A 5K Run Handicap Model for Age and Body Weight Paul M. Vanderburgh, EdD Lloyd L. Laubach, PhD, FACSM Department of Health and Sport Science University of Dayton, Dayton OH

Abstract Introduction: The adverse effect of increasing age and/or body weight on distance run performance has been well documented. Accordingly, nearly all five kilometer (5K) road races employ age categories and, sometimes, a heavier body weight classification. Problems include small numbers of runners within elderly categories and the advantage given to the lightest runners within each weight category. Purpose: To develop a 5K Handicap Model (5KH) for men and women based on the known independent contributions of age and body weight to 5K run performance. Methods: By combining previously published empirical and theoretical findings, we developed a 5KH that computes an adjusted run time based on the inputs of actual run time, age, and body weight. Results: The 5KH provides more handicapping precision with age and BW than the age-only World Association of Veteran Athletes (WAVA) model and can be adapted to other race distances. Furthermore, the metabolic penalty for excess weight is significantly greater than the associated handicap. Conclusion: The 5KH is the first such model based on the independent effects of age and weight; overcomes the problems associated with age and weight categories; and may give older and heavier runners added incentive to compete.

Disadvantages of Age and Body Weight (BW) Practices BW: “Clydesdales” ( Advantage goes to the lightest within each category Can’t compete against those in other age and BW categories Lack of precision AGE: WAVA Standards ( Does not account for BW Based on world bests – undue influence of very few competitors at the more elderly level

Distance Running and BW  VO 2 max (l/min)  Body Weight 2/3 (Astrand ’86)  5K run speed  VO 2 max/BW (Nevill ’92)  Therefore, 5K run time  BW 1/3 (Vanderburgh 95, Crowder 96)

Distance Running and Age  The independent effect of age on VO 2max : Males: 0.26 ml/kg. min O 2 per yr Females: 0.25 ml/kg. min O 2 per yr (Jackson 95, 96)  5K metabolic equation: 5K run speed = 84.3(VO 2max 1.01 BW ) (Nevill 92)  Calculate RT decline due to age

Computation of 5K Handicap- adjusted Run Time (RTadj) BW AGE VO 2max decline due to age (Jackson 95, 96) DRT  BW 1/3 (Nevill 92, Vanderburgh 95, Crowder 96) Actual Run TimeAdjusted Run Time

Results - Women

Results - Men

Examples SubjectAgeBody Weight (lbs)Actual 5K TimeAdjusted 5K Time Men A :0018:35 B :3518:32 C :1218:23 Women D :0020:46 E :0020:18 F :5520:45

Summary/Conclusions  A physiologically defensible age/BW handicap can be developed  Lower limits of age and BW are needed. We are piloting: Age: 25 yrs BW: 50 and 65 kg for women and men, respectively  Could be applied other race distances

References 1.Crowder T & Yunker C. Scaling of push-up, sit-up and two-mile run performances by body weight and fat-free weight in young, fit men. [Abstract]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 28:S183, Jackson A, E Beard, L Weir, R Ross, & S Blair. Changes in aerobic power of men, ages yr. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 27: , Jackson A, L Weir, G Ayers, E Beard, J Stuteville, & S Blair. Changes in aerobic power of women, ages Med Sci Sports Exerc. 28: , Nevill A, R Ramsbottom, & C Williams. Scaling physiological measurements for individuals of different body size. Eur J Appl Physiol. 65: , Vanderburgh P & M Mahar. Scaling of 2-mile run times by body weight and fat-free weight in college-age men. J Strength Cond Res. 9:67-70, 1995.