A Systematic Review of the Factors Associated with Performance in Non-Elite Runners
Mabliny Thuany, Mayara Silva, Matheus Fernandes, Beat Knechtle, Katja Weiss, Thomas Rosemann, Thayse Natacha Gomes, Ramiro Rolim, Marcos André Moura dos Santos

TL;DR
This review identifies factors affecting performance in non-elite runners, highlighting inconsistencies in terminology and how predictors vary by race distance.
Contribution
The study systematically reviews and categorizes factors influencing performance in non-elite runners across different race distances.
Findings
Performance decline is linked to body composition, smoking, BMI, alcohol, and weather.
Training, physiological, and social variables positively correlate with performance.
Physiological factors become less important in longer races like marathons and ultramarathons.
Abstract
Background: We aimed to (i) identify the factors associated with performance in non-elite runners, (ii) present the terms and definitions/attributes used to characterize runners, and (iii) identify how performance has been operationalized. Methods: Our search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Medline Ovid, Cochrane, PsycInfo, Scielo, Scopus, and SportDiscus in October 2023 and updated in February 2026. Original articles that assessed factors associated with performance in non-elite runners competing in distances ranging from 5 km to ultramarathons were included. The findings were summarized by race distance. The Joanna Briggs Institute Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies critical appraisal tool was used for quality assessment. Results: A total of 4151 studies were identified, and 66 studies were included in the final selection. “Recreational” and “athletes” were…
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Taxonomy
TopicsSports Performance and Training · Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies · Exercise and Physiological Responses
