Differences in Marathon Times and Pacing Between Men and Women Based on Age,Distance,and Place Order

Abstract

Background: Previous research has identified differences in marathon times and pacing between men and women by age and distance. Purpose: The current study adjusted the differences in times by accounting for differences in age distributions between men and women and assessed gaps in times and pacing by place ranking. Data Collection and/or Analysis: Analyses are based on 2033 men and 1450 women who completed the 2022 St. George Marathon. Results: The average marathon time (hours, minutes, seconds) was 4:17:03 (0:09:49 per mile) for men and 4:32:45 (0:10:25 per mile) for women. The faster time in men was 3 minutes and 50 seconds (9 sec/mi) greater after age adjustment. The fastest men and women were aged 30–44 years. Faster average marathon times for men than women narrowed with older age, later distance, and lower place ranking. The pace slowed 9.5% for men and 8.7% for women (vs. the first 3.1 mi [5 km]). The slower pace primarily began after the half and was more pronounced from 18.6 mi (30 km) to the end, especially for men. However, the slower pace did not begin until after the 30 km for the top quartile of runners. Men’s and women’s times were more similar among the slower runners. Women were 24.5% better at running an even pace. More consistent pacing in women than men occurred in the age range 30–44 years and among faster runners. Conclusion: Faster marathon times in men than women become less pronounced in later age, longer distances (especially from 30 km to the end), and lower place ranking because of complex physiological and psychological differences, as discussed.