The sports scientist's role in identification of performance criteria for distance runners.

A model has been developed for the identification of long distance running ability within a relatively large group of good runners. A simple multiple regression equation of yards run in 12 minutes and the height of the vertical jump in centimetres against points scored by an individual on International Scoring Tables discriminated elite runners from good runners. A further ranking of ability within such an elite group, once selected, may be made on the basis of the efficiency of their running measured at submaximal running speeds. The relative metabolic cost to each athlete of running at a speed of 15 mph (males) or 12 mph (females) compared to their maximal oxygen uptake is able to differentiate the best of the elite group from the others. Characteristics of elite runners identified in this way may be compared to World Class performers and their ultimate potential assessed.