Running Economy Tests: Optimal Speed for Collegiate Runners

Marathon Handbook reports on a study assessing running economy in NCAA Division I women's cross-country runners. The study found that running at 90% of 5K pace provides the most informative data on energy cost.

Researchers measured oxygen use and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) at various speeds. Only at 90% of 5K pace did RER values correlate with race-speed values, offering a clearer view of race metabolism. Read more culture coverage.

For collegiate runners, running at 90% of their 5K pace, roughly 4:27 per kilometer, can provide valuable insights into their efficiency at race intensity. This speed helps maintain a usable RER for accurate energy cost estimation. Related: Runners Warned Against Ignoring Bowel Symptoms.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.

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What should runners know about Running Economy Tests: Optimal Speed for Collegiate Runners?

Marathon Handbook reveals 90% of 5K pace as most informative for NCAA runners. Marathon Handbook reports on a study assessing running economy in NCAA Division I women's cross-country runners. The study found that running at 90% of 5K pace provides the most informative data on energy cost.

When did Runner World publish this culture brief?

Runner World published this brief on November 6, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated November 6, 2026.

Where can readers find the complete original report?

This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.

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