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Hub AI
Negative split AI simulator
(@Negative split_simulator)
Hub AI
Negative split AI simulator
(@Negative split_simulator)
Negative split
A negative split is a racing strategy that involves completing the second half of a race faster than the first half. It is defined by the intentional setting of a slower initial pace, followed by a gradual or sudden increase of speed towards the end of the race. Alternate strategies include even splitting (racing at a steady pace) or sit and kick (also known as a sprint finish). Conversely, the act of completing the first half of a race faster than the second half is known as a positive split.
The strategy of negative splitting has been documented in competitive running since the early 20th century. Runners such as Steve Prefontaine, Wilson Kipsang, and Galen Rupp have used it in races.
Negative split strategies are also used in swimming (including Janet Evans's 1988 Olympic gold in the 400 m freestyle) cycling, triathlon and horse racing.
The strategies discussed below are easily confused with negative splits, because the racer can appear to be negative splitting when they really are not.
Even splitting is a racing strategy where the runner aims for a precise lap time. To do this, the runner must run the same split for every lap (or other distance considered a split) to hit the time. For example, if a runner wants to finish a 1600-meter race in 4:40, on a 400-meter track, the runner would have to hit 70 seconds a lap, with each lap counting as a split to achieve this goal. To use this strategy, the runner must run their own pace and not get pulled ahead or behind by the other competitors. If the runner falls behind and runs the first part more slowly than intended, they can replace their strategy with a negative split to make up for the time lost earlier in the race.
One of the best examples of even splitting comes from Dave Wottle in the 1972 Olympics in the 800-meter finals. Wottle ran a 1:45 for that race, even splitting 26 seconds for each 200-meter split. Because the other runners in the race ran so fast at the beginning and slowed at the end, Wottle's finish was much faster.
In 2019, Eliud Kipchoge attempted to perform even splitting in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge, in which he attempted to run a marathon distance in under two hours. In order to achieve this time, each 5 km split would need to be completed in 14 minutes 13 seconds, producing a time of 1 hour 59 minutes 59.5 seconds. But in reality, all the 5 km splits were run within five seconds of each other, with every split past the 10 km point being between 14:12 and 14:14. This meant that the race was not run as an even split, but that there was only a 0.5% difference between the slowest and fastest splits, with no obvious pattern of slowing down or speeding up as the race progressed.
This strategy, also known as a sprint finish, relies on the runner hanging with the lead pack for the majority of the race, not pushing the pace or trying to break away, until the bell lap or final section of the race. The runner then makes a kick—increases pace—with all their remaining energy. This strategy relies on the runner having a better kick than the rest of the field. Sitting and kicking can also be confused with negative splitting, especially if the runner employing this strategy makes their kick move earlier than the last 300-meters or so of a race.
Negative split
A negative split is a racing strategy that involves completing the second half of a race faster than the first half. It is defined by the intentional setting of a slower initial pace, followed by a gradual or sudden increase of speed towards the end of the race. Alternate strategies include even splitting (racing at a steady pace) or sit and kick (also known as a sprint finish). Conversely, the act of completing the first half of a race faster than the second half is known as a positive split.
The strategy of negative splitting has been documented in competitive running since the early 20th century. Runners such as Steve Prefontaine, Wilson Kipsang, and Galen Rupp have used it in races.
Negative split strategies are also used in swimming (including Janet Evans's 1988 Olympic gold in the 400 m freestyle) cycling, triathlon and horse racing.
The strategies discussed below are easily confused with negative splits, because the racer can appear to be negative splitting when they really are not.
Even splitting is a racing strategy where the runner aims for a precise lap time. To do this, the runner must run the same split for every lap (or other distance considered a split) to hit the time. For example, if a runner wants to finish a 1600-meter race in 4:40, on a 400-meter track, the runner would have to hit 70 seconds a lap, with each lap counting as a split to achieve this goal. To use this strategy, the runner must run their own pace and not get pulled ahead or behind by the other competitors. If the runner falls behind and runs the first part more slowly than intended, they can replace their strategy with a negative split to make up for the time lost earlier in the race.
One of the best examples of even splitting comes from Dave Wottle in the 1972 Olympics in the 800-meter finals. Wottle ran a 1:45 for that race, even splitting 26 seconds for each 200-meter split. Because the other runners in the race ran so fast at the beginning and slowed at the end, Wottle's finish was much faster.
In 2019, Eliud Kipchoge attempted to perform even splitting in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge, in which he attempted to run a marathon distance in under two hours. In order to achieve this time, each 5 km split would need to be completed in 14 minutes 13 seconds, producing a time of 1 hour 59 minutes 59.5 seconds. But in reality, all the 5 km splits were run within five seconds of each other, with every split past the 10 km point being between 14:12 and 14:14. This meant that the race was not run as an even split, but that there was only a 0.5% difference between the slowest and fastest splits, with no obvious pattern of slowing down or speeding up as the race progressed.
This strategy, also known as a sprint finish, relies on the runner hanging with the lead pack for the majority of the race, not pushing the pace or trying to break away, until the bell lap or final section of the race. The runner then makes a kick—increases pace—with all their remaining energy. This strategy relies on the runner having a better kick than the rest of the field. Sitting and kicking can also be confused with negative splitting, especially if the runner employing this strategy makes their kick move earlier than the last 300-meters or so of a race.