Because their X amount faster. What gives?
Talked about a bit here: Running aerodynamics
& here
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/07/style/olympics-speedsuits-ingebrigtsen.html
“they’re”
All the points I would’ve made beyond that, are already in the link above
Don’t have anything to cite to but that NYT article does a decent job. I remember this being brought up with Kipchoge’s breaking 2 attempts & skintight material made zero difference over longer distances. The baggier fit could also be linked to better cooling. If it makes the athlete feel faster then go ahead & wear something tight but the science didn’t back it up.
I plead the case for running skinsuits thusly:
I don’t think this conversation is trying to factor in ultra distance running. Nobody is running fast enough in these mega races to even be concerned in the slightest with aerodynamic advantages.
(Half)Marathon runners who are running ~20km/h there’s an argument to be made.
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice updraft on a warmer day, mens & womens, alike?
Also less likely to have the Partick Lang third leg discussion like after Kona 
Going back through images of Kipchoge’s 2 hour run, he’s wearing Lycra shorts and arm warmers and is mid pack. In his world record in Berlin it’s all the same with a slightly tighter tank top, shaved legs, tall (for a runner) socks.
I think my analysis would be that it probably matters a fair amount, especially if you don’t get to sit in a back of the most talented runners out there with their only goal being to get you to the finish line. I think it also points to optimizing the body parts moving at more than your actual pace first.
Now the impact for us mere mortals is probably somewhat smaller. Still I think one of my goals for this year is racing kit that’s less flappy.
Except that an actual analysis has already been done.
Which puts the delta around 10 seconds at elite speeds (3 seconds per pct).
Because if you need to go (#1, or #2) midrun, it’s a hassle to have to strip down.
And if you’re not in great shape, having lots of jiggly bits clearly moving independently isn’t the greatest look. And looks matter 
I don’t think the question was directed towards out-of-shape jiggly people where aerodynamics would matter not much at all
That being said, I have seen people wearing rather snug-ish bike jerseys in marathons or half’s; not for speed, by any means, but for the pockets for gels & whatnot. I confess to doing this myself
Sounds like financial support from wearing what their sponsors can market is a larger factor then aerodynamics.
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