Runner on treadmill during study

What’s the best technique for running a marathon? Loughborough University research provides the answers

Research from Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences has shown that good running technique is both beneficial and important for running economy and distance running performance.

Whilst some running coaches consider technique to be important, others do not, and until now the scientific evidence for the importance of good running technique has been unclear.

The study, led by Dr Jonathan Folland, is by far the most thorough investigation of running technique published to date, and used detailed 3D movement analysis of the whole body to measure 24 different components of technique. These measurements were made whilst each of the 97 runners, who had season’s best times for 10 kilometres ranging from 29:32 to 56:49, ran at the same series of speeds.

The key finding from the research was that technique explains a substantial proportion of the differences in running economy (39%) and performance (31%) between runners. No previous study has documented such a contribution of technique. In simple terms, a better technique equals better running economy, which leads to increased performance.

Many aspects of technique were correlated with running economy and performance, however in a combined analysis three technique variables (vertical bounding of the pelvis, knee bend during ground contact and minimum forward velocity of the pelvis) contributed to running economy and four further variables (shin angle at touchdown, duty factor, trunk forward lean and minimum forward velocity of the pelvis) were found to contribute to performance.

Ultimately the study highlighted the role of some entirely new aspects of technique. It was found that minimum horizontal velocity of the pelvis, a measure of the braking that occurs on landing with each step, was found to contribute to running economy and performance for the first time.

Of his findings Dr Folland commented:

“It is well known that runners move with diverse running styles and techniques, however the consequences of these techniques for running economy, the efficiency of running, and distance running performance has not been clear. This study demonstrates that running technique is an important component of running performance and highlights the role of several novel aspects of technique.

“Runners and coaches are advised to be attentive to technique and the key aspects of good technique, as well as simply training hard and focusing on physical fitness.”

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 17/61

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Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world to study sports-related subjects in the 2017 QS World University Rankings and top in the country for its student experience in the 2016 THE Student Experience Survey.

Loughborough was ranked 4th in the Guardian University League Table 2017 and 7th in The UK Complete University Guide 2017 and was also named Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017.

Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes. 

The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.

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