In middle-aged veteran runners, skeletal muscle continues to have high aerobic potential, while a decline in muscle cell size and contractile performance are apparent. These changes in the skeletal muscle profile may contribute to distance running performance with age.

Does age affect marathon runners?

Runners Maintain Speed Through Their 30s When analyzing age group world records, Fair found no decline in race results of runners younger than 35, and between 35 and 40, runners slowed down by only 1 percent over the five-year span.

What is the peak age for marathon runners?

They found that the fastest marathoners for both men and women are in the 25-34 age group and that performance begins to decline for elite runners around age 35. One finding surprised them: Recreational runners have much more in the tank at 35 and may continue improving until theyre 50.

Do marathon runners live longer?

When we pooled the data from the studies, we found runners had a 27% lower risk of dying during the study period from any cause compared with non-runners. Specifically, running was associated with a 30% lower risk of death from heart disease and a 23% lower risk of death from cancer.

Do marathon runners have bad knees?

A new study finds marathoners knees free of osteoarthritis Researchers found that three of the runners had cartilage tears, and one runner had degeneration at the meniscus (which is common with age). None of the six runners showed osteoarthritis in the knee.