Why Men Outrun Women: The Science Behind the Speed Gap
For years, it’s been observed that men tend to run faster than women, but the reasons go beyond training or willpower. According to experts, it’s rooted in biology, physiology, and biomechanics, and these differences impact performance in ways athletes can’t control.
Muscle Mass and Testosterone
Dr. Emily Kraus, a primary care sports medicine physician at Stanford Health Care, explains that testosterone, which spikes in boys during puberty, plays a major role in muscle development, red blood cell production, and bone growth—all factors that boost performance. Men’s legs are typically around 80% muscle, compared to women’s legs at about 60%. This difference enhances power, endurance, and recovery. Additionally, men have a higher percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers, perfect for explosive movements like sprinting.
Oxygen Use and Endurance
Oxygen consumption, or VO2 max, is another major contributor to endurance. Men, on average, have a VO2 max of 42 ml/kg/min, while women’s is around 33 ml/kg/min. This difference stems partly from men’s larger lungs and hearts, allowing them to pump more oxygen-rich blood during intense exercise.
Stride Mechanics and Body Structure
Biologically, men’s longer legs and narrower hips allow for a more efficient stride, making running mechanics more fluid and less energy-intensive. In contrast, women’s wider hips cause muscle alignment to work less efficiently, which requires more energy per stride.
The Limits—and Possibilities
While science shows a clear performance gap in speed, women have been known to outperform men in ultramarathonsand endurance events. Factors like pain tolerance and mental resilience give women an edge over longer distances. These biological differences don’t define individual performance, though; elite training, strategy, and conditioning can help women exceed expectations in competitive settings.
Despite the biological factors at play, the speed gap in short races is undeniable—men typically run faster. But with persistence, dedication, and the right mindset, anyone can close the gap, regardless of gender.