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2021—Israeli long-distance runners of Ethiopian origin have a major influence on the track and field long-distance record table. The aim of this study was to determine whether genetic characteristics contribute to this long-distance dominance. We assessed polymorphisms in genes related to endurance (PPARD T/C), endurance trainability (ACSL A/G), speed (ACTN3 R/X), strength (AGT T/C), and the recovery from training (MTC1 A/T and IL6 G/C) among top Israeli long-distance runners of Ethiopian origin (n = 37), Israeli non-Ethiopian origin runners of Caucasian origin (n = 76), and Israeli nonathletic controls (n = 55). Israeli runners of Ethiopian origin had a greater frequency of the PPARD CC + PARGC1A Gly/Gly polymorphism, associated with improved endurance performance, compared with Israeli runners of non-Ethiopian origins (24 vs. 3%, respectively, p, 0.01); a lower frequency of the ACSL AA polymorphism, favoring endurance trainability (8 vs. 20%, respectively, p, 0.05); a greater frequency of the ACTN3 RR polymorphism, associated with sprint performance (35 vs. 20%, respectively, p, 0.05); a greater frequency of the MCT1 AA genotype, associated with improved lactate transport (65 vs. 45%, respectively, p, 0.05); and a lower frequency of IL-6 174C carriers, associated with reduced postexercise muscle damage (27 vs. 40%, respectively, p, 0.01). There was no difference in the frequency of AGT T/C gene polymorphism between the long-distance runners of Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian origin. Frequencies of PPARD CC + PARGC1A Gly/Gly, MCT1 AA, IL-6 174C, and AGT polymorphism were significantly favorable among Ethiopian, but not among non- Ethiopian, origin runners compared with controls. Taken together, results suggest that genetically, the dominance of Israeli long-distance runners of Ethiopian origin relates not only to endurance polymorphisms but also to polymorphisms associated with enhanced speed performance and better training recovery ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research analyzing the multiple effects of an extended interval training (EIT) protocol on countermovement jump (CMJ) and handgrip strength in 30 male long-distances runners and the determination of the relationship between fatigue and potentiation. Research methods, postactivation potentiation (PAP), which is induced by a voluntary contraction as conditioning activity (CA), and factors influencing the efficacy by which a CA can stimulate PAP mechanisms are discussed.

The article presents a study which investigates the relationship of age that affects running economy (RE) in distance runners. The study utilizes fifty-one male and female subelite distance runners to measure their RE, step rate, lactate threshold, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition. Results suggest that age-related declines in running performance are associated with declines in cardiorespiratory variables and declines in strength and power, not because of RE.

The article focuses on the association of training and anthropometric characteristics with ultramarathon race performance of male recreational ultrarunners that participated in a 24-hour run using bivariate and multivariate analysis. It states that a stepwise multiple regression revealed that personal best marathon time and longest training session had the best correlation with race performance. It mentions that anthropometric characteristics showed no association with performance.

The article presents the results of a study which assessed longitudinal changes in running economy and tendon properties of long-distance runners (LDRs) during training. Measurements considered include muscle strength, tendon elongation for both knee extensors and plantar flexors, jump performances, and oxygen consumption.

The article reports on research conducted to evaluate the influence hydration status had on pacing during trail running in the heat. Researchers evaluated 17 well conditioned distance runners. They found that hydrated runners were able to pace themselves effectively and that dehydration is associated with decreases in runners' ability to evenly pace themselves during a competitive situation.