Koscki, A. M., & Faria, I. E. (2005). The relationship between fat oxidation and marathon running performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 158.

Male marathon runners (N = 12) performed submaximal and maximal incremental treadmill tests.

Marathon time was significantly related % VO2max at the rate of maximal fat oxidation and speed at rate of minimal fat oxidation. Speed at minimal fat oxidation was related to marathon pace. Generally, optimal marathon performance is related to the ability to maintain fat oxidation rates during high intensity exercise. In races, good marathoners maintain a pace slightly below the minimal fat oxidation pace. Both minimal and maximal fat oxidation rates discriminate among finishing times in a homogenous group of runners.

Implication. The ability to use fat as fuel is important for marathon running.

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