Aerodynamic Drag Reduction Effect of Drafting Formations in Long-Distance Running

In competitive sports, adopting drafting formation strategies to reduce aerodynamic drag and achieve better performance is a common method. Computational fluid dynamic method was used to simulate the flow fields of a single runner as well as drafting formations of two, three, and four runners, obtaining the aerodynamic drag for each runner in different running drafting formations. Compared to the situation of a single runner, the drag reduction rates for drafting formations of two, three, and four runners can reach up to 50.41%, 57.27%, and 63.10%, respectively. In drafting formations, runner positioned in the wake of the leading runner experience lower airflow speeds and pressure on his windward side, resulting in reduced drag. When there is only one leading runner in the front row, his drag slightly decreases; however, when there are two or three runners running abreast in the front row, their blocking effect on the airflow increases, leading to higher windward pressure and drag. Studying the aerodynamic drag of runners in different drafting formations provides suggestions for devising competitive strategies, thereby helping to improve performance.