The limits on maximum sustained energy expenditure are unclear but are of interest because they constrain reproduction, thermoregulation, and physical activity. Here, we show that sustained expenditure in humans, measured as maximum sustained metabolic scope (SusMS), is a function of event duration. We compiled measurements of total energy expenditure (TEE) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) from human endurance events and added new data from adults running ~250 km/week for 20 weeks in a transcontinental race. For events lasting 0.5 to 250+ days, SusMS decreases curvilinearly with event duration, plateauing below 3× BMR. This relationship differs from that of shorter events (e.g., marathons). Incorporating data from overfeeding studies, we find evidence for an alimentary energy supply limit in humans of ~2.5× BMR; greater expenditure requires drawing down the body’s energy stores. Transcontinental race data suggest that humans can partially reduce TEE during long events to extend endurance.

Objective: To investigate physiological and performance adaptations associated with extremely high daily sustained physical activity levels, we followed six runners participating in the 2015 Race Across the USA. Participants completed over 42.2 km a day for 140 days, covering nearly 5,000 km. This analysis examines the improvement in running speed and potential adaptation in mean submaximal heart rate (SHR) throughout the race.Methods: Data were collected during three 1-week long periods corresponding to the race beginning, middle, and end and included heart rates (HRs), body mass, running distances and speeds. HR data were collected using ActiTrainer HR monitors. Running speeds and distances were also recorded throughout the entire race.Results: Athletes ran significantly faster as the race progressed (p < .001), reducing their mean marathon time by over 63 min. Observed mean SHR during the middle of the race was significantly lower than at the beginning (p = .003); however, there was no significant difference between mean SHR at the middle and end of the race (p = .998). Conclusion:These results indicate an early training effect in SHR during the first half of the race, which suggests that other physiological and biomechanical mechanisms were responsible for the continued improvement in running speed and adaptation to the high levels of sustained physical activity. K E Y W O R D S endurance exercise, submaximal heart rate, training adaptation