Is running on tarmac bad for your knees?
Reuben Mraz
2025-06-29 06:37:31
Count answers: 13
Frequently running on hard surfaces like pavement can cause injury and pain. However, some of the best long-distance runners avoid training on hard surfaces, as frequent pavement running can lead to injury over time. Running on all surfaces generates a significant amount of force. For instance, each heel strike can produce 3-4 times the runner’s body weight. However, since concrete or asphalt is the hardest, these surfaces create the maximum force. This force can significantly impact bones, tendons, and joints and may increase the chances of injury. Knee pain, for instance, is a common side effect of long-distance running. The pressure applied by the knee can lead to soreness and tendon injuries in the knee and foot. Meniscus tears and tendon pain are also common. Most injuries happen not from the surface but from poor running mechanics and overtraining.
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