A new advanced simulation study led by Heriot-Watt University and supported by Synopsys has revealed how optimised running formations could help elite marathon runners shave up to 40 seconds off their race times.
The findings indicate that under the right aerodynamic conditions, athletes could push performances below the two-hour barrier in official races.
The current official marathon world record stands at 2:00:35. While Nike unveiled the Breaking2 project back in 2016 – and Eliud Kipchoge went on to break the two-hour barrier in 2019 with a time of 1:59:40 during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, the achievement was not recognised as an official world record by World Athletics due to the use of assistance not permitted in sanctioned races.
Researchers used Ansys Discovery software for runner geometries and Ansys Fluent for high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The findings were validated through wind-tunnel testing at two separate facilities to ensure simulated airflow patterns matched real-world conditions.
The study, led by Professor Bert Blocken, Professor of Aerospace Engineering (Aerodynamics) at Heriot-Watt University, is believed to be the first to simulate and validate the aerodynamics of running groups of up to 45 athletes. The team modelled more than 24 pack formations, including varied spacing and lateral alignment.
The research demonstrated that smart positioning within a running pack can reduce aerodynamic drag by up to 90%, or a factor of ten, compared to running alone. This reduction helps runners conserve significant energy throughout a race. Even lead runners benefit from those behind them, as following runners push air forward to assist the athlete at the front.
Drafting alone is estimated to save between 20–30 seconds over the marathon distance. When combined with other optimisations, such as tight-fitting clothing and streamlined hairstyles – which can save a further 5–10 seconds – the total time improvement could reach 40 seconds.
Bert Blocken, Professor of Aerospace Engineering (Aerodynamics) at Heriot-Watt University, said “Aerodynamics has long been underestimated in running, but our simulations show it plays a significant role. The right running formations can sharply reduce air resistance, conserve energy and, under the right conditions, help athletes push towards record-breaking performances for marathon running.”
The study also noted benefits for recreational runners, suggesting that running in a single-file line rather than side-by-side reduces energy loss for everyone in the group.
Thierry Marchal, Industry Director for Sports at Synopsys, said “Advanced simulation analysis is revolutionising all industries from aerospace to healthcare, and we’re now seeing how it is transforming performance sports.
“Using aerodynamic drag analysis software originally designed for aviation and automotive, we’re able to quantify performance effects that are impossible to measure at scale in real marathon races.”
Synopsys is a provider of engineering solutions for silicon design, simulation, and analysis. Heriot-Watt University is a global research-led institution with campuses in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia.
