An analysis on the dynamics of a marathon race and an estimate for the force exerted on a suspension bridge by a large group of runners
An estimate is obtained for the total force exerted on a suspension bridge in a marathon where thousands of people run at varying velocities. A distribution function n(v) is drawn that gives the number of runners n within possible velocity intervals as a function
of velocity. Basic dynamical relationships are applied to the video images of some athletes running as models on the same treadmill one at a time (within a range of speeds) and the data of New York Marathon 2005 are used. The average load on such a bridge is also compared with that due to
the everyday traffic.
Keywords: Force on a Runner; Marathon; Races on Suspension Bridges; Running; Velocity Distribution of Runners
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 16 March 2016
- Physics Essays has been established as an international journal dedicated to theoretical and experimental aspects of fundamental problems in Physics and, generally, to the advancement of basic knowledge of Physics. The Journal's mandate is to publish rigorous and methodological examinations of past, current, and advanced concepts, methods and results in physics research. Physics Essays dedicates itself to the publication of stimulating exploratory, and original papers in a variety of physics disciplines, such as spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, particle physics, electromagnetic theory, astrophysics, space physics, mathematical methods in physics, plasma physics, philosophical aspects of physics, chemical physics, and relativity.
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