OBJECTIVES To identify risk factors for injuries and other health problems occurring during or immediately after participation in a marathon. METHODS A prospective cohort study was undertaken of participants in the 1993 Auckland Citibank marathon. Demographic data, information on running experience, training and injuries, and information on other lifestyle factors were obtained from participa...

INTRODUCTION The relationship between skin-fold thickness and running performance has been investigated from 100 m to the marathon distance, except the half marathon distance. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether anthropometry characteristics or training practices were related to race time in 42 recreational female half marathoners to determine the predictor variables of half-marathon race time a...

BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that plasma and urinary free choline concentrations decrease significantly during a marathon, and that these decreases may be associated with decreased performance. OBJECTIVE In a pilot study, we sought to determine whether lecithin supplementation prior to a marathon would maintain plasma free and urinary choline concentrations and improve performance v...

BACKGROUND Prolonged exercise, such as marathon running, has been associated with an increase in respiratory mucosal inflammation. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of Montmorency cherry juice on markers of stress, immunity and inflammation following a Marathon. METHODS Twenty recreational Marathon runners consumed either cherry juice (CJ) or placebo (PL) before and after...

We solicited participants through marathon organizers, organized running groups, marathon training programs, message boards, and athletic shops. The study was advertised as a study on the relationship between marathon performance and satisfaction. Over the course of three years (2007-2009), we recruited prospective marathon runners for our targeted marathons, specifically Boston, 2008; Chicago,...

This study examines the reasons given for non-participation in the 1984 Aberdeen Milk Marathon by those people who entered for the race but did not run. The major reason was found to be injury during training. The future running plans of the sample were also investigated and it was found that the vast majority aimed to continue marathon running. Around two-thirds of the sample had decided not t...

Age, height, weight and body mass index (weight/height2) of women finalists from seven running events (100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 3000m and marathon) are analysed. The data on 174 runners are derived from four Olympics (Munich, Montreal, Moscow and Los Angeles). On average endurance runners (3000 m and marathon are 4.8 years older, 6 cm shorter and 5 kg lighter for their height than sp...

BACKGROUND Regular moderate intensity physical activity positively influences the immune system with a lower incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers. However, marathon running due to its strenuous and prolonged nature results in immune perturbations with a major increase in pro-inflammatory markers and subsequent increased incidence of...

I n 490 BC, the Persian Army landed on the plain of Marathon, 25 miles from Athens. The Athenians sent a messenger named Feidipides to Sparta to ask for help. He ran the 150 miles in two days. The Spartans were late. The Athenians attacked and, although outnumbered five to one, were victorious. Feidipides was sent to run back to Athens to report victory. On arrival, he screamed ‘‘We won’’ and d...