Men are twice as likely as women to make this big marathon mistake
by Euan Black · Australian Financial ReviewEuan BlackHealth and wellness reporter
Jul 8, 2026 – 5.00am
Starting too quickly then hitting a wall is a common mistake made by marathon runners – and men are nearly twice as likely to do it as women.
A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports has found that men have an almost twofold higher risk of experiencing a “catastrophic deceleration” in a marathon – defined as slowing down by 20 per cent or more in the second half of the race.
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Euan BlackHealth and wellness reporterEuan Black is the health and wellness reporter at The Australian Financial Review. He was the work and careers reporter. Email Euan at euan.black@afr.com
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