Aerodynamic effects and performance improvements of running in drafting formations

Drafting as a process to reduce drag and benefit from the presence of other competitors is applied in various sports with several recent examples competitive running formations. In this study, aerodynamics realistic model female runner calculated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations at four speeds 15 km/h, 18 21 36 km/h. Aerodynamic power fractions total energy expenditure are found be range 2.6-8.5%. Additionally, exemplary formations analysed respect their drafting potential resulting values compared for main her pacers. The best achieves reduction on 75.6%. Moreover, there large variations between considered up 42% baseline single-runner case. We conclude that major more than 70% can already achieved fairly simple formations, while certain factors, such runners sides, have detrimental effect due local acceleration passing flow. Using an empirical mechanical output during running, gains metabolic performance predictions evaluated all Improvements economy 3.5% formation, leading velocity 2.3%. This translates 154 s (~2.6 min) saved over marathon distance. Consequently, direct conclusions drawn obtained data ideal long-distance highly packed