The mystery behind the dominance of East African runners in long-distance events in-depth analysis unveils four core factors behind their unbeatable performance

The Mystery Behind the Dominance of East African Runners in Long-Distance Events

In-Depth Analysis Unveils Four Core Factors Behind Their Unbeatable Performance

Author : Gerasimos V. Grivas ORCID logo , Vincent O. Onywera ,

Luis Alberto Marco-Contreras , Shaun Sutehall and Borja Muniz-Pardos

Journal title:《Translational Exercise Biomedicine》

DIO: (https://doi.org/10.1515/teb-2024-0018

Published online: August 8, 2024

For nearly six decades, East African runners have held an unchallenged position in long-distance running, dominating global competitions. Recently, experts Gerasimos V. Grivas, Borja Muniz-Pardos, and others published a study in the Translational Exercise Biomedicine journal that reveals the secret to their continued success. The research highlights four main factors—biomechanics and physiological traits, rigorous training regimens, psychological motivation, and diet—that collectively contribute to the outstanding achievements of East African athletes in long-distance races.

East African runners, particularly those from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda, have been dominating the world of long-distance running for nearly 60 years. Their success has drawn considerable attention from researchers like Grivas and Muniz-Pardos, who have extensively reviewed the factors contributing to their performance. The study concludes that four key elements influence their superior athletic performance.

1.Biomechanics and Physiological Traits

Research has shown that East African runners often possess an ideal physique for endurance sports, characterized by a lean, tall body type, high biological efficiency, and exceptional stamina. Their ability to perform at such a high level can be attributed to their natural physiological traits, including a larger number of capillaries in muscles, allowing better oxygen delivery and higher endurance. Training at high altitudes further enhances their aerobic capacity by increasing red blood cell production, which boosts endurance and overall performance in long-distance events.

2.Training Characteristics

One of the defining features of East African runners is their rigorous training regimen, often conducted at high altitudes. The low oxygen levels in such environments force the body to adapt, improving both endurance and the capacity to perform under strenuous conditions. This natural “altitude advantage” has been critical in developing their remarkable stamina and adaptability. In regions like Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, the runners train at altitudes of over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet), which significantly elevates their aerobic capacity and performance potential.

3.Psychological Motivation

Beyond physical attributes, psychological resilience plays a crucial role in East African runners' success. Many athletes from this region link athletic achievement to socioeconomic mobility. Winning races or achieving top rankings in long-distance events is viewed as a route to improving one's economic and social standing. This strong mental motivation drives athletes to push past their physical limits, as they see success in athletics as a chance for a better life. The psychological toughness of East African runners is often considered the key to their relentless pursuit of excellence and their ability to maintain an edge in global competitions.

4.Dietary Habits

East African diets are typically rich in carbohydrates and low in fats, which are essential for the high energy demands of long-distance running. These diets help fuel the long training sessions and endurance races, providing runners with a steady supply of energy throughout their performances. In addition, the traditional lifestyle of East African runners promotes a physically active way of life, which further enhances their fitness. The combination of a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle helps optimize their running capabilities, making them formidable competitors on the track.

The authors of the study emphasize that no single factor can entirely explain the dominance of East African runners. Rather, it is the interplay of genetic, environmental, and sociocultural factors that has created the ideal conditions for their success in long-distance races. The study urges experts to continue exploring the genetic and specific adaptive traits of East African runners to further uncover the reasons behind their sustained superiority in long-distance athletics.

This research not only sheds light on the extraordinary achievements of East African runners but also calls for more studies into how these factors work together to support their continued success.