You get out what you put in, goes the old adage. And sure enough, when it comes to running, the more miles you log, the faster your marathon time.

But we were curious--just how much of an effect does mileage have on marathon times? So we partnered with folks at RunKeeper, the training app, to analyze data from more than 27,000 of their users. We looked at runners' training habits over a typical 16-week training period and compared their weekly mileage to their 26.2 finish times (see graphic above). The results were revealing. For example, on average:

Runners who ran the most, 38 to 44 miles per week, clocked an impressive 3:50:46 – well below the nation's average marathon time of 4:27:27.

Conversely, runners who ran the least, six or fewer miles per week, ran the slowest times – 5:12:12 (11:54/mile pace).

Even just a few more miles per week was associated with faster finishing times – the group that logged six to 13 miles per week finished in 4:45:36 (10:54/mile pace).

We also looked at what percentage of different mileage groups had finished by certain times. Turns out, 62 percent of runners who averaged 31 to 38 miles per week ran a four-hour marathon, or faster. By contrast, only 8.5 percent of those who logged less than six miles per week were done by the four-hour mark. In fact, at any given time, whether it was the three-hour, five-hour, or six-hour mark, more runners from the higher mileage groups had finished.

Hover over the graphic below to begin animation. It shows a greater percentage of higher mileage runners have already crossed the finish line at any given point during the marathon compared to those runners who have logged fewer miles.

Of course, more mileage isn't always better. Doing too much, too soon, too often can cause injury. So how many miles should you be logging for an upcoming 26.2? To find out, go here.

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This data was provided through a collaboration with RunKeeper, a mobile fitness app that helps more than 30 million people around the world track their workouts, set fitness goals, and understand their progress over time. Please note: data reflects only those runs logged on RunKeeper.

We have published the full data tables behind this article's charts here.

Robert James Reese Robert is the former Executive Producer for Runner’s World Online.

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