Women narrow performance gap with men in ultra-endurance sports

Women are increasingly closing the performance gap with men in ultra-endurance sports, where events last six hours or more. Previously, men outperformed women by about 10% in traditional endurance events, but this difference has narrowed to as little as 4% in ultra-distance competitions. Factors contributing to this shift include women's superior fat metabolism, hormonal advantages, and effective pacing strategies. Women’s muscle composition and resilience during prolonged exertion allow them to maintain performance, while their psychological strength helps them manage the mental challenges of long races. Despite men still holding records in many ultra-endurance events, women are making significant strides. Continued improvements in training, research, and participation opportunities are essential for further closing the gap in performance.