Project FURTHER: Physiological determinants of female ultra-endurance running

Very little research has explored ultra-endurance running, particularly in females (15% of tested subjects). We therefore have a very limited understanding about human performance, and specifically female physiology, with
ultra-distances >350 km. Lululemon Athletica inc. has sponsored an initiative ‘Project FURTHER’ whereby ten females will attempt to run as far as possible within a 6-day ultramarathon. This multi-disciplinary research study
will be performed prior to, during, and immediately following the FURTHER ultramarathon event. Research Question: ‘What are the physiological determinants of female ultra-endurance running?’ Objectives: 1) further
describe the limits of human ultra-endurance performance and the physiological responses related to this physical stress; in particular, to address the sex/gender gap in physiology research by investigating females with a diverse
range of athletic expertise; 2) address the following research question: do female ultra-runners have superior fatigue resistance than male ultra-runners – and is female physiology uniquely suited for ultramarathon?

Faculty Supervisor:

Philip Ainslie;Jamie Burr;Alexandra M. Coates;Chris McNeil;Sarah Purcell;Neil Eves

Student:

Partner:

Lululemon

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Retail trade

University:

Simon Fraser University; The University of British Columbia - Okanagan; University of Guelph

Program: