Aim. To identify methods for determining anaerobic threshold (AnT), the running speed at which has the smallest difference from the average competitive running speeds at distances of 10 and 21.1 km among recreational runners. Materials and methods. The study involved 24 recreational runners after an incremental test until exhaustion. The AnT was measured by lactate levels using three methods (Dmax, modified Dmax (Dmod), and a lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L). 1-4 months after the test, athletes performed at distances of 10 and 21.1 km, where average competitive speeds were obtained. Results. For recreational runners, there is a very strong correlation between the running speed at AnT values determined by various methods, the speed values on refusal to continue testing, and the competitive speed values at distances of 10 and 21.1 km. Conclusion. Running speed at AnT assessed by Dmax method in test with an increase speed to failure of subject has the smallest difference (0.04 +/- 0.86 km/h, n = 15) from average competitive running speed of 21.1 km. Running speed at AnT did entification by modified Dmax (Dmod) method has the smallest difference (-0.42 +/- 0.53 km/h, n = 11) from average competitive running speed of 10 km.
