For those who run in marathons?

Question

i know that marathons are about endurance. so, do you start off at a certain pace, then slow down for a while, and finally speed up towards the end? or do you start off as fast as possible?

Answer 1

It depends on your goal.If you want a certain time you pace yourself and speed up towards the end.Elites can run at top speed for the whole marathon.People like me start slow and end slow.I just want to finish.

Answer 2

For age group runners the best policy is to run consistent mile splits. If you wanted to finish in four hours your best tactic would be to run every mile at a 9 minute pace.  Easier said then done.  Some races have pace setters.  You go out with a pace leader whose job it is to set a consistent pace.

It is rarely a good idea to start out as fast as possible.  That is a recipe for disaster.  In fact a good rule of thumb is to feel you are running too slowly.

Elite runners will ofter attempt to run negative splits.  This means they will attempt to run a faster second half than the first half.

Elite runners are more likely to use tactical moves within a race.  For example to push the pace to see if other runners will meet the challenge.

I doubt many age groups runners can slow down mid race then pick it up at the end.