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Quizzes > Sports

Running Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Marathons, Track, and Records

Quick, free run quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Tonje LindemanUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut illustration of runners sneakers stopwatch and quiz text on teal background

This running trivia quiz helps you check your know-how on pacing, gear, training, and famous records. If you like sprints and relays, try our track and field trivia, explore a running history quiz, or challenge yourself with a sports world records quiz.

What running cadence is often cited as an ideal benchmark for distance runners (steps per minute)?
150 spm
160 spm
200 spm
180 spm
Many coaches and gait analysts cite around 180 steps per minute (spm) as a good target for efficiency and reduced injury risk. This benchmark originated from observations of elite runners and has been widely adopted in training guidelines. Although individual needs can vary, 180 spm is a useful starting point for most distance runners. .
In running shoe technology, what does "EVA" refer to?
Elektron-vinyl alloy
Ethyl vinyl acetate
Ethyl vinyl alcohol
Ethylene-vinyl acetate
EVA stands for ethylene-vinyl acetate, a common foam material used in midsoles for cushioning and shock absorption. Its lightweight and compressible nature makes it ideal for running shoes. Many brands vary EVA formulations to balance softness, durability, and energy return. .
True or False: Heel striking is the most common footstrike pattern among recreational runners.
True
False
Studies have shown that most recreational runners land on their heels first, making heel striking the predominant pattern. Though elite athletes often adopt midfoot or forefoot strikes, casual runners usually heel strike due to comfort and habit. Footstrike pattern can influence injury risk and running economy. .
What is the common term for runs conducted at about 6070% of maximum heart rate to build aerobic fitness?
Easy run
LSD run
Interval run
Tempo run
Easy runs, often performed at 6070% of maximum heart rate, help build aerobic capacity without excessive fatigue. They promote recovery and endurance by improving the hearts efficiency at lower intensities. Most training plans include easy runs on rest days or between harder efforts. .
What is "overstriding" in running biomechanics?
Striking the ground with the forefoot first
Landing with the foot too far ahead of the center of mass
Taking excessively short steps
Bending the knee too much at midstance
Overstriding occurs when a runner lands with their foot far ahead of their bodys center of mass, leading to increased braking forces and potential injury. It often results from trying to lengthen stride too much or running at low cadence. Correcting overstriding can improve efficiency and reduce joint stress. .
What does VO2 max measure in endurance athletes?
Maximal oxygen uptake per kilogram of body weight per minute
Highest blood lactate concentration
Peak running pace sustainable for one hour
Maximum ventilation volume per minute
VO2 max quantifies the maximum volume of oxygen an athlete can utilize per kilogram of body weight per minute during intense exercise. Its a key indicator of aerobic endurance capacity. Higher VO2 max values generally correlate with better distance running performance. .
What is the primary purpose of a tempo run in a training plan?
Increase lactate threshold
Promote passive recovery
Develop sprint speed
Maximize aerobic base mileage
Tempo runs are performed at or near lactate threshold pace to raise the speed at which lactate begins to accumulate in muscles. This improves the bodys ability to clear lactate and sustain faster paces over longer distances. They are a common component of intermediate and advanced training plans. .
Which feature is most associated with minimalist running shoes?
Zero drop between heel and toe
Extra stability midsole
Motion control overlays
High stack cushioning
Minimalist running shoes are designed with a zero drop, meaning no height difference between the heel and toe, to encourage a natural footstrike. They also tend to have thin soles and minimal cushioning. This style aims to strengthen foot muscles and improve proprioception. .
What effect does a stiffer carbon fiber plate typically have on a running shoes performance?
Eliminates the need for any cushioning
Increases energy return and propulsion
Reduces overall shoe weight significantly
Improves breathability
Embedding a stiff carbon fiber plate in the midsole enhances energy return and propels the runner forward by reducing midsole deformation. This design has been shown to improve running economy and performance in races. It does not primarily reduce weight or replace cushioning entirely. .
During interval training, what does a work-to-rest ratio of 1:2 imply?
2 minutes of work followed by 1 minute of rest
1 minute of work followed by 2 minutes of rest
Run at 1/3 pace then rest 2/3 pace
1 mile of work and 2 miles of rest
A 1:2 work-to-rest ratio means athletes perform the high-intensity segment for one unit of time (e.g., 1 minute) and then rest for two units of time (e.g., 2 minutes). This ratio allows sufficient recovery to maintain quality in subsequent intervals. Ratios can be adjusted based on training goals such as endurance or speed. .
In running economy studies, what does "running economy (RE)" typically refer to?
Ratio of stride length to cadence
Oxygen consumption at a given running speed
Maximum sustainable pace
Blood lactate at race pace
Running economy is defined as the steady-state oxygen uptake at a given submaximal running speed. Better economy means using less oxygen to maintain the same pace, which is crucial for endurance performance. Studies often measure RE to assess the effectiveness of training or shoe technology. .
What is the concept of stack height in racing shoes, and what trade-off does it present?
Depth of outsole tread; better traction but increased weight
Height of the shoes arch support; more arch control but less flexibility
Thickness of midsole cushioning; more cushioning and energy return but reduced stability
Length of the shoes upper material; improved fit but decreased breathability
Stack height refers to the total thickness of a shoes midsole cushioning under the foot. Higher stack heights can increase energy return and comfort, but they may reduce ground feel and lateral stability. Racing shoe designs balance stack height to optimize performance benefits without compromising control. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Essential Running Trivia Concepts -

    Gain clarity on fundamental running trivia terms such as cadence, stride length, and pronation to strengthen your running vocabulary.

  2. Analyze Shoe Science and Footwear Choices -

    Learn how different shoe technologies - from cushioning materials to sole designs - impact performance and injury prevention in your runs.

  3. Recall Key Historical and Scientific Facts -

    Test your memory on marathon trivia and jogging trivia by exploring landmark races, record-setting performances, and the evolution of running science.

  4. Apply Pace and Cadence Strategies -

    Discover how to measure and adjust your running pace and cadence for improved efficiency and endurance during workouts and races.

  5. Evaluate and Compare Training Techniques -

    Compare popular training methods and trivia-based tips to identify the best strategies for your personal running goals.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Optimal Running Cadence -

    Research from the University of Colorado suggests aiming for ~180 steps per minute (spm) to improve efficiency and reduce injury risk. A simple mnemonic is "60 seconds × 3 strides = 180 spm," reminding you to take three steps per second. Practicing with a metronome app during a running quiz or jog can help you internalize this cadence.

  2. VO2 Max and Performance -

    VO2 max, the maximum volume of oxygen an athlete can use per minute, is a key indicator of aerobic capacity (American College of Sports Medicine). You can estimate it from a 1.5-mile run with the Cooper Test formula: VO2 max = (22.351 × distance in km) - 11.288. Tracking this metric in marathon trivia or jogging trivia challenges helps you gauge training progress.

  3. Energy Systems in Running -

    Understanding the three energy pathways - phosphagen (0 - 10s), glycolytic (10s - 2min), and oxidative (>2min) - helps you pace during sprints or long-distance events (European Journal of Applied Physiology). For example, you tap the oxidative system for marathon trivia efforts beyond 20 minutes. A handy tip: "P-G-O" (Phosphagen, Glycolytic, Oxidative) to recall the order of dominant systems.

  4. Foot Strike Patterns -

    Harvard Health Publishing identifies three main types: heel, midfoot, and forefoot strikes, each affecting biomechanical load and injury risk. Midfoot striking often offers a balance of efficiency and shock absorption, while forefoot strikes engage the calf muscles more intensely. Experiment in a running quiz setting to find your natural pattern and reduce overuse injuries.

  5. Shoe Drop and Cushioning -

    The "drop" (heel-to-toe height difference) and midsole foam density greatly influence running economy and joint stress (Journal of Sports Sciences). Low-drop shoes (0 - 4 mm) encourage a more natural midfoot strike, whereas higher drops (8 - 12 mm) offer extra heel cushioning for long runs. When studying marathon trivia gear, note that choosing the right drop can be as critical as selecting the ideal pace.

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