African Runners Dominance in Distance Running Steve Magness

African Runners African Runners Dominance in Distance Dominance in Distance

RunningRunning

Steve MagnessSteve Magness

ObjectivesObjectives

DominanceDominance GeneticsGenetics PhysiologyPhysiology Cultural and Social FactorsCultural and Social Factors TrainingTraining

DominanceDominance

Out of the Distance Out of the Distance eventsevents 800800 15001500 3,000m steeple3,000m steeple 5,0005,000 10,00010,000 MarathonMarathon

Kenyans occupy over Kenyans occupy over 50% of the top 20 50% of the top 20 times in each event.times in each event.

Larsen, H. Kenyan dominance in distance running. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A 136 (2003) 161–170

Best Non-African Best Non-African PerformancePerformance

SteepleSteeple 163163rdrd best performance (Bob Tahri- France)* best performance (Bob Tahri- France)*

5k5k 9898thth best performance (Craig Mottram-Australia)* best performance (Craig Mottram-Australia)*

10k10k 106106thth best performance (Arturo Barrios- Mexico) best performance (Arturo Barrios- Mexico)

MarathonMarathon 1818thth best performance (Ronaldo da Costa-Brazil) best performance (Ronaldo da Costa-Brazil)

*There has been a faster non-african, but he later *There has been a faster non-african, but he later tested positive for drugs.tested positive for drugs.

Time ComparisonTime Comparison

800 1500 3k steeple 5k 10k Marathon

Best African 1:41.11 3:26.00 7:53.63 12:37.35 26:17.53 2:03:59

Best Non African

1:41.7 3:28.98 8:06.91 12:55.76 27:08.23 2:06:16

% difference .68%.68% 1.45%1.45% 2.81%2.81% 2.44%2.44% 3.21%3.21% 1.84%1.84%

How Dominant are they?How Dominant are they? DepthDepth

Number of sub 2:20 marathonersNumber of sub 2:20 marathonersNation 1975 1985 1995 2000 2005

Kenya 0 17 86 296 490

Britain 23 74 34 13 12

USA 34 103 59 27 22

Tanser, T. (2008) More Fire. Westholme Publishing, Pennsylvania.

Tribal DominanceTribal Dominance

KenyaKenya 81% of top Kenyan Runners 81% of top Kenyan Runners

come from the Rift valleycome from the Rift valley Kalenjin tribe represents Kalenjin tribe represents

~75% of all members ~75% of all members competing on national teams.competing on national teams.

2007 world Cross 2007 world Cross country championshipscountry championships

7 of 12 individual 7 of 12 individual medals went to medals went to Kalenjins. Kalenjins.

EthiopiaEthiopia 38% of the elite marathoners 38% of the elite marathoners

were from the Arsi region, which were from the Arsi region, which only makes up less than 5% of the only makes up less than 5% of the total Ethiopian population.total Ethiopian population.

Scott, R. et al. Genetics and the success of East African distance runners. International SportsMed Journal. Vol. 7 No.3 2006

Rift Valley phenomenonRift Valley phenomenon

Proof of superior genetics?Proof of superior genetics? Rift Valley is at high altitude.Rift Valley is at high altitude.

However, Rift Valley extends However, Rift Valley extends 3,000mi3,000mi

Includes many countries that Includes many countries that have slow national records in have slow national records in distance eventsdistance events

Some of Kenya’s top runners Some of Kenya’s top runners ever did not come from the rift ever did not come from the rift valleyvalley

Two 10k gold medalist, one WR Two 10k gold medalist, one WR holding 5k runner, and one holding 5k runner, and one marathon gold medalistmarathon gold medalist

Several Kenyan villages/towns Several Kenyan villages/towns at “ideal” altitudes have at “ideal” altitudes have produced no world class produced no world class runners.runners.

GeneticsGenetics

Mitochondrial DNAMitochondrial DNA Inherited from mother, so can trace Inherited from mother, so can trace

back and create a DNA tree.back and create a DNA tree. Mitochondrial DNA influences aerobic Mitochondrial DNA influences aerobic

performance.performance.

Mitochondrial DNA-Mitochondrial DNA-EthiopiansEthiopians

Shows a wide Shows a wide and varied and varied distribution.distribution.

Endurance Endurance athletes did not athletes did not differ much from differ much from the general the general population.population.


Mitochondrial DNA-Mitochondrial DNA-EthiopiansEthiopians

““This finding does not support the This finding does not support the hypothesis that the Ethiopian population hypothesis that the Ethiopian population from which the athletes are drawn have from which the athletes are drawn have remained genetically isolated in East Africa remained genetically isolated in East Africa but shows that they have undergone but shows that they have undergone migration events during the age of the migration events during the age of the species. This is in contrast to the possibility species. This is in contrast to the possibility that Ethiopian athletes have maintained and that Ethiopian athletes have maintained and further developed the ancestral endurance further developed the ancestral endurance phenotype through having remained phenotype through having remained isolated in the East African highlands”isolated in the East African highlands”


Y-Chromosome- EthiopiansY-Chromosome- Ethiopians

Y-chromosome is Y-chromosome is the male the male equivalent to the equivalent to the mitochondria mitochondria DNA.DNA.

Found variation Found variation between between population and population and elite endurance elite endurance athletesathletes


““despite the finding of a potential effect of the Y despite the finding of a potential effect of the Y chromosome on endurance performance, the Y chromosome on endurance performance, the Y chromosome results show similar levels of diversity chromosome results show similar levels of diversity to those found using mtDNA. In addition, it can be to those found using mtDNA. In addition, it can be seen from Figure 3 that a significant number of the seen from Figure 3 that a significant number of the athletes trace part of their male ancestry to outside athletes trace part of their male ancestry to outside Africa at some time during the age of our species. Africa at some time during the age of our species. Studies using non-recombinant markers are Studies using non-recombinant markers are concordant in their finding that the elite Ethiopian concordant in their finding that the elite Ethiopian athletes show similar genetic diversity to the general athletes show similar genetic diversity to the general population, and can trace their ancestry to diverse population, and can trace their ancestry to diverse populations, rather than a uniquely ‘highland African’ populations, rather than a uniquely ‘highland African’ population “population “


ACE gene ACE gene

Angiotensin converting enzyme Angiotensin converting enzyme One form is associated with endurance One form is associated with endurance

performanceperformance ACE gene- Kenyan RunnersACE gene- Kenyan Runners

29% of controls from Kenya had the gene29% of controls from Kenya had the gene 17% of international Kenyan athletes had 17% of international Kenyan athletes had

the genethe gene

Scott RA, Moran C, Wilson RH, et al. No association between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene variation and endurance athlete status in Kenyans. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2005;141(2):169-175.

Physiology of African Physiology of African RunnersRunners

Vo2maxVo2max LactateLactate Fractional Utilization of VO2maxFractional Utilization of VO2max Running EconomyRunning Economy

Lower leg thicknessLower leg thickness Muscle Fiber TypeMuscle Fiber Type Enzyme concentrationEnzyme concentration Capillary DensityCapillary Density

VO2maxVO2max Kenyan Elites- 79.9 Scandinavian elites- 79.2 No difference between kenyan boys and

Scandinavian boys

Saltin B, Larsen H, Terrados N, et al. Aerobic exercise capacity at sea level and at altitude in Kenyan boys, junior and senior runners compared with Scandinavian runners. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1995;5(4):209-221.

LactateLactate

Saltin foundSaltin found Lower lactate levels across submax to high Lower lactate levels across submax to high

intensity velocities.intensity velocities. Blood Ammonia response after maximal Blood Ammonia response after maximal

intensity was 1/3 to ½ as high for Kenyan elites intensity was 1/3 to ½ as high for Kenyan elites compared to Scandinavian elites.compared to Scandinavian elites.

Larsen foundLarsen found lower blood ammonia concentrations at lower blood ammonia concentrations at

submaximal intensities for Kenyan boys submaximal intensities for Kenyan boys compared to Danish boys. compared to Danish boys. Saltin B, Larsen H, Terrados N, et al. Aerobic exercise capacity at sea level and at altitude in Kenyan boys, junior

and senior runners compared with Scandinavian runners. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1995;5(4):209-221. -Larsen, H. Kenyan dominance in distance running. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A 136 (2003)

161–170

Fractional Utilization of Fractional Utilization of VO2maxVO2max

Ability to use a larger % of VO2max over Ability to use a larger % of VO2max over race distancerace distance Kip Keino able to run 10k at 97-98%Vo2maxKip Keino able to run 10k at 97-98%Vo2max Coetzer et al.- compared 10k race pace with Coetzer et al.- compared 10k race pace with

VO2 of the athlete running at that pace on VO2 of the athlete running at that pace on treadmill and found that African runners treadmill and found that African runners raced 10 km at a higher percentage of their raced 10 km at a higher percentage of their VO2max than white runners. VO2max than white runners.

Larsen, H. Kenyan dominance in distance running. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A 136 (2003)

161–170 BILLAT, V. et al.Training and Bioenergetic Characteristics in Elite Male and Female Kenyan Rusnners. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 297-304. 2003.

Running EconomyRunning Economy

Weston et al. (2000). Running Economy of African and Caucasian Runners. Med. Sci. Sports Exercise. Vol 32. No. 6. pg. 1130-34.

Running EconomyRunning Economy

Other studies showing Running Other studies showing Running Economy differencesEconomy differences Saltin- Kenyans had better economy Saltin- Kenyans had better economy

than Scandinavian elite runners.than Scandinavian elite runners. Larsen-Larsen-

untrained Kenyan boys from the Nandi tribe untrained Kenyan boys from the Nandi tribe had better running economy than in had better running economy than in untrained Danish boys.untrained Danish boys.

Saltin B, Larsen H, Terrados N, et al. Aerobic exercise capacity at sea level and at altitude in Kenyan boys, junior and senior runners compared with Scandinavian runners. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1995;5(4):209-221. -Larsen, H. Kenyan dominance in distance running. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A 136 (2003)

161–170

Reason for difference?Reason for difference?

Saltin, B. (2003). The Kenya Report. New Studies in Athletics. Vol 18, no.2, pg 15-24.

Low mass at extremesLow mass at extremes volume and the mean thickness- 15-17% less for volume and the mean thickness- 15-17% less for

KenyansKenyans Body CompositionBody Composition

Kenyan boys were 5cm shorter and 12kg lighter than Kenyan boys were 5cm shorter and 12kg lighter than Danish boys. Danish boys.

Kenyan boys had 2cm longer legs and 1cm longer lower Kenyan boys had 2cm longer legs and 1cm longer lower legs. legs.

Saltin conclusion:Saltin conclusion: ““The optimal body shape of a distance runner with The optimal body shape of a distance runner with

respect to running economy is a combination of small respect to running economy is a combination of small height, slender body shape with the legs representing a height, slender body shape with the legs representing a large fraction of the body height and thin lower legs.”large fraction of the body height and thin lower legs.”

BiomechanicsBiomechanics

De Heer,H. et al. Anthropometric, gait and strength characteristics of Kenyan distance runners. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2008) 7, 499-504.

Muscle Fiber TypeMuscle Fiber Type

Saltin B, Kim CK, Terrados N, et al. Morphology, enzyme activities and buffer capacity in leg muscles of Kenyan and Scandinavian runners. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1995;5(4):222-30.

Muscle Fiber TypeMuscle Fiber TypeQuadriceps FemorisQuadriceps Femoris


Oxidative Enzyme Oxidative Enzyme ConcentrationConcentration

CS activityCS activity Positive relationship Positive relationship

between CS between CS concentration and concentration and running performancerunning performance

Lower in Kenyans in Lower in Kenyans in boysboys

No difference No difference between Kenyan and between Kenyan and Scandinavian Elites.Scandinavian Elites.

Saltin, B. (2003). The Kenya Report. New Studies in Athletics. Vol 18, no.2, pg 15-24.Saltin B, Kim CK, Terrados N, et al. Morphology, enzyme activities and buffer capacity in leg muscles of Kenyan and Scandinavian runners. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1995;5(4):222-30.

HAD enzyme concentrationHAD enzyme concentration


HAD enzyme concentration- indicator of ability to utilize fat as fuel.

CapillariesCapillaries

ElitesElites Kenyan elites only Kenyan elites only

had a slight had a slight tendency for more tendency for more capillaries.capillaries.

UntrainedUntrained No difference No difference

between Danish between Danish boys and Kenyan boys and Kenyan Village boys.Village boys.

Saltin, B. (2003). The Kenya Report. New Studies in Athletics. Vol 18, no.2, pg 15-24.Larsen, H. Kenyan dominance in distance running. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A 136 (2003) 161–170

Lactate TransportersLactate Transporters

Compared MCT 1 and MCT 4 Compared MCT 1 and MCT 4 concentrations between White and concentrations between White and African runners.African runners. MCT1- influx of lactate into ST fibersMCT1- influx of lactate into ST fibers MCT4- efflux of lactate out of FT fibers.MCT4- efflux of lactate out of FT fibers. No difference in either.No difference in either.

Problem with study- not very fast Problem with study- not very fast runners in either group (~34min 10k)runners in either group (~34min 10k)

Harley, Y. et al. Skeletal muscle monocarboxylate transporter content is not different between black and white runners. Eur J Appl Physiol (2009) 105:623–632

Closer look of Comparison by Closer look of Comparison by Saltin et al.Saltin et al.

Cultural and Social FactorsCultural and Social Factors

AltitudeAltitude Psychological FactorsPsychological Factors DietDiet MoneyMoney Active LifestyleActive Lifestyle

Altitude and Sea level Altitude and Sea level comparisoncomparison

Paul KOSGEI 27'44"14 27'34" 10sec

John KORIR 27'44"44 27'24"55 20sec

Wilberforce TALEL 27'46"70 27'36"34 10sec

ATHLETE PB in altitude(Nairobi, 1750m)

PB at Sea-Level Difference

10k

Avg. Difference: 13.33sec

Altitude and Sea Level Altitude and Sea Level comparisoncomparison

NCAA altitude adjustment for 1,700mNCAA altitude adjustment for 1,700m 10k- 10k- 71.58 seconds (for a 28:45 10k) Compared to a difference of 13.33sec for the Compared to a difference of 13.33sec for the

three 3 Kenyan runnersthree 3 Kenyan runners What does this mean?What does this mean?

African’s born at altitude can train at much African’s born at altitude can train at much higher intensities compared to western athletes.higher intensities compared to western athletes.

Therefore, negative consequences of altitude Therefore, negative consequences of altitude (decrease cardiac output, vo2max, training (decrease cardiac output, vo2max, training velocity, and muscle recruitment) don’t affect velocity, and muscle recruitment) don’t affect them as much.them as much.

Altitude NOT the only Altitude NOT the only answeranswer

Where are the Nepal and Andean Where are the Nepal and Andean runners?runners? Kayser et al. found that Nepal Sherpas Kayser et al. found that Nepal Sherpas

had lower VO2max and mitochondrial had lower VO2max and mitochondrial density than Caucasian climbers.density than Caucasian climbers.

Hamilton, B. East African running dominance: what is behind it? Br J Sports Med. 2000 Oct;34(5):391-4.

Psychological FactorsPsychological Factors

Stereotype threatStereotype threat “what we believe to be true about our genetic

make up may be more important than what is actually true.”

“Regardless of the possible existence of physiological advantages in East African runners, belief that such differences exist creates a psychological atmosphere that can have significant consequences on performance”

Psychological FactorsPsychological Factors

Aura of InvincibilityAura of Invincibility Not the first time it has happened in Not the first time it has happened in

runningrunning Early 1900’s- Scandinavian Runners won 28 Early 1900’s- Scandinavian Runners won 28

out of 36 possible medals over 5k and 10k in out of 36 possible medals over 5k and 10k in the Olympics.the Olympics.

“of all the Kenyan tribes, the Kalenjin had the highest achievement orientation”


DietDiet

•Average intake

•67% carbohydrate

•15% protein

•17% fat

Fudge, B. et al. Evidence of negative energy balance using doubly labelled water in elite Kenyan endurance runners prior to competition. British Journal of Nutrition. 2006, 95, 59-66.

DietDiet

Most were in a Most were in a negative energy negative energy balancebalance

MoneyMoney

Running is there way Running is there way outout Few job choicesFew job choices

Ex: Teachers make on Ex: Teachers make on average $580 per year average $580 per year

40% of the total Kenyan population are unemployed

at least 50% live below the poverty line.

Onywera VO, Scott RA, Boit MK, et al. Demographic characteristics of elite Kenyan endurance runners. J Sports Sci 2006; 24(4):415-422.

Motivation for Running

Active LifestyleActive Lifestyle

““““Kenyans start an official training Kenyans start an official training already from the 85-90% of their top already from the 85-90% of their top level, white people from 30-50%. level, white people from 30-50%. (white runners) must spend 10-12 (white runners) must spend 10-12 years of his life before reaching the years of his life before reaching the same level that the Kenyan has at same level that the Kenyan has at his beginning.” Renato Canovahis beginning.” Renato Canova

Active Lifestyle- KenyansActive Lifestyle- Kenyans

Onywera VO, Scott RA, Boit MK, et al. Demographic characteristics of elite Kenyan endurance runners. J Sports Sci 2006; 24(4):415-422.

Active Lifestyle-EthiopiansActive Lifestyle-EthiopiansDistance Traveled to School

(5-20km is the light black)

Method of Transportation

Dark black- Transportation

Light black- Run

Scott RA, Georgiades E, Wilson RH, et al. Demographic characteristics of elite Ethiopian endurance runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2003;35(10):1727-1732.


De Heer,H. et al. Anthropometric, gait and strength characteristics of Kenyan distance runners. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2008) 7, 499-504.


Could genetics and/or Altitude be Could genetics and/or Altitude be clouding the picture?clouding the picture? The Tribes where the majority of the The Tribes where the majority of the

best runners come from are also happen best runners come from are also happen to be the more rural areas where a more to be the more rural areas where a more active lifestyle is required.active lifestyle is required.


TrainingTraining

TrainabilityTrainability Comparison of Training between Comparison of Training between

Western and African RunnersWestern and African Runners Lactate Response during a RaceLactate Response during a Race

TrainabilityTrainability

Larsen and Saltin Larsen and Saltin compared compared trainability of trainability of untrained kids to untrained kids to see if African see if African response to training response to training was more.was more.

Both groups did the Both groups did the same training for 12 same training for 12 weeksweeksLarsen, H.B. et al. Training response of adolescent Kenyan town and village boys to endurance running.

Scandinanivan Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. In press, 2003.


Trainability of kidsTrainability of kids

CS activityCS activity No difference between Kenyan Village boys No difference between Kenyan Village boys

and Danish kidsand Danish kids HAD activityHAD activity

No difference between Kenyan Village boys No difference between Kenyan Village boys and Danish kidsand Danish kids

Blood LactateBlood Lactate Kenyan Village boys had initial lower lactate Kenyan Village boys had initial lower lactate

levels (due to better running economy) but levels (due to better running economy) but training decreased lactate levels to the same training decreased lactate levels to the same extent as Danish kids.extent as Danish kids.


Larsen, H.B. et al. Training response of adolescent Kenyan town and village boys to endurance running. Scandinanivan Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. In press, 2003.

Trainability of kidsTrainability of kids

PerformancePerformance Who knows…Who knows… They only measured 5k performance POST They only measured 5k performance POST

training.training. ““Kenyan boys from the rural area having the Kenyan boys from the rural area having the

same initial fitness level (maximal oxygen same initial fitness level (maximal oxygen uptake) as Danish boys ran 10% faster in a 5000 uptake) as Danish boys ran 10% faster in a 5000 metres competition after performing 12 weeks of metres competition after performing 12 weeks of standardised training. It is noteworthy, that this standardised training. It is noteworthy, that this is true even though the Kenyans were running at is true even though the Kenyans were running at 2000m above sea level.”2000m above sea level.”

VO2max does NOT equal fitness level.VO2max does NOT equal fitness level.

Comparison of Elite TrainingComparison of Elite Training

BergBerg “The dominance of African runners in the last

2 decades may provide valuable insight into the training process. Their training appears to be relatively uncomplicated. In essence, intensity is emphasised over volume.”

“In contrast, in the author’s opinion, training in western countries appears to be guided by a ‘more is better’ philosophy which necessitates limiting intensity.”

Berg, K. Endurance Training and Performance in Runners Sports Med 2003; 33 (1): 59-73

Comparison of TrainingComparison of Training

150km150km

10km10km

6.67%6.67%

7.2km7.2km

4.8%4.8%

3.5km3.5km

2.3%2.3%

Kenyan Training

My Training

130130

4km4km

3%3%

00

0%0%

12km12km

9.2%9.2%

Now College

BILLAT, V. et al.Training and Bioenergetic Characteristics in Elite Male and Female Kenyan Rusnners. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 297-304. 2003.

Moses MosopMoses MosopTraining before World Cross Training before World Cross

Country ChampionshipsCountry ChampionshipsMonthly Analysis November December January February

Km/ number

% of total

Km/ number

% of total

Km/ number

% of total

Km/ number

% of total

Running Sessions (number) 51 54 35 48

Days (number) 30 31 31 28

Total Mileage 856 915 625 809.5

Weekly mileage (in Km) 199.7 206.6 141.1 202.4

Source: Renato Canova

Moses MosopMoses Mosop

Regeneration Mileage (< 6:10/mi) 381

44.51% 432

47.21% 420.5

67.28% 444

54.85%

Basic Aerobic Mileage (6:10/mi ><5:30) 256

29.91% 297.5

32.51% 123

19.68% 212.5

26.25%

Aerobic Endurance Mileage (5:30-4:50) 137

16.00% 112

12.24% 19 3.04% 75 9.26%

Aerobic Power Mileage (4:50- 4:25) 67 7.83% 68.5 7.49% 51.8 8.29% 65.5 8.09%

Specific Speed Endurance Mileage (4:25-0) 11 1.29% 0 0.00% 9.3 1.49% 12.5 1.54%

Speed (faster than 15” per 100m) 1 0.12% 1 0.11% 1.4 0.22% 0 0.00%

Short Length Hills (60m >< 150m) 1 0.12% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00%

Medium Length Hills (200m >< 300m) 2 0.23% 4 0.44% 0 0.00% 0 0.00%

Sessions for Strength (number) 3 4 0 0

Monthly Analysis November DecemberJanuar

yFebruar

y

Km %total Km %total Km % total Km %total

Lactate ResponseLactate Response

MaxLASS-Maximum Lactate Steady StateMaxLASS-Maximum Lactate Steady State Fastest speed at which lactate Fastest speed at which lactate

production=lactate eliminationproduction=lactate elimination Conventional Physiology has this equal to Conventional Physiology has this equal to

about the pace you could run for a 1hr race.about the pace you could run for a 1hr race. ““My cursory analysis suggests that their My cursory analysis suggests that their

ability to increase their pace in the last ability to increase their pace in the last 10-20% of a race distinguishes the world's 10-20% of a race distinguishes the world's best runners.” Tim Noakesbest runners.” Tim Noakes

MaxLassMaxLass

8.7 mmol

9.0 mmol

9.3 mmol

10.8 mmol

20.6 mmol

James KwaliaJames Kwalia Simulated 5kSimulated 5k 4x1200m in 3:09 4x1200m in 3:09

w/ 1min restw/ 1min rest Then, 800m max Then, 800m max

(1:54.2)(1:54.2)

Nicholas Nicholas KemboiKemboi Simulated 10kSimulated 10k 5x2000m at 5x2000m at

27:00 10k pace 27:00 10k pace w/ 1min restw/ 1min rest

Then, 1200m Then, 1200m max (3:01)max (3:01)

5.4 mmol

7.4 mmol

7.7 mmol

8.4 mmol

9.7mmol

16.6 mmol

6.5 mmol

8.0 mmol

8.3 mmol

8.8 mmol

10.2 mmol

Saaeed Saif Saaeed Saif ShaheenShaheen

Simulated 5kSimulated 5k 5x1000m at 5x1000m at

13:10 5k pace 13:10 5k pace w/ 1min restw/ 1min rest

Source: Renato Canova

What does this all mean?What does this all mean?

Scott, et al:Scott, et al: “ “ Few other regions of the world have such high levels of Few other regions of the world have such high levels of

childhood physical activity combined with such childhood physical activity combined with such cultural/financial importance being placed on distance cultural/financial importance being placed on distance running. This information clearly implicates environmental running. This information clearly implicates environmental factors as being more influential than genetic factors in the factors as being more influential than genetic factors in the success of East African distance runners. In an success of East African distance runners. In an economically deprived region such as East Africa, economic economically deprived region such as East Africa, economic factors also provide an additional motivation, if not a factors also provide an additional motivation, if not a necessity, to succeed in distance running. In summary, it is necessity, to succeed in distance running. In summary, it is unjustified at present to regard the phenomenon of East unjustified at present to regard the phenomenon of East African running success as genetically mediated; to justify African running success as genetically mediated; to justify doing so one must identify the genes that are important. doing so one must identify the genes that are important. To do so also disregards the intense training regimens for To do so also disregards the intense training regimens for which East African athletes are famous.”which East African athletes are famous.”

What does this all mean?What does this all mean?

“ . . .record breaking in distance running has come from very small areas of the world . . .New Zealand; Australia; England; a small part of the African continent . . .and maybe Finland. These countries have produced the record breakers and yet none of the areas are the same . . .Why such a small area of the world has prolifically produced world record holders, I don’t know.” Ron Clarke


ReferencesReferences

Saltin, B. (2003). The Kenya Report. New Studies in Athletics. Vol 18, no.2, pg 15-24. Harley, Y. et al. Skeletal muscle monocarboxylate transporter content is not different between black

and white runners. Eur J Appl Physiol (2009) 105:623–632 Larsen, H.B. et al. Training response of adolescent Kenyan town and village boys to endurance running. Scandinanivan

Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. In press, 2003. Onywera VO, Scott RA, Boit MK, et al. Demographic characteristics of elite Kenyan endurance runners. J Sports Sci

2006; 24(4):415-422. Scott RA, Georgiades E, Wilson RH, et al. Demographic characteristics of elite Ethiopian endurance runners. Med Sci

Sports Exerc 2003;35(10):1727-1732. Scott, R. et al. Genetics and the success of East African distance runners. International SportsMed Journal. Vol. 7 No.3

2006 http://www.fims.org/default.asp?pageID=782860264 Saltin B, Larsen H, Terrados N, et al. Aerobic exercise capacity at sea level and at altitude in Kenyan boys, junior and

senior runners compared with Scandinavian runners. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1995;5(4):209-221. Saltin B, Kim CK, Terrados N, et al. Morphology, enzyme activities and buffer capacity in leg muscles of Kenyan and

Scandinavian runners. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1995;5(4):222-30. Larsen, H. Kenyan dominance in distance running. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A 136 (2003) 161–170 Weston, A. et al. African runners exhibit greater fatigue resistance, lower lactate accumulation, and higher oxidative

enzyme activity. J Appl Physiol 86:915-923, 1999. BILLAT, V. et al.Training and Bioenergetic Characteristics in Elite Male and Female Kenyan Rusnners. Med. Sci. Sports

Exerc., Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 297-304. 2003. Scott RA, Moran C, Wilson RH, et al. No association between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene variation and

endurance athlete status in Kenyans. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2005;141(2):169-175. De Heer,H. et al. Anthropometric, gait and strength characteristics of Kenyan distance runners. Journal of Sports Science

and Medicine (2008) 7, 499-504. Fudge, B. et al. Evidence of negative energy balance using doubly labelled water in elite Kenyan endurance runners

prior to competition. British Journal of Nutrition. 2006, 95, 59-66. Hamilton, B. East African running dominance: what is behind it? Br J Sports Med. 2000 Oct;34(5):391-4. Berg, K. Endurance Training and Performance in Runners Sports Med 2003; 33 (1): 59-73

http://www.fims.org/default.asp?pageID=782860264



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African Runners Dominance in Distance Running Steve Magness