Elevation gain

Elevation gain refers to the total vertical distance a runner ascends during a run, measured in feet or meters. It indicates the challenge of a route, as more elevation gain requires greater effort and strength. For example, a hilly marathon might have 1,000 meters of elevation gain, while a flat race has minimal gain. Runners use this metric to assess route difficulty and tailor training for specific races. Training on varied terrain improves strength, endurance, and running economy. Understanding elevation gain helps runners prepare for races with significant climbs, impacting pacing and energy management strategies.