Which sport uses the aerobic energy system?

• A. Marathon
• B. 100m sprint
• C. Shot put
• D. High jump

Answer: (A)

Long-duration, endurance activities rely on the aerobic energy system because this system uses oxygen to produce energy over time. It oxidizes glucose and fats to generate ATP, which can be sustained for long periods, making it ideal for events that require steady effort for hours.

In a marathon, the race lasts a long time with a continuous, moderate pace, so the body largely depends on the aerobic pathway to supply the energy needed to keep going. The oxygen available allows ongoing fat and carbohydrate breakdown to meet the energy demand, making this system the dominant source throughout the event.

By contrast, very short, high-intensity activities rely on energy systems that don’t require oxygen. They depend on the phosphagen system for immediate bursts of power and on anaerobic glycolysis for brief sprints, which is why sprinting, shot put, and high jump use energy primarily from these anaerobic sources rather than the aerobic system.