A stochastic frontier approach to running performance

^** Email: e.sterken{at}eco.rug.nl Long-distance running performance depends on age of the runnerand race distance. In this paper we apply a stochastic frontierapproach to estimate optimal running performance across distancesfrom 5000 m up to and including the marathon. We present agecorrection factors for 5000, 10000 and 15000 m, half-marathonand marathon distances for women and men. Two conclusions emerge:(1) official age grading tables are too optimistic for olderrunners and (2) running performance–age curves differacross distances.