[Aims] The purpose of this study was to clarify the changes of the body composition of elite female long distance runners (hereinafter referred to as female runners) between off season and training season. [Methods] The study subjects were 13 female runners who did not interrupt training for reasons such as running injury (age: 21.7 ± 2.9 years, 5000 m best time: 15 minutes 58 seconds ± 27 seconds). Measurement was conducted 4 times in total, twice a year at "off season: February" and "training season: August". Measurement items were body weight and body fat percentage (underwater weighing method). [Results] Significant difference was observed over time for body weight, body fat percentage, and body fat amount between the seasons, with significantly low values in the training season. The body weight was 45.9 ± 3.9 kg in the off season and 44.9 ± 3.7 kg in the training season for the 1st year, and 45.0 ± 3.6 kg in the off season and 44.9 ± 3.7 kg in the training season for the 2nd year. The body fat percentage was 14.5 ± 3.0% in the off season and 11.9 ± 2.4% in the training season for the 1st year, and 14.0 ± 3.9% in the off season and 11.8 ± 2.6% in the training season for the 2nd year. No significant difference was observed in lean body mass between the seasons. [Conclusions] The amount of body fat was found to account for most of changes in the body weight of female runners between the seasons, suggesting that lean body mass remained at a constant level.
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