Yes, runners can have different strides even when running at the same speed. Stride length, which is the distance covered with each step, can vary among individuals due to factors such as height, leg length, running form, and biomechanics.
When two runners are running at the same speed, one runner may have a longer stride length and take fewer steps to cover a given distance, while another runner may have a shorter stride length and take more steps to cover the same distance. This variation in stride length can be influenced by factors like individual running style, efficiency, and natural gait.
It's important to note that stride length alone is not the sole determinant of running speed. Running speed is also influenced by factors such as stride frequency (the number of steps taken per minute), running economy, muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, and overall running technique. Therefore, even if two runners have different stride lengths, they can still maintain the same running speed by adjusting their stride frequency and other biomechanical factors.