Do Women Really Pace Marathons Better than Men?

May 6, 2026

A recent study challenges the long-held belief that women consistently pace marathons better than men. While earlier research, like a 2011 analysis of 92,000 races, showed women slowing less in the second half (11.7% vs. men’s 15.6%), new findings suggest this advantage may not be as straightforward or universal.

Researchers reanalyzed vast marathon datasets and found that pacing differences often tie to experience levels, goals, and strategies rather than just gender. Men are more prone to aggressive early paces and time-specific targets (e.g., even-hour finishes), leading to bigger slowdowns, while women may focus on even efforts.

Physiological factors, such as women’s higher fat metabolism sparing glycogen, contribute but don’t fully explain it. Inexperienced runners of both sexes benefit from conservative pacing to avoid “hitting the wall.” Outside Online