Endurance running performance can be predicted by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), the fractional utilisation of oxygen uptake (%VO2max) and running economy at lactate threshold (REobla). This study aims to assess maximal lactate accumulation rate (cLamax) in terms of improving running performance prediction in trained athletes. Forty-four competitive female and male runners/triathletes performed an incremental step test, a 100-m sprint test and a ramp test to determine their metabolic profile. Stepwise linear regression was used to predict 5000-m time trial performance. Split times were recorded every 200-m to examine the `finishing kick`. Females had a slower t5k and a lower VO2max, cLamax, `finishing kick` and REobla. Augmenting Joyner`s model by means of cLamax explained an additional 4.4% of variance in performance. When performing the same analysis exclusively for males, cLamax was not included. cLamax significantly correlated with %VO2max (r=-0.439, p=0.003) and the `finishing kick` (r=0.389, p=0.010). cLamax allows for significant (yet minor) improvements in 5000-m performance prediction in a mixed-sex group. This margin of improvement might differ in middle-distance events. Due to the relationship to the `finishing kick`, cLamax might be related to individual pacing strategies, which should be assessed in future research.
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