Análise de pacing na maratona olímpica de Paris 2024

Abstract

Pacing, defined as the distribution of effort throughout a race, is a key variable for performance in long-distance running. This study aimed to analyze the pacing strategies adopted by male athletes in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, also considering speed variability across different performance levels. Data provided by World Athletics through the “Official Results Book” were used. The 71 finishers were divided into tertiles (T1: fastest; T2: intermediate; T3: slowest). Variables such as average, minimum, and maximum speed, as well as amplitude and variability (standard deviation and coefficient of variation), were calculated. Segments every 5 km, the first half and the second half, as well as the total race distance were considered. Statistical analyses included one-way and two-way repeated measures ANOVA, with Bonferroni post hoc and Greenhouse-Geisser correction. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results showed that T1 presented greater pacing stability, lower speed variability, and a tendency toward a negative split. In contrast, athletes with lower performance levels exhibited greater pacing fluctuations and a tendency toward a positive split. It is concluded that controlled and progressive pacing strategies tend to promote better performance, whereas pacing instability is associated with less effective outcomes in the men’s Olympic marathon.