Running on Springs: Marathon Record Acceleration

Marathon records are falling at a breathtaking pace—but is it human achievement, new technology, or both rewriting the limits of endurance? In this episode, we break down the stunning performances of runners like Tigst Assefa and Kelvin Kiptum, and the explosive debate surrounding the “super-shoes” propelling them forward. With ultra-springy foam soles delivering measurable energy gains, critics claim the technology cheapens the sport. But is this genuine concern… or just old-fashioned technophobia? We explore why World Athletics allows the shoes, what history tells us about game-changing gear, and why trying to ban innovation may be more unrealistic than expecting these records to stand. The future of the marathon is here—and it’s only getting faster.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/11/03/athletics-should-embrace-super-shoes