₂, which is 83% of the annual carbon footprint of an average French citizen which is about 11 tons CO₂e/year. This leads to a sudden 40% increase in Henri’s annual carbon footprint. Conclusions: By focusing on the additional carbon footprint from one year of marathon training and racing, and traveling locally versus internationally, this sport still has a potentially significant carbon footprint that runners and race organizers ought to consider. We wanted to answer a growing question of marathon runners who are wondering about the carbon footprint of their sports practice in following with a new environmentalist trend that considers not traveling anymore to participate in marathons and to stay local. However, the representativeness in the selection of calculation objectives is very low. There is no need for statistics since this study is a theoretical simulation of traditional training and competition practices of marathon runners.