Objective To explore the changes in patellofemoral joint stress of lower limbs during curve running at a slower running speed, so as to analyze the possibility of increasing patellofemoral pain due to long curve running. Methods Newtest portable speed measurement system, Motion infrared high speed motion capture system, Kistler three-dimensional force plate were used to collect the kinematic parameters and ground reaction force from a total of 13 male college students without sports specialty at straight track and curve track (with inner diameter of 36 m) at the speed of (4.0±0.2) m/s. Results Compared with linear running, the patellofemoral joint stress at lateral side of the leg significantly increased during curve running. There were no significant differences in knee flexion angles and knee extensor moments when patellofemoral joint stress increased during curve running. Conclusions Long curve running is a contributing factor with respect to the development of patellofemoral pain in lateral leg and aggravating patellofemoral pain. It is suggested that running enthusiasts and patients with patellofemoral pain should avoid repeating long curve running.