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2 clusters · 5 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Impact of nitrogen dioxide on marathon performance

Overview

Researchers from the University of Leicester published a study in the journal ‘Sports Medicine - Open’ analyzing over 2.7 million marathon results from 2010 to 2024 across major cities including Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo.

The research identified a significant correlation between nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels and slower marathon finishing times. For every 1 microgram per cubic meter increase in NO2, men’s times increased by approximately 1.43 minutes and women’s by 1.56 minutes. This impact was notably more pronounced among amateur or recreational runners than professional athletes.

While fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was also examined, the study found no statistically significant correlation between PM2.5 levels and race completion times. Data indicated that London recorded the highest median nitrogen dioxide concentration at 10.9 µg/m3, while Berlin recorded the lowest at 6.1 µg/m3.

Entities

World Marathon Majors · University of Leicester · British Heart Foundation · Sports Medicine - Open · James Donaldson

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Air pollution slows marathon finishing times, study finds

    A University of Leicester study reveals that nitrogen dioxide pollution significantly slows marathon runners, with recreational athletes being more heavily impacted than elite professionals.

  2. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Nitrogen dioxide levels linked to slower marathon times

    A study of 2.7 million marathon results shows that increased nitrogen dioxide levels significantly slow down runners, particularly amateurs and younger participants.

Sources

euronews.net · fr.euronews.com · geekweek.interia.pl · sport.onet.pl · zielona.interia.pl