Iron deficiency is a concern in distance runners due to the implications that hemoglobin production becomes impaired limiting oxygen uptake and tissue oxidation in the body. Ferritin is a biomarker used to diagnose iron deficiency. The related signs and symptoms of iron deficiency are associated with decreased performance and prolonged recovery. PURPOSE: To investigate whether the change in ferritin levels affect measures of performance, measures of recovery, and rate of perceived exertion in female endurance runners. METHODS: Ten participants (3 freshman and 7 upperclassman) that were female distance runners on an NCAA Division I Track and Field Team (20.0 ± 1.4 yrs) from one mid-Atlantic university completed the study. Each participant completed the self-reported demographic questionnaire to determine participation eligibility, injury history, and iron supplementation history. In addition, a post-race questionnaire following each race was completed to self-report measures related to performance and recovery (RPE, sleep, dietary, hydration and stress). Results of most recent ferritin levels at different time points and race times during the competitive indoor track and field season were obtained from existing data. RESULTS: Ferritin levels were found to decrease in both freshman and upperclassman groups from the previous six and eighteen months of testing, respectively. Ferritin levels preseason and postseason were 50.33 ± 17.94 ng/ml and 46.33 ± 17.75 ng/ml, respectively, with no significance in change (F = 1.767, p = 0.220). Partial correlations indicated moderate relationships between ferritin levels and feeling ill or injured (r = 0.42, p = 0.002), hours of sleep the previous three nights (r = 0.315, p = 0.021), and rate of perceived exertion (r = 0.407, p = 0.002). Other results were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Ferritin can be a valuable tool in determining iron status in the body and is associated with several measures of recovery. Regular ferritin testing with other hematological markers provide a comprehensive analysis of factors that influence levels of aerobic capacity. Difference in iron stores have a significant relationship with measures of recovery, thus additional studies should be conducted to further investigate the importance of ferritin levels and confirm the findings of this study.