Wiswell, R. A., Jaque, S. V. Marcell, T. J., Hawkins, S. A., Tarpenning, K. M., Constantine, N., & Hyslop, D. M. (2000). Maximal aerobic power, lactate threshold, and running performance in master athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32, 1165-1170.

Master runners (M = 111; F = 57), who ran at least 10 miles per week for five or more years, served as Ss.

Males had significantly greater body mass, fat-free mass, and VO2max than females. Fat-free mass and VO2max declined with age in both genders. Running performance was significantly better for males but declined with age in both genders. Lactate threshold was significantly greater for males than females, and declined significantly with age in males. Lactate threshold expressed as a percentage of VO2max did not differ between genders and increased with age. VO2max was the strongest predictor of performance in both genders. Lactate threshold added to the predictability of 5- and 10-km running performance in females.

Implication. VO2max is the best predictor of running performance in master athletes of both genders.

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