Diverse training methods drive elite long-distance running success

Different training philosophies are shaping the landscape of elite long-distance running. The ‘Norwegian method,’ popularized by athletes such as the Ingebrigtsen family, focuses on high volume and strictly controlled intensity. Rather than performing maximal aerobic capacity (VMA) sessions that leave athletes exhausted, this approach prioritizes training around the lactate threshold. By using blood lactate measurements to ensure athletes stay within specific physiological zones, they can maintain high training volumes and recover more quickly.

In contrast, East African runners from countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Eritrea, and Tanzania utilize different collective training models. Despite the Western emphasis on individual data analysis and high-tech monitoring, East African athletes continue to dominate international marathon rankings. In 2025, athletes from this region secured the vast majority of the top 100 positions in the World Athletics marathon rankings, often relying on group training dynamics and shared energy to prepare for competition.