Sprinters run the 100m, 200m and 400m and long distance running includes the 5km, 10km, half and full marathons. To become a sprinter or a long distance runner, different muscle groups need to be trained in the body and there is a clear distinction between their physical appearances.

Is distance running bad for sprinters?

Q: How does long distance running affect sprinters? Does it really improve and build endurance; does it damage or alter fast twitch muscles? A: The short answer is that it will probably assist your cardiovascular system, but won't do a lot for your fast twitch muscles.

Are sprinters good at long distance?

In general, sprinters are genetically gifted with a larger number of fast-twitch muscle fibers compared with long-distance runners. ... Compared with slow-twitch fibers, fast-twitch muscle fibers fatigue more quickly and hence are more suited for short-duration anaerobic activities like sprinting and weight lifting.