How Running Formations Reduce Drag, Save Energy, and Improve Times
Research led by Professor Bert Blocken, Professor of Aerospace Engineering (Aerodynamics) at Heriot-Watt University, has uncovered substantial benefits of aerodynamic strategies in marathon running. Using Ansys Discovery 3D product simulation software to generate the male and female runner geometries, and Ansys Fluent fluid simulation software to create high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations validated by wind tunnel testing, the study investigated the effects of group formations on air resistance. Results showed that runners positioned within optimized group configurations could reduce aerodynamic drag by as much as 90%. This significant reduction enables athletes to conserve more energy over the course of a race, leading to potential time gains of 30-40 seconds.
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