Running Performance

This goal refers to outcomes specifically related to running, such as running speed and endurance. Related faculties are muscular endurance, cardiovascular and pulmonary health, and conditioning.

Quick Answer

What it is

This goal refers to outcomes specifically related to running, such as running speed and endurance. Related faculties are muscular endurance, cardiovascular and pulmonary health, and conditioning.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Anaerobic Capacity (Sodium Bicarbonate)
  • Grade B: Aerobic Exercise Metrics (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
  • Grade C: 5-10km Time Trial (Betalains)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Running Performance

  • Supplements Studied:20
  • Research Trials:45
  • Total Participants:1,485
  • Top Supplement:Branched-Chain Amino Acids (B)
45 trials
1,485 ppts
20 supps · 116 outcomes

Evidence-Based Protocol

Supplement stack ranked by research quality

Strong Evidence

Primary Stack (Tier 1)

3-6mg/kg body weight, 30-60 min pre-run

Reduces perceived exertion, enhances fat oxidation, and improves running economy and endurance

40 studies | 1,100 participants
6-8mmol nitrate 2-3h pre-run

Increases nitric oxide, improving oxygen efficiency and running economy by 3-5%

25 studies | 550 participants

Supporting Stack (Tier 2)

18-65mg daily if deficient (with vitamin C)

Essential for hemoglobin and myoglobin oxygen transport; deficiency impairs endurance performance

22 studies | 800 participants
8-12oz juice or 480mg extract twice daily around hard sessions

Reduces muscle damage and inflammation, accelerating recovery between training sessions

12 studies | 300 participants

How It Works

Running performance depends on aerobic capacity (VO2max), running economy (how efficiently you use oxygen), and the ability to sustain a high percentage of max effort. For distance runners, recovery between training sessions is also critical for maintaining high training loads.

Caffeine is the most proven legal performance enhancer for runners. It reduces how hard a given pace feels (lower RPE), increases fat burning (preserving glycogen), and improves focus during long efforts. Marathon runners, 5K racers, and ultramarathoners all benefit. A typical improvement is 1-3% in race times.
Beetroot Juice (Nitrate) improves running economy—the oxygen cost of running at a given pace. By enhancing how efficiently your muscles use oxygen, you can run faster at the same effort level or maintain your pace with less strain. This is particularly valuable in the final miles of a race.
Iron is critical for runners because it carries oxygen in your blood (hemoglobin) and stores it in your muscles (myoglobin). Distance runners, especially women and those with heavy training loads, are prone to deficiency. Even mild deficiency impairs performance. Get your ferritin tested—optimal is 30-50+ ng/mL.
Tart Cherry accelerates recovery by reducing inflammation and muscle damage after hard runs. Studies in marathon runners show faster strength recovery and reduced soreness.

Expected timeline: Caffeine works within 30-60 minutes. Beetroot juice peaks at 2-3 hours. Iron repletion takes 3-6 months if deficient. Tart cherry is most effective used around key workouts and races.

Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0

Supplements for Running Performance

Sorted by strength of evidence

BBranched-Chain Amino Acids
1
Aerobic Exercise MetricsImprovesBlood glucoseWorsensBlood Lactate (Exercise)Worsens
BSodium Bicarbonate
1
Anaerobic CapacityImprovesSerum BicarbonateImprovesBlood AcidityWorsens
BNitrate
1
Aerobic Exercise MetricsImprovesRating of Perceived ExertionImprovesHeart RateImproves
CCreatine
2
Aerobic Exercise MetricsAnaerobic CapacityImprovesWeightImproves
CAshwagandha
1
Oxygen UptakeImprovesQuality of LifeImproves
CBetalains
1
5-10km Time TrialImproves
CCaffeine
1
Anaerobic CapacityImprovesBlood Lactate (Exercise)WorsensHeart RateWorsens
CMagnesium
1
Aerobic Exercise MetricsImprovesBlood glucoseImprovesInsulinWorsens
CBeta-Alanine
1
Anaerobic CapacityImprovesPower OutputImprovesMuscular EnduranceImproves
DVitamin C
1
Aerobic Exercise MetricsCortisolImprovesExercise AdaptationsImproves
DL-Tyrosine
1
Adrenocorticotropic HormoneAerobic Exercise MetricsImprovesBlood glucoseImproves
DVelvet Antler
1
Aerobic Exercise MetricsErythropoietinImprovesIGF-1Improves
DHMB
1
Anaerobic CapacityBody FatImprovesMuscle MassImproves
DEchinacea
1
ErythropoietinOxygen Cost of ExerciseImprovesOxygen UptakeImproves
DBetaine
1
Anaerobic CapacityBlood glucoseWorsensBody FatWorsens
DL-Carnitine
1
Aerobic Exercise MetricsHeart RateImprovesBlood Lactate (Exercise)Worsens
DColostrum
1
Anaerobic CapacityBody FatImprovesMuscle MassImproves
DPhosphatidylserine
1
CortisolExercise-Induced OxidationWorsensInflammationImproves
DPanax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)
1
Anaerobic CapacityBlood glucoseImprovesBlood Lactate (Exercise)Worsens

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Anaerobic Capacity
Small Improvement
7 studies
smallImproves
?
Serum Bicarbonate
6 studies
Improves
?
Blood Acidity
5 studies
Worsens
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
5 studies
Worsens
?
Power Output
5 studies
Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
1 study
Improves
?
Training Volume
1 study
Improves
B
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Small Improvement
2 studies
smallImproves
?
Blood glucose
1 study
Worsens
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
1 study
Worsens
?
Fat Oxidation
1 study
Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
Worsens
?
Ketone Bodies
1 study
Improves
B
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Small Improvement
2 studies
smallImproves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
2 studies
Improves
?
Heart Rate
1 study
Improves
?
Oxygen Cost of Exercise
1 study
Improves
C
5-10km Time Trial
50-100mg BRC for 6-7 days improved 5-10km time by 2-3%; lower HR, RPE, and blood lactate (PMID: 29910288)
2 studies
smallImproves
C
Oxygen Uptake
Small Improvement
1 study
smallImproves
?
Quality of Life
1 study
Improves
C
Anaerobic Capacity
Moderate Improvement
1 study
moderateImproves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
1 study
Worsens
?
Heart Rate
1 study
Worsens
?
Power Output
1 study
Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
Improves
?
Reaction Time
1 study
Improves
C
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Moderate Improvement
1 study
moderateImproves
?
Blood glucose
1 study
Improves
?
Insulin
1 study
Worsens
?
Muscle Oxygenation
1 study
Improves
C
Anaerobic Capacity
Small Improvement
1 study
smallImproves
?
Power Output
2 studies
Improves
?
Muscular Endurance
1 study
Improves
D
Anaerobic Capacity
No effect
2 studies
none
?
Blood glucose
1 study
Worsens
?
Body Fat
1 study
Worsens
?
Heart Rate
1 study
Worsens
?
Hematocrit
1 study
Improves
?
Hydration (Total Body Water)
1 study
Improves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
1 study
Improves
?
Power Output
1 study
Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
Improves
?
Weight
1 study
Worsens
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
1 study
none
?
Cortisol
1 study
Improves
?
Exercise Adaptations
1 study
Improves
?
Exercise-Induced Immune Suppression
1 study
Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study
Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
1 study
Improves
?
Plasma Vitamin C
1 study
Improves
D
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
No effect
1 study
none
?
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
1 study
Improves
?
Blood glucose
1 study
Improves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
1 study
Worsens
?
Cortisol
1 study
Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
Improves
?
Muscular Endurance
1 study
Improves
?
Strength
1 study
Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
1 study
none
?
Erythropoietin
1 study
Improves
?
IGF-1
1 study
Improves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
Improves
?
Power Output
1 study
Improves
?
Red Blood Cell Count
1 study
Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
Improves
D
Anaerobic Capacity
No effect
1 study
none
?
Body Fat
1 study
Improves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
Improves
?
Power Output
1 study
Improves
D
Erythropoietin
No effect
1 study
none
?
Oxygen Cost of Exercise
1 study
Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
1 study
Improves
?
Red Blood Cell Count
1 study
Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
1 study
none
?
Heart Rate
2 studies
Improves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
1 study
Worsens
?
Oxygen Uptake
1 study
Improves
?
Power Output
1 study
Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
Improves
?
Respiratory Exchange Ratio
1 study
Improves
?
Running Speed
1 study
Improves
D
Anaerobic Capacity
No effect
1 study
none
?
Body Fat
1 study
Improves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
Improves
?
Power Output
1 study
Improves
?
Weight
1 study
Improves
D
Cortisol
No effect
1 study
none
?
Exercise-Induced Oxidation
1 study
Worsens
?
Inflammation
1 study
Improves
?
Muscle Damage
1 study
Worsens
?
Muscle Soreness
1 study
Improves
D
Anaerobic Capacity
No effect
1 study
none
?
Blood glucose
1 study
Improves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
1 study
Worsens
?
Fat Oxidation
1 study
Improves
?
Heart Rate
1 study
Improves
?
Oxygen Cost of Exercise
1 study
Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
Improves
D
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
No effect
1 study
none
?
Anaerobic Capacity
5 studies
Improves
?
Weight
4 studies
Improves
?
Muscle Damage
3 studies
Worsens
?
Power Output
3 studies
Improves
?
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
2 studies
Worsens
?
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
1 study
Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study
Improves
?
Creatinine
1 study
Improves
?
Fatigue Resistance
1 study
Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
Improves
?
Hydration (Total Body Water)
1 study
Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study
Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
1 study
Improves
?
Swimming Performance Metrics
1 study
Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
1 study
Improves
?
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
1 study
Improves

Research Citations (100)

The Role of HMB Supplementation in Enhancing the Effects of Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Muscle Quality, Body Composition, and Physical Function.
(2025)
PMID: 41305674
Effects of Withania somnifera supplementation on cognitive function: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(2024)
PMID: 38146803
Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Supplementation on Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(2024)
PMID: 38529566
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and its withanolides attenuate oxidative and inflammatory signaling in the nervous system
(2024)
PMID: 38678538
Effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on lipid profile in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
(2024)
PMID: 39385778
Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
(2023)
PMID: 36804187
Clinical effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on human health: A systematic review of reviews
(2023)
PMID: 37062481
A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacological Activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
(2023)
PMID: 37234185
Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Testosterone Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(2022)
PMID: 35371298
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review
(2022)
PMID: 35553682

Related Conditions

General Athletic Performance

18 shared supplements · 656 outcomes

General athletic performance refers to an individual's ability to perform in various sports and physical activities, including strength, speed, endurance, and agility.

Aerobic Exercise Performance

16 shared supplements · 324 outcomes

Aerobic exercise performance refers to an individual's ability to perform aerobic exercise, which is determined by physiological factors such as VO2max, lactate threshold, and exercise efficiency.

Metabolic Health

15 shared supplements · 975 outcomes

Research on metabolism, blood glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic syndrome.

Cycling Performance

15 shared supplements · 177 outcomes

Cycling performance refers to power output, speed, time trial performance, functional threshold power, aerobic/anaerobic capacity, and other skills related to success in the sport of cycling.

14 shared supplements · outcomes

Muscle Size & Strength

12 shared supplements · 334 outcomes

This page on muscle size and strength covers strategies to maximize muscle gain and strength gain. There is notable overlap in nutrition and supplementation strategies to facilitate these two goals, but there is some divergence in the best type of exercise. A larger muscle tends to be a stronger muscle.

Muscle Recovery

12 shared supplements · 219 outcomes

Muscle recovery refers to a reduction in muscle soreness or a return of a muscle’s range of motion, strength, or power to normal levels after fatiguing exercise or muscle damage. Muscle recovery is associated with reductions in markers of muscle damage and inflammation.

11 shared supplements · outcomes