Difference Between Sprinter and Marathon Runner

Last Updated : 10 May, 2023

Difference Between Sprinter and Marathon Runner: While both sprinters and marathon runners are athletes that engage in running competitions, there are important distinctions between the two in terms of the competitions they take part in, the physical requirements, and the training they go through. Let’s examine each of them individually before comparing them.

Who is Called Sprinter?

A sprinter is a sportsperson who competes in short-distance running competitions, which normally last between 60 and 1000 metres. Sprinters often have a high percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres that enable them to create a lot of power in a short amount of time. Sprinting involves explosive power, brief bursts of speed, and agility. They also need a lot of strength, especially in their legs and core, as well as proper running form and technique.

Sprinters participate in a variety of events, including the Olympics, World Championships, and other international tournaments. In addition to competing in solo events, they may also do so as a relay team, where each runner completes a leg of the race before passing the baton to the next. Sprinters are known for their explosive starts, where they accelerate quickly out of the blocks and try to reach their maximum speed as quickly as possible. They also typically finish races with a burst of speed, trying to cross the finish line before their competitors.

Some of the most famous sprinters in history include Usain Bolt, Carl Lewis, Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Jesse Owens.

Who is Called Marathon Runner?

Athletes that specialise in long-distance races, particularly those that are normally 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometres) in length, are known as marathon runners. Running a marathon requires a lot of endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and mental fortitude because the pace must be maintained over a long period of time.

Compared to sprinters, marathon runners have a leaner, lighter body composition with a higher percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibres, which enables them to maintain activity for longer. Athletes also need a lot of strength to resist the physical rigours of the long-distance race, especially in their lower body.

The Olympics, the World Championships, and other international contests are common venues for marathon runners to compete.To prevent exhausting themselves before the finish line, they must pace themselves carefully during the race by regulating their energy usage. They must also have the mental fortitude to overcome the physical and psychological difficulties that come with running such a long journey.

Haile Gebrselassie, Paula Radcliffe, Joan Benoit, and Eliud Kipchoge are a few of the most well-known marathoners in history.