Long Distance Runners Are More Reproductively Successful

(Photo: Peter Mooney)

Previous studies indicate that men who have ring fingers that are longer than their index fingers tend to have higher sex drives and sperm counts. They have greater "reproductive potential." A new study finds that long distance runners--specifically marathon runners--tend to have longer ring fingers. The authors take this as evidence that runners have an advantage in mating.

The study measured 542 men at the Robin Hood Marathon in Nottingham, UK. The Daily Telegraph reports on the results:

They found that the 10 per cent of men with the most masculine digit ratios were, on average, 24 minutes and 33 seconds faster than the 10 per cent of men with the least masculine digit ratios, suggesting that those who were better runners also had increased fertility.

“The observation that endurance running ability is connected to reproductive potential in men suggests that women in our hunter-gatherer past were able to observe running as a signal for a good breeding partner,” said the study’s lead author Dr Danny Longman.

“It was thought that a better hunter would have got more meat, and had a healthier – and larger – family as a consequence of providing more meat for his family.


Correlation does not imply causation. Maybe the excessive running tricks the body into panic mode thinking the lifespan will shorten and accellerates reproduction ability to counter act? That's just a silly theory but there are so many factors to correlate to. Who feels the need to run marathon anyway? The ones with high testosterone, "jocks", or just people with long ring fingers?
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The Kenyan Kalenjin people are a large percentage of the record breakers within long distance runners, partly due to their body form which has evolved from living in a hot climate and developing a method by which to cool it. Another portion is cultural, which is being less frequently exercised. Traditionally, both men and women underwent rites of passage which includes crawling nearly naked through stinging nettles, having the shins beat upon, being circumcised with a sharp pointed stick, and running everywhere. Reproductive preferences side with those who have undergone the rituals with those who had not being seen as "not quite a man/woman."
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