Final answer:
During a sprint, anaerobic metabolism is used for ATP production, leading to quicker muscle fatigue, while a marathon relies on aerobic metabolism, which is more efficient and better suited for endurance.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a sprint, you would rely on anaerobic metabolism for ATP production. However, during a marathon, you would rely on aerobic metabolism for ATP production.
Sprinting is an intense activity that requires a quick supply of energy which can't be provided fast enough by aerobic respiration due to the limited time for oxygen to reach the muscles.
Instead, the muscle cells must generate ATP through anaerobic processes, namely glycolysis, which can produce ATP quickly but results in the by-product lactic acid that contributes to muscle fatigue.
In contrast, running a marathon is a prolonged, less intense activity, so muscles can utilize aerobic metabolism, which includes carbohydrate loading strategies to maximize glycogen stores that provide a steady supply of glucose for ATP production through cellular respiration.
This oxidative process is more efficient and generates more ATP, making it suitable for endurance and preventing early muscle fatigue.