Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Arm Swing Differences in Olympic sprinter vs. Distance runner
First, it is important to note the high variability when it comes to arm swing person to person.
Though may notice some common denominators.
The elbow angle is different.
For the sprinter, the arm angle is around 90 degrees.
For the marathon runner, the arm angle is sharper.
This is not seen from these specific individuals, but across other runners as well.
This challenges a common thought that runners should keep their arms at 90 degrees.
Sprint and distance technique are different beasts.
Let’s also look at the side to side movement.
With the sharper arm angles of the marathon runner, you may also notice this involves more rotational movement in the torso.
You can also appreciate this kind of movement orchestrated by the current marathon world record holder.
This highlights how running is not just about the legs, its a whole body movement.
-
This is for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice. If you are dealing with persistent running-related injuries, I recommend seeing a healthcare professional.
Raw footage credits belong to: TCU Locomotor lab, Dr. Laurence Ryan, and the SMU Locomotor Performance Laboratory
#runninganalysis #gaitanalysis
Arm Swing Differences in Olympic sprinter vs. Distance runner
First, it is important to note the high variability when it comes to arm swing person to person.
Though may notice some common denominators.
The elbow angle is different.
For the sprinter, the arm angle is around 90 degrees.
For the marathon runner, the arm angle is sharper.
This is not seen from these specific individuals, but across other runners as well.
This challenges a common thought that runners should keep their arms at 90 degrees.
Sprint and distance technique are different beasts.
Let’s also look at the side to side movement.
With the sharper arm angles of the marathon runner, you may also notice this involves more rotational movement in the torso.
You can also appreciate this kind of movement orchestrated by the current marathon world record holder.
This highlights how running is not just about the legs, its a whole body movement.
-
This is for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice. If you are dealing with persistent running-related injuries, I recommend seeing a healthcare professional.
Raw footage credits belong to: TCU Locomotor lab, Dr. Laurence Ryan, and the SMU Locomotor Performance Laboratory
#runninganalysis #gaitanalysis
