Running Economy (kcal per km)

kcal/km ≈ 0.97 × bodyweight (kg). Foundational metric for marathon fueling.

Inputs

Result

Total energy
679 kcal
67.9 kcal/km.
  • Body weight70 kg
  • Distance10 km
  • Factor0.97
  • kcal/km67.90
  • kcal/mi109.25
  • Total kcal679.0

Step-by-step

  1. kcal/km = 0.97 × 70 = 67.90.
  2. Total = 67.90 × 10 = 679.0 kcal.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter weight + distance.
  • Pick efficiency tier.

About this calculator

Running burns approximately 1 kcal per kg per km regardless of pace (over reasonable speeds). Elite runners are ~5% more efficient (0.92 kcal/km/kg) due to cleaner mechanics. A 70 kg runner burns ~68 kcal/km × 42.2 km marathon = ~2870 kcal. Glycogen stores ~2000 kcal max — why marathon fueling (gels, drinks) is critical past mile 18.

Frequently asked

For total energy: roughly true at typical running speeds. Walking burns less; sprinting more per km.

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