Running training volume is physiologically limited by ground impact and injury risk, unlike non-weight-bearing sports such as cycling. Thus, a volume of 10 hours per week may be sufficient to reach an exceptional level.

noli's read

It is scientifically accurate that elite runners' training volume is lower than that of other endurance athletes. A cohort study by Haugen et al. (2022) published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance confirms that world-class long-distance runners train an average of 10 to 14 hours per week, whereas professional cyclists or swimmers frequently exceed 25 to 30 hours. This barrier is linked to the mechanical constraints of running: a systematic review by van Gent et al. (2007) highlights that the rate of overuse injuries remains very high among runners due to repetitive impact forces. However, the claim that 10 hours of training is sufficient to reach the top 0.1% is an optimistic generalization. Field data show that reaching this level also depends on genetic predispositions and recovery efficiency, not just hourly volume. The concept of an impact barrier limiting running volume remains, however, perfectly validated.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.