Average VO2max as a function of running performances on different distances

Abstract Objective To determine the VO 2 max differences as well as average VO 2 max values for runners of both genders competing in various race distances at different performance level (International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) scores). Material and methods VO 2 max of 137 males and 53 females top-class Spain runners was measured wit a multistage treadmill test. An exhaustive bibliographic analysis of the VO 2 max values in different events was also done. Results From Spain and literature data, VO 2 max increases from 100 to 1500 m in runners with the same performance level (IAAF score). For the 3000, 5000, 10,000 m and marathon groups, VO 2 max does not differ significantly. Furthermore and for the same event, small differences in performance level are associated with small or no differences in VO 2 max. Conclusions At the same level of performance (IAAF scores), VO 2 max levels are increasing from 100 to 3000 m showing a greater importance of this parameter for training and selection purposes. On longer distances however, VO 2 max levels are the highest but similar indicating that VO 2 max is an important prerequisite but that VO 2 max importance is similar for all distance events from 3000 m to marathon. On the other hand, within a distance event, VO 2 max may be a good discriminator within a group of athletes showing a wide range of performances but not in a homogeneous group of elite athletes.