The Endurance of Speed: Why Distance Trumps the Sprint

Olympic sprinting dazzles in an instant, but distance running tells a richer story. Where the 100 meters is over in a blink, longer races unfold with tactics, pacing, surges, and suspense—more like a film than a flash. In this episode, we explore why distance running feels more relatable to fans who lace up for their own 5ks and 10ks, how a golden age of record-breaking has reshaped the sport, and why sprinting’s stalled marks contrast so sharply with distance running’s momentum. By blending strategy with speed and narrative with drama, the episode argues that the most compelling athletics may be the ones that take time to breathe.

https://www.economist.com/culture/2024/08/02/slow-down-longer-races-offer-fans-more-than-sprints-do