Effects of course design (curves and elevation undulations) on marathon running performance: a comparison of Breaking 2 in Monza and the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna

Eliud Kipchoge made two attempts to break the 2-hour marathon, in Monza and then Vienna. Here we analyse only the effects of course elevation profile and turn curvatures on his performances. We used publicly available data to determine the undulations in elevation and the radii of the curves on the course. With previously developed equations for the effects of velocity, slope, and curvature on oxygen uptake, we performed simulations to quantify how much the elevation changes and curves of the Vienna course affect a runner's oxygen uptake (at a fixed velocity) or velocity (at a fixed oxygen uptake). We estimate that, after the initial downhill benefit, the course led to an overall oxygen uptake penalty of only 0.03%. When compared to a perfectly level straight course, we estimate that the combined effects of the undulations and curves of the Vienna course incurred a penalty of just 1.37 seconds. Kipchoge ran 2:00:25 in Monza Italy. Comparison with the Monza course profile indicates a 46.2 second (1.09% oxygen uptake) advantage of Vienna's course while the fewer curves of Vienna contributed similar to 1 second. The Vienna course was very well-chosen because it minimized the negative effects of elevation changes and curves.

Automated summary

Kipchoge's performance in the Vienna marathon was influenced by the elevation profile and curvature of the course, resulting in minimized oxygen uptake penalties and ultimately a better performance. The Vienna course was strategically chosen to mitigate the negative effects of elevation changes and curves.