Running smart: the science of completing a marathon – Science Weekly podcast

Hannah Devlin discusses the limits of human performance with sports scientist Professor John Brewer and amateur marathon runner Vicky Solly

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In May of this year, Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge attempted to run a marathon in under two hours - something nobody has done before. On the day, Kipchoge ran nearly three minutes faster than the current world record but missed his goal by just 26 seconds. But what can science tell us about the limits of human performance in long-distance running? How can running a marathon affect our body and mind? And with growing participation in amateur events, can just about anyone run a marathon?