On Sept. 17, the world’s quickest ultrarunner, Aleksandr Sorokin of Lithuania, demolished his earlier 24-hour world file from a yr in the past, working 319.61 kilometres on the IAU 24-hour European Championships in Verona, Italy. There isn’t any doubt that Sorokin’s file will stand the check of time, however the 40-year-old ultrarunner says he’s not finished but with the 24-hour distance.
After breaking Yiannis Kouros’s long-standing 24-hr file of 303.506 km a yr in the past, with 309 km, Sorokin has as soon as once more redefined human efficiency, beating his previous mark by greater than 10 kilometres.
No runner has ever coated 200 miles (321.86 km) in 24 hours, however Sorokin has come the closest, together with his most up-to-date file of 319.61 km. “I’ve unfinished enterprise with the 24-hour distance,” he says. “There’s way more to return.”
Ten kilometres is a big enchancment for Sorokin in a yr, however he says he hasn’t modified a lot in his coaching. “Nothing has modified, however little by little, my physique has turn out to be quicker,” he says. “We’ve added a bit extra mileage this time round, too.”
Three to 4 weeks out from the European championships, Sorokin’s peak coaching weeks had been between 360 and 380 kilometres (a mean of 50-plus kilometres per day).
“My coaching for these extremely races is not any secret,” Sorokin says. “My coach and supporters inspire me to attain my objectives and work arduous.” Sorokin has a public Strava profile the place he uploads all his coaching within the lead-up to every race.
In a 2021 interview with Sorokin, he spoke about how profitable European championship gold for Lithuania was his final purpose when he started working in 2013. Sorokin holds seven world information on the monitor and highway: 100,000m (monitor), 100 miles (highway), 100 miles (monitor), six-hour run, 12-hour run (monitor), 12-hour run (highway), 24-hour run (highway).
The Lithuanian distance runner has no races deliberate for the instant future however he’s excited for what’s but to return. “I believe working 200 miles in 24 hours is feasible,” says Sorokin. “There are various elements that must go your manner—like good climate and a quick course.”
In January, Sorokin turned the primary runner to break the 11-hour barrier for 100 miles in 10 hours, 51 minutes and 39 seconds on the Spartanion Race race in Tel Aviv, Israel.
