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Background: Drafting is a common technique to reduce the drag experienced by elite runners on races, leading to faster finish times. The tactic has been successfully used in previous marathon world records. In the 2023 Chicago Marathon, Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum broke the marathon record after a 2:00:35 finish. This feat is impressive considering the lack of use of drafting, despite the availability of two pacers for the majority of the race. Methods: In this study, the drag faced by Kiptum and his pacers during the race is calculated by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The performance of each runner is evaluated from an energetic standpoint, and the analysis is extended to include more efficient drafting formations. Results: Running in proper formations results in drag reductions in excess of 70% for the main runner. Our results indicate that, by properly using the advantages of drafting, Kiptum could have finished the race at a staggering 1:57:34, a full three minutes better than his own record and 215 s better than the previous world record. Conclusion: Proper use of drafting does indeed improve the energetic performance of a runner, allowing for lower race times and potentially helping elite runners in breaking the 2-h barrier for a marathon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to identify the major determinants of cardiac troponin changes response to exercise among non-elite runners participating in the Beijing 2022 marathon, with a particular focus on the associations with the cardiac function assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiography and speckle tracking. A prospective study. A total of 33 non-elite participants in the 2022 Beijing Marathon were included in the study. Echocardiographic assessment and blood sample collection were conducted before, immediately after, and two weeks after the marathon. Blood samples were analyzed using the same Abbot high-sensitivity cTnI STAT assay. Echocardiography included tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography. Following the marathon, significant increases were observed in cardiac biomarkers, with hs-cTnI elevating from 3.1 [2.3–6.7] to 49.6 [32.5–76.9] ng/L (P < 0.0001). Over 72 % of participants had post-race hs-TnI levels surpassing the 99th percentile upper reference limit. There was a notable correlation between pre-marathon hs-cTnI levels (β coefficient, 0.56 [0.05, 1.07]; P = 0.042), weekly average training (β coefficient, − 1.15 [− 1.95, − 0.35]; P = 0.009), and hs-cTnI rise post-marathon. Echocardiography revealed significant post-race cardiac function changes, including decreased E/A ratio (P < 0.0001), GWI (P < 0.0001), and GCW (P < 0.0001), with LVEF (β coefficients, 0.112 [0.01, 0.21]; P = 0.042) and RV GLS (β coefficients, 0.124 [0.01, 0.23]; P = 0.035) changes significantly associated with hs-TnI alterations. All echocardiographic and laboratory indicators reverted to baseline levels within two weeks. Baseline hs-cTnI levels and weekly average training influence exercise-induced hs-cTnI elevation in non-elite runners. Echocardiography revealed post-race changes in cardiac function, with LVEF and RV GLS significantly associated with hs-TnI alterations. These findings contribute to understanding the cardiac response to exercise and could guide training and recovery strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Footwear used in competitive distance running has remained relatively unchanged in nature for decades. However, such technology has recently generated controversy with the introduction of so-called 'supershoes'. Such footwear appear both aesthetically and functionally different to those used prior to their introduction and their arrival coincided with a spate of distance running world records being broken. The ten questions presented in this paper address a series of issues that relate to supershoes. These include their definition, what level of performance enhancement they provide and what impact they have had in competitive sport. Furthermore, it is explored how such technology is regulated and whether it should be considered fair. Via these questions, we hope to inform readers towards a greater understanding of this form of sports technology and highlight research and engineering gaps for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In recent years, as the popularity of long-distance fitness running continues to rise, more research progress has been made on related scientific issues. Among them, the landing pattern of long-distance running is an important biomechanical research hotspot at the level of running technique. OBJECTIVE: Using CiteSpace to visualize and analyze the relevant literature, the article sorts through the last decade’s literature on the subject to identify the current state, hot spots, and trends in the footprint as well as to further discuss the main research hotspots of the foot strike pattern from a biomechanical perspective. METHODS: “Foot strike pattern,” “Rearfoot strike,” “non-Rearfoot strike,” “Forefoot strike” and “Midfoot strike” were used as keywords to search the Web of Science Core Collection database. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 896 relevant papers were finally included. The number of articles published in a year showed an overall upward trend. The top three countries in terms of the number of publications were the United States, China and the United Kingdom; the top three institutions were Harvard University, Shanghai University of Sports and the University of Massachusetts; and the top three authors were Davis Irene S, Hamill Joseph and Fu Weijie. The keywords “barefoot running, runner, injury, footing pattern, kinesiology” appear more frequently, and the keyword clusters include “energy cost, loading rate, footing pattern, risk factors, gait analysis”, and the relevant research still continues to be hot to this day. After analyzing the above data in detail, we found that the overall research intensity of foot strike pattern has remained stable in recent years, and the hotspot mainly focuses on the biomechanical research of foot strike pattern; the trend of this kind of research focuses on the influence and adaptability of different strike patterns (forefoot strike and rearfoot strike) on long-distance runners (barefoot, shoes, distance, speed, injury risk, running economy and energy consumption, etc.). Therefore, there is no “standardized optimal landing,” but there may be “individualized optimal landings.” It is suggested that researchers should select the optimal landing pattern and running technique strategy according to their own habitual way, movement pattern characteristics, exercise level and task attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Nike Vaporfly line of running shoes improves running economy by ∼2.7% to 4.2% at running speeds of 13 to 18 km·h−1. It is unclear whether similar benefits are conferred at slower speeds. Our purpose was to determine the effects of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 (VFN2) on running economy at 10 and 12 km·h−1 compared with a mass-matched control (CTRL) shoe. Methods: Sixteen runners completed 4 × 5-minute trials at both 10 and 12 km·h−1 on the same day. Each shoe was tested twice at each speed in a counterbalanced, mirrored sequence. Data are displayed as mean (SD). Results: A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed a significant shoe × speed interaction for oxygen consumption (P =.021). At 12 km·h−1, oxygen consumption (in mL·kg−1·min−1) was lower (−1.4% [1.1%]; P <.001) for VFN2 (35.8 [1.7]) relative to CTRL (36.4 [1.7]). That was greater in magnitude than the differences observed at 10 km·h−1 (−0.9% [1.8%]; P =.065) between VFN2 (29.4 [1.9]) and CTRL (29.6 [1.9]). Conclusions: From these data, it appears that the VFN2 still enhances running economy at 10 and 12 km·h−1; however, these benefits are smaller in magnitude compared with previous research at faster speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 56-year-old healthy woman presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm and was treated with internal trapping of the affected site including the aneurysm. She suffered rebleeding due to recanalization of the aneurysm 5 days after the first treatment. Because of the close proximity of the coil mass to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) origin at first treatment, additional coil embolization by tight packing of the coil mass was planned. However, navigation of the microcatheter into the coil mass was challenging due to the tightly packed coil mass. Thus, a Marathon microcatheter, which has narrower outer diameter and is designed for liquid embolization, was used and successfully placed into the coil mass in an anterograde fashion. Thereafter, the DAC was advanced just proximal to the coil mass to reduce the kickback of the microcatheter during deployment of the coils and avoid the coil mass expansion toward the PICA origin, resulting in complete obliteration of the aneurysm with PICA preservation. Follow-up angiography performed 6 months after the second treatment showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm. The patient's course was uneventful after 1 year following the second treatment, with a modified Rankin Scale score of 1. Therefore, coil embolization through the tightly packed coil mass using a Marathon microcatheter is feasible. A low-profile DAC is also useful for enabling physicians to push the coil deployed through the flexible Marathon microcatheter.

Abstract Background A typical training plan is a mix of many training sessions with different intensities and durations to achieve a specific goal, like running a marathon in a certain time. Scientific publications provide little specific information to aid in writing a comprehensive training plan. This review aims to systematically and quantitatively analyse the last 12 weeks before a marathon as recommended in 92 sub-elite training plans. Methods We retrieved 92 marathon training plans and linked their running training sessions to five intensity zones. Subsequently, each training plan was grouped based on the total running volume in peak week into high (> 90 km/week), middle (65–90 km/week), and low (

This study aimed to identify the relationship between exercise-induced hypertension and carotid artery intima-media thickness in long-distance runners. Sixty healthy male runners aged 40 to 60 years were assigned to the following three groups based on resting blood pressure and maximal systolic blood pressure during a maximal exercise test: normal blood pressure response, exercise-induced hypertension, and complex hypertension. An exaggerated systolic blood pressure response was defined as a maximal systolic blood pressure+≥+210 mmHg during the maximal exercise test, while carotid intima-media thickness was measured using B-mode ultrasonography. The carotid intima-media thickness mean values were the highest in the complex hypertension group (0.72±0.11 mm), followed by exercise-induced hypertension (0.62±0.12 mm) and normal blood pressure groups (0.55±0.13 mm), with a significant difference between the groups (p+<+0.002). In linear regression analysis, the mean intima-media thickness was independently associated with age (p=0.015) and maximal systolic blood pressure (p=0.046) but not with resting systolic blood pressure. These results suggest that exercise-induced hypertension is associated with carotid intima-media thickness, a surrogate marker of cardiovascular disease, in long-distance runners. Therefore, evaluating the blood pressure response during exercise is important for the early detection of potential cardiovascular disease risks in long-distance runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of today's recreational runners have changed their diet from omnivorous to vegetarian or vegan for reasons like better sport performance, animal ethics, positive health, eco-aspects, or male infertility. Others have constructed the flexitarian diet due to current trends in sustainable eating. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the dietary habits and race day strategies of recreational endurance runners following current sustainable dietary trends. Recreational endurance runners (18+ years) were invited to complete the standardized online survey on socio-demography/anthropometry, motivations, running/racing history, food frequency, and race day dietary strategy. Chi-squared tests and Wilcoxon tests were used for the statistical analysis. In total, 289 participants submitted the survey; 146 subjects following flexitarian (n = 34), vegetarian (n = 50), or vegan (n = 62) diets were included in the final sample. Significant differences were found across the diet types: BMI (p = 0.018), fruit/vegetable consumption (p < 0.001), and the dietary motive of performance (p = 0.045). The findings suggest that the flexitarian diet may be appropriate for health- and environmentally conscious populations living in a meat-centered society and lacking social support to eat completely vegetarian/vegan. Following a plant-based diet is perceived as easy for health-conscious, athletic populations, and the vegan diet does not require a particularly effortful/complex race day strategy for endurance runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When marathon runners break the 2-h barrier at the finishing line, it attracts global attention. This study is aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of publications in the field of marathon running, analyze relevant research contributors, and visualize the historical trends of marathon performance research over the past 15 years. Methods: On 8 December 2023, we extracted high-quality publication data from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning from 1 January 2009 to 30 November 2023. We conducted bibliometric analysis and research history visualization using the R language packages biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Results: A total of 1,057 studies were published by 3,947 authors from 1,566 institutions across 63 countries/regions. USA has the highest publication and citation volume, while, the University of Zurich being the most prolific research institution. Keywords analysis revealed several hotspots in marathon research over the past 3 years: (1) physiology of the elite marathon runners, (2) elite marathon training intensity and pacing strategies, (3) nutritional strategies for elite marathon runners, (4) age and sex differences in marathon performance, (5) recovery of inflammatory response and muscle damage. Conclusion: This study presents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of marathon performance research over the past 15 years. It unveils the key contributors to marathon performance research, visually represents the historical developments in the field, and highlights the recent topical frontiers. The findings of this study will guide future research by identifying potential hotspots and frontiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the emotional context of child burials performed during the Middle Helladic period in houses still in use. Recent evidence, gained mainly from modern fieldwork, supports the reality of these interments, despite some counter-arguments raised based on the unorthodox location of them. Here, it is proposed that the cultural changes that occurred at the end of the Early Helladic period might have triggered sufficient psychological pressure that, in conjunction with the emergence of new societal forms, led communities to gradually accept this particular funerary practice, which had been rather marginal until then. Although the important role of metaphysical considerations is touched on here, a number of questions – primarily driven by an emotional approach – may reveal interesting paths for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies described various adaptive neuroplastic brain changes associated with physical activity (PA). EEG studies focused mostly on effects during or shortly after short bouts of exercise. This is the first study to investigate the capability of EEG to display PA‐induced long‐lasting plasticity in runners compared to a sedentary control group. Methods: Thirty trained runners and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched sedentary controls (SC) were included as a subpopulation of the ReCaP (Running effects on Cognition and Plasticity) study. PA was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Resting‐state EEG of the runners was recorded in the tapering phase of the training for the Munich marathon 2017. Power spectrum analyses were conducted using standardized low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) and included the following frequency bands: delta: 1.5–6 Hz, theta: 6.5–8.0 Hz, alpha1: 8.5–10 Hz, alpha2: 10.5–12.0 Hz, beta1: 12.5–18.0 Hz, beta2: 18.5–21.0 Hz, beta3: 21.5–30.0 Hz, and total power (1.5–30 Hz). Results: PA (IPAQ) and BMI differed significantly between the groups. The other included demographic parameters were comparable. Statistical nonparametric mapping showed no significant power differences in EEG between the groups. Discussion: Heterogeneity in study protocols, especially in time intervals between exercise cessation and EEG recordings and juxtaposition of acute exercise‐induced effects on EEG in previous studies, could be possible reasons for the differences in results. Future studies should record EEG at different time points after exercise cessation and in a broader spectrum of exercise intensities and forms to further explore the capability of EEG in displaying long‐term exercise‐induced plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A typical training plan is a mix of many training sessions with different intensities and durations to achieve a specific goal, like running a marathon in a certain time. Scientific publications provide little specific information to aid in writing a comprehensive training plan. This review aims to systematically and quantitatively analyse the last 12 weeks before a marathon as recommended in 92 sub-elite training plans. Methods: We retrieved 92 marathon training plans and linked their running training sessions to five intensity zones. Subsequently, each training plan was grouped based on the total running volume in peak week into high (> 90 km/week), middle (65–90 km/week), and low (< 65 km/week) training volume plan categories. Results: In the final 12 weeks before a race, recommended weekly running volume averaged 108 km, 59 km, and 43 km for high, middle, and low distance marathon training plans. The intensity distribution of these plans followed a pyramidal training structure with 15–67–10–5–3%, 14–63–18–2–3%, and 12–67–17–2–2% in zones 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, for high, middle, and low volume training plans, respectively. Conclusions: By quantitatively analysing 92 recommended marathon training plans, we can specify typical recommendations for the last 12 weeks before a marathon race. Whilst this approach has obvious limitations such as no evidence for the effectiveness of the training plans investigated, it is arguably a useful strategy to narrow the gap between science and practice. Key points: This review links science and best practice recommendations by quantitatively analysing 92 publicly available marathon training plans for sub-elite marathon runners. Weekly planned running distance in the last 12 weeks before the marathon ranged from 107.7 km for high volume, 58.5 km for middle volume, to 42.9 km for low volume training plans, with the longest run in these plans ranging from 35.2 km for high to 30.9 km for low volume plans. Following a five-zone intensity model, training intensity distribution for all volume categories followed a low, middle, and high intensity pyramidal structure with 13.2% in zone 1, 65.6% in zone 2, 15.1% in zone 3, 3.0% in zone 4, and 3.0% in zone 5. Most of the training volume was recommended to be run in zone 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Marathon running poses unique cardiovascular challenges, sometimes leading to syncopal episodes. We present a case series of athletes who experienced pre-/syncope during the Zurich Marathon 2023, accompanied by elevated cardiac biomarkers. Case summary Eight athletes (2 females, 6 males) aged 21–35 years, with pre-/syncope and various additional diverse symptoms such as dizziness and palpitations during the (half-)marathon, were admitted to two emergency departments in Zurich, Switzerland. Clinical evaluations included electrocardiogram, echocardiography, telemetry, coronary computed tomography (CT) scans, and cardiac biomarker assessments. High-sensitive troponin T (hs-cTnT) was elevated in all cases at initial assessment and returned to normal at follow-up. All athletes who received CT scans had normal coronary and brain CT results. None of the eight athletes had underlying cardiovascular disease. Renal function normalized post-admission, and neurological symptoms resolved within hours. Creatinine levels indicated transient acute kidney injury. A common feature was inexperience in running, inadequate race preparation, particularly regarding fluid, electrolyte, and carbohydrate intake, along with pacing issues and lack of coping strategies with heat. Discussion From a clinician perspective, the case series highlights the challenge in the management of patients with a pre-/syncopal event during strenuous exercise and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Diverse initial symptoms prompted tailored investigations. Adequate training, medical assessments, and awareness of syncope triggers are essential for marathon participants. Caution and pacing strategies are crucial, especially among novices in competitive running. This information is pertinent given the growing popularity of marathon events and prompts a standardized diagnostic approach after these events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mass gatherings (MGs) usually represent significant challenges for the public health and safety sector of the host cities. Organizing a safe and successful mass event highly depends on the effective collaboration among different public and private organizations. It is necessary to establish successful coordination to ensure that all the key stakeholders understand their respective roles and responsibilities. The inconsistency between the variety of participating agencies because of their different culture can result in delays in decision making. Interorganizational knowledge transfer can improve the success of the event; however, knowledge transfer among professionals and agencies in MGs is not well-documented. Objective: This study used the 2018 Athens Marathon as the empirical setting to examine how interorganizational knowledge transfer was perceived among the multiple public health and safety professionals during the planning stage of the event. Methods: Data comprised 18 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with key informants, direct observations of meetings, and documentary analysis. Open coding and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Findings indicated that sharing the acquired knowledge was a necessary and challenging step to create an enabling collaborative environment among interacting organizations. Experiential learning was identified as a significant factor, which helped promote joint understanding and partnership work. Informal interpersonal exchanges and formal knowledge transfer activities facilitated knowledge sharing across organizational boundaries, helping to break down silos. Conclusion: Interorganizational knowledge transfer is a necessary step to achieve joint understanding and create an environment where interaction among agencies can be more effective. The study findings can be beneficial for organizers of marathons and other mass sporting events to support valuable interorganizational collaboration and conduct a safe event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study analyzes the wearable device preferences of long-distance runners and examines the differences between genders, regions (the USA and Europe), age, and performance. We have analyzed 237,336 records from eight of the world’s most famous marathons between 2016 and 2019. Our study takes into account the device model, family, and type. We have found that Garmin devices are the most widely used in this type of race, accounting for more than 75% of the records. Women generally prefer more economical, non-specific, and lighter devices, while men increasingly use specialized trail and multisport devices. Moreover, we have observed differences in device preferences among different age groups and performance levels. The manufacturers of this type of technology are making strides toward sustainability, with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainable materials, durability, environmental certifications, and recycling programs.

Participation in marathons has dramatically increased over the last few years. Marathon running has many proven beneficial effects, especially on cardiovascular health and fitness. Most research has focused on physiologic and pathophysiologic adaptations in connection with endurance exercise. Nevertheless, marathon running also has a major impact on psychological aspects and positively influences mental health, which has only recently attracted research interest. The present narrative review aimed to review the personality traits of marathon runners with an emphasis on recent literature. Marathon runners show a distinct personality and highly characteristic personality traits needed to successfully finish such a demanding race, i.e., a strong sense of vigor, self-sufficiency, and intelligence as well as low scores in anger, fatigue, tension, and depression. Furthermore, personality differences are detectable between runners of different sexes, ages, and performance level groups. This has significant clinical implications for athletes, coaches and competition organizers, as these groups show different patterns of personality traits. Future studies should focus on changes in cognition and mood states pre-, during, and post-endurance events, as well as during training periods. Large-scale studies comparing personality differences by sex, age, and performance are also important for better clinical guidance.

Abstract The Tour Divide (TD) is a 4385 km ultra‐endurance bicycle race that follows the continental divide from Canada to Mexico. In this case study, we performed a comprehensive molecular and physiological profile before and after the completion of the TD. Assessments were performed 35 days before the start (Pre‐TD) and ∼36 h after the finish (Post‐TD). Total energy expenditure was assessed during the first 9 days by doubly labelled water (2H218O), abdominal and leg tissue volumes via MRI, and graded exercise tests to quantify fitness and substrate preference. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were taken to measure mitochondrial function via respirometry, and vascular function was assessed using Doppler ultrasound. The 47‐year‐old male subject took 16 days 7 h 45 min to complete the route. He rode an average of 16.8 h/day. Neither maximal O2 uptake nor maximal power output changed pre‐ to post‐TD. Measurement of total energy expenditure and dietary recall records suggested maintenance of energy balance, which was supported by the lack of change in body weight. The subject lost both appendicular and trunk fat mass and gained leg lean mass pre‐ to post‐TD. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial and vascular endothelial function decreased pre‐ to post‐TD. Overall, exercise performance was maintained despite reductions in muscle mitochondrial and vascular endothelial function post‐TD, suggesting a metabolic reserve in our highly trained athlete.

Introduction: The aim was to analyze the response of serum levels of inflammatory, high-energy muscle biomarkers and hamstring localized bioimpedance (L-BIA) measurements to marathon running and to ascertain whether they correlate with each other or with race time. Methods: Blood samples and hamstrings tetra-polar L-BIA measurements from 14 Caucasian male recreational athletes at the Barcelona Marathon 2019 were collected at base line, immediately after and 48 h post-race. Serum C reactive protein (sCRP), creatinine kinase (sCK) and lactate dehydrogenase (sLDH) were determined using an AU-5800 chemistry analyzer. L-BIA was obtained at 50 kHz with a Quantum V Segmental phase-sensitive bioimpedance analyzer. Results: Median sCRP increased (4-fold) after 48 h post-race. Median sCK and sLDH levels increased immediately post-race (3-fold, 2-fold) and 48h post-race (5-fold, 1-fold). Left, right and combined hamstring reactance (Xc) and phase angle (PhA) increased immediately post-race. Xc combined hamstring pre- and immediately post-race correlated with race-time and with sCK and sLDH median levels pre-race. Xc combined hamstring pre- and immediately post-race > 15.6 O and 15.8 O, respectively, predicted the race time of 3:00:00 h. Conclusion: L-BIA reactance (Xc) is an objective direct, real time, easy, noninvasive bioelectrical parameter that may predict muscle and marathon athlete performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Compared with other sports, running is popular sport for children throughout the world. Over the last few decades, marathon running has become increasingly popular even in the age group below 18 years. While the majority of youth athletes fall within the 16–18 age range, it is noteworthy that there are also participants younger than 12 years engaging in marathon races. Advice on the safety of youth athletes participating in these events is frequently sought by parents, coaches, sport scientists, and medical professionals, particularly concerning potential short- and long-term health consequences. The act of marathon running has the potential to impact key organ systems during the crucial phases of growth and development. To ensure the safety of marathon running in youth runners, it is essential to address multiple physiological and psychological aspects of health. These recommendations are directed towards ensuring the safe participation of youth athletes in marathon races through proper and individualized assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common injury among runners, and it is thought that abnormal lower extremity biomechanics contribute to its development. However, the relationship between biomechanical changes after a marathon and PFPS injury remains limited. This study aims to investigate whether differences in knee and hip kinematics and lower extremity muscle activities exist in recreational runners before and after a marathon. Additionally, it aims to explore the relationship between these biomechanical changes and the development of PFPS injury. 12 recreational runners participated in the study. Kinematics and muscle activities of the lower extremity were recorded during walking (5 km/h) and running (10 km/h) tasks within 24 hours before and within 5 hours after a marathon. After the marathon, there was a significant decrease in peak knee flexion (walking: p = 0.006; running: p = 0.006) and an increase in peak hip internal rotation (walking: p = 0.026; running: p = 0.015) during the stance phase of both walking and running compared to before the marathon. The study demonstrates a decrease in knee flexion and an increase in hip internal rotation during the stance phase of gait tasks after completing a marathon, which may increase the risk of developing PFPS injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tour Divide (TD) is a 4385 km ultra‐endurance bicycle race that follows the continental divide from Canada to Mexico. In this case study, we performed a comprehensive molecular and physiological profile before and after the completion of the TD. Assessments were performed 35 days before the start (Pre‐TD) and ∼36 h after the finish (Post‐TD). Total energy expenditure was assessed during the first 9 days by doubly labelled water (2H218O), abdominal and leg tissue volumes via MRI, and graded exercise tests to quantify fitness and substrate preference. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were taken to measure mitochondrial function via respirometry, and vascular function was assessed using Doppler ultrasound. The 47‐year‐old male subject took 16 days 7 h 45 min to complete the route. He rode an average of 16.8 h/day. Neither maximal O2 uptake nor maximal power output changed pre‐ to post‐TD. Measurement of total energy expenditure and dietary recall records suggested maintenance of energy balance, which was supported by the lack of change in body weight. The subject lost both appendicular and trunk fat mass and gained leg lean mass pre‐ to post‐TD. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial and vascular endothelial function decreased pre‐ to post‐TD. Overall, exercise performance was maintained despite reductions in muscle mitochondrial and vascular endothelial function post‐TD, suggesting a metabolic reserve in our highly trained athlete. What is the main observation in this case?This paper provides a unique multi‐parameter physiological analysis of a male subject who completed a 4385 km ultra‐endurance bicycle race. Although no specific hypotheses were tested, several intriguing observations were made. First, measurements of energy intake and expenditure indicated that energy balance was maintained, as was body mass. Second, after completion of the race, exercise performance was maintained despite reductions in skeletal muscle mitochondrial and vascular endothelial function.What insights does it reveal?Overall, the data provide a unique insight into the plasticity and tolerability of multiple physiological systems for the extreme physical stress imposed by multi‐day ultra‐endurance events in a trained athlete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although runner’s profiles were previously investigated, information on the training frequency and training distance for short (5 km, 10 km) and long-distance (>21 km) running is absent. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between training routines and exercise habits of recreational endurance runners considering self-reported preferred race distance [10 km, half-marathon (HM), and marathon/ultra-marathon (M/UM)] subgroups. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, sampling 154 recreational runners of both sexes. A web survey was used for data collection regarding age, sex, preferred distance (10-km, HM, M/UM), training routines, exercise habits, and periodized training routines. The Chi-square test (Cramer’s V) and Kruskal-Wallis test (Eta-Squared η²) with effect sizes were used for comparisons between race distances. Results: Significant differences were shown for anthropometric, training, and periodization characteristics. Highly significant differences were found between subgroups for the number of sessions, running kilometers, and training hours at all periods and within all four preparation conditions. M/ UM runners were training more frequently, for longer durations, and ran greater distances each week. Conclusion: This finding supports the notion that training habits and periodization characteristics are different for different race distances (10- km, half marathon, marathon, and ultramarathon). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a unique exercise-associated collapse case during a marathon, highlighting the significance of evidence-based management for athletes on field. The patient, a 61-year-old experienced runner, collapsed near the finish line of the Milano City Marathon. He was aided immediately with CPR and AED. After excluding, through validated algorithms, common and life-threatening causes of collapse, the patient was transferred to hospital. The patient underwent diagnostic procedures, including CT and MRI scans, and hormonal tests that revealed pituitary hemorrhage and underlying coronary artery disease. Follow-up assessments and personalized care were instrumental in the patient's successful recovery and safe return to exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the extensive literature on volunteers at sports events, there remains limited comprehension among researchers regarding volunteer experience. While studies suggest direct and indirect relationships between motivation, satisfaction, commitment, and sense of community concerning volunteer experience, empirical understanding in this area remains inadequate. The primary objective of this research was to empirically examine the relationship between external influence, satisfaction, and the sense of sports event volunteers' experiences. Following the "Athens Marathon, The Authentic," 850 volunteers participated in an online self-administered questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 65%. Hypothesized linear relationships were tested using a two-step structural equation model. The findings reveal both direct (external influence and satisfaction) and indirect (commitment and sense of community) connections leading to volunteer experience. Volunteer satisfaction demonstrates an indirect relationship with material, mediated by the direct relationship with external influence. Similarly, the sense of egoism exhibits an indirect relationship with volunteer satisfaction, mediated by direct external influences. Additionally, the study identifies leisure as the sole determinant of the direct relationship with satisfaction. Overall, the study emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive analyses to account for the interconnected nature of factors influencing volunteer satisfaction.

Ultra-endurance running (>42.2km) has increased in popularity in recent years and elite finish times continue to improve. Models of Critical Speed (CS) - the highest speed which can be maintained without fatigue - are routinely developed from short training distances to predict limits of performance in endurance events such as the marathon. Purpose: To model critical speed (CS) from current world record data to estimate limits of ultra-endurance running performance in males (M) and females (F). Methods: Current world record running performances from distances between 100m and 42.2km were used to develop two models of CS. A linear regression model used slope and y-intercept to estimate CS and finite anaerobic running distance (D’), respectively. Additionally, a curvilinear relationship between average speed and running distance was developed to estimate average speed at a given running distance. Results: For F, CS was determined to be 5.26 m∙s-1 and D’ was 317.86 m. For M, CS was 5.82 m∙s-1 and D’ was 345.48 m. This model predicted average speed from current world records could be maintained for 11.5% (M, 50km) to 68.3% (F, 24h run) greater distance. The curvilinear decay relationship between average speed and running distance underestimated average speed at 42.2km for both M and F, yet predicted 1.7% (M, 50km) to 28.2% (F, 24h run) greater average speed for ultra-endurance races. Conclusions: Current world records for ultra-endurance running are likely lesser than the physiological limits of humans and the magnitude of this effect increases with greater race distance.

Abstract Introduction Previous studies described various adaptive neuroplastic brain changes associated with physical activity (PA). EEG studies focused mostly on effects during or shortly after short bouts of exercise. This is the first study to investigate the capability of EEG to display PA‐induced long‐lasting plasticity in runners compared to a sedentary control group. Methods Thirty trained runners and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched sedentary controls (SC) were included as a subpopulation of the ReCaP (Running effects on Cognition and Plasticity) study. PA was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Resting‐state EEG of the runners was recorded in the tapering phase of the training for the Munich marathon 2017. Power spectrum analyses were conducted using standardized low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) and included the following frequency bands: delta: 1.5–6 Hz, theta: 6.5–8.0 Hz, alpha1: 8.5–10 Hz, alpha2: 10.5–12.0 Hz, beta1: 12.5–18.0 Hz, beta2: 18.5–21.0 Hz, beta3: 21.5–30.0 Hz, and total power (1.5–30 Hz). Results PA (IPAQ) and BMI differed significantly between the groups. The other included demographic parameters were comparable. Statistical nonparametric mapping showed no significant power differences in EEG between the groups. Discussion Heterogeneity in study protocols, especially in time intervals between exercise cessation and EEG recordings and juxtaposition of acute exercise‐induced effects on EEG in previous studies, could be possible reasons for the differences in results. Future studies should record EEG at different time points after exercise cessation and in a broader spectrum of exercise intensities and forms to further explore the capability of EEG in displaying long‐term exercise‐induced plasticity.

Recent improvements in elite running performances across all distances have been largely attributed to the introduction of advanced footwear technology (AFT), which features a curved and stiff plate working synergistically with a new generation of midsole foams demonstrating enhanced resilience and compliance. These recent improvements appear to be considerably more pronounced in women's events, highlighted by improvements in road racing world records by an average of 3.7% (range: 2.6%–5.2%) compared to mean progressions of 1.5% (range: 1.3%–1.9%) in the same men's events. Although there is a growing body of research investigating the mechanisms underpinning running performance enhancements derived from AFT, there remains no explanation for potential sex-based differences in their benefits. We overview the currently available evidence and highlight why the recent direction of AFT research provides a barrier to progress by focusing primarily on male athletes. We subsequently provide our perspective on why women may be benefiting from the new generation of shoes more than men, suggest potential mechanisms leading to hypotheses that need to be further investigated in upcoming studies, and finally propose that factors outside of footwear innovation may have concurrently driven the recently observed performance evolutions.

This article discusses the cardiac risks associated with long-distance running. It begins by recounting the story of Pheidippides, the messenger who inspired the modern marathon race but died upon completing his run. The cause of his death is unknown but may have been related to prolonged strenuous exercise. The article then explores the beneficial effects of regular exercise on cardiovascular health, as well as the potential risks of excessive endurance exercise. It emphasizes the importance of screening individuals before participating in marathons to prevent sudden cardiac death and identifies limitations in current screening criteria. The article concludes by highlighting the need for individuals to be fully informed about the potential long-term adverse effects of repetitive long-distance running and suggests the use of national and international registries to identify those at risk for adverse cardiovascular events. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The clinical significance of foot and ankle bone marrow edema (BME) is poorly understood. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were collected for 17 runners who participated in the Twin Cities Marathon, immediately postmarathon and at a 6-week follow-up. Bone marrow edema lesions were classified using lesion frequency, anatomical location, and grading scale change to calculate a BME score for each affected bone. Spearman rank correlation coefficient test was used to identify a possible correlation between VAS and postmarathon BME. A paired Student t test was used to detect differences between total mileage ran 6 weeks postmarathon in participants with or without BME. Results: After completing the marathon, 8 BME lesions were identified in 5 participants (29.4%; 5/17), 3 were men, and 2 were women, with a mean age of 33.8 years (range: 24-52), and BMI of 22.9 ± 4. All lesions were resolved on 6-week follow-up imaging. VAS pain scores did not correlate with postmarathon BME. A significant difference in total miles logged over 6 weeks postmarathon could not be found among participants with and without BME. Conclusion: Foot and ankle BME changes identified by MRI were not correlated to clinical symptoms and may resolve with self-directed activity in less time than other areas of the lower extremity. Level of Evidence: Level II, Prospective Cohort Study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) has the advantages of mobility and flexibility, rapid concealment and holistic vision. Coordinating with the intelligent and efficient precise dispatching of the "decision module" of the command centre, UAVs can meet the public safety needs of significant events. The marathon is an open, long-distance, gathering sporting event, so on-site security is hard to guarantee. To study the application of UAVs in marathon public security risk early warning, we examine the Hangzhou Marathon as an example, analysing the potential public security risks of a marathon and the application scenarios of UAVs by modelling the data of population and vehicles near the fundamental security early warning places of the marathon through theoretical discussion and modelling research. We propose a marathon risklevel intelligent identification and early warning model, establish the deployment and control scheme of UAVs in marathon public security, and conceive a comprehensive command platform for UAVs to promote the integration of UAVs into marathon security by taking intelligent security as an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine if two pre‐race screening tools (abbreviated tool of two open‐ended pre‐race medical screening questions [ABBR] vs. a full pre‐race medical screening tool [FULL]) identify running race entrants at higher risk for medical encounters (MEs) on race day. Methods: 5771 consenting race entrants completed both an ABBR and a FULL pre‐race screening questionnaire for the 2018 Comrades Marathon (90 km). ABBR tool questions were (1) allergies, and (2) known medical conditions and/or prescription medication use. The FULL tool included multiple domains of questions for chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD), symptoms, risk factors, allergies and medication use. ABBR responses were manually coded and compared to the FULL tool. The prevalence (%: 95%CI), and the test for equality of prevalence of entrants identified by the ABBR vs. FULL tool is reported. Results: The ABBR identified fewer entrants with allergies (ABBR = 7.9%; FULL = 10.4%: p = 0.0001) and medical conditions/medication use (ABBR = 8.9%; FULL = 27.4%: p = 0.0001). The ABBR tool significantly under‐reported entrants with history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD risk factors, other chronic diseases and prescription medication vs. the FULL tool (p = 0.0001). The ABBR tool identified fewer entrants in the "high" (ABBR = 3.4%; FULL = 12.4%) and "very high" risk (ABBR = 0.5%; FULL = 3.4%) categories for race day MEs (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: An abbreviated pre‐race screening tool significantly under‐estimates chronic medical conditions, allergies, and race entrants at higher risk for MEs on race day, compared with a full comprehensive screening tool. We recommend that a full pre‐race medical screening tool be used to identify race entrants at risk for MEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endurance sports carry a high risk of exercise addiction (EA) compared to other physical activities. Previous research has established a link between EA and depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate a sample of amateur marathoners concerning risk of EA and investigate the relationship to fitness measures, affect and the general level of functioning. We included 72 (19.4% female) marathon runners. The Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the global assessment of functioning (GAF), the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), the Beck-Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) were assessed alongside demographic measures, maximum oxygen uptake (cardio pulmonary exercise test), BMI and training volume. In this sample five individuals at-risk could be identified (6.94%). No significant associations were found regarding demographics and EA. Higher values of EA were associated with a reduced level of general functioning (r = −.35; p =.003), higher values of depressive symptoms (r =.36; p =.003) and negative affect (r =.27; p =.022) while no increased training volume or higher performance were observed. A regression analysis identified the IPAQ as predictor for risk of EA (PANAS-NA marginally significant). Marathon running at the amateur level showed a lower risk of developing an exercise addiction than expected. Important associations of EA could be identified in our study (IPAQ, PANAS-NA, GAF, BDI). Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00012496. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been increasingly used for medical surveillance purposes in mass-gathering events. No studies have investigated the reliability of live video transmission from UAVs for accurate identification of distressed race participants in need of medical attention. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of time during which live medical surveillance UAV video feed was successfully transmitted and considered of sufficient quality to identify acute illness in runners participating in the 2022 Montreal Marathon (Canada). Methods: Four UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras were deployed at two pre-defined high-risk areas for medical incidents located within the last 500 meters of the race. The video footage was transmitted in real-time during four consecutive hours to a remote viewing station where four research assistants monitored it on large screens. Interruptions in live feed transmission and moments with inadequate field of view (FOV) on runners were documented. Results: On September 25, 2022, a total of 6,916 athletes ran during the Montreal Marathon and Half Marathon. Out of the eight hours of video footage analyzed (four hours per high-risk area), 91.7% represented uninterrupted live video feed with an adequate view of the runners passing through the high-risk areas. There was a total of 18 live feed interruptions leading to a total interruption time of 22 minutes and 19 seconds (median interruption time of 32 seconds) and eight distinct moments with inadequate FOV on runners which accounted for 17 minutes and 33 seconds (median of 1 minute 47 seconds per moments with inadequate FOV). Active surveillance of drone-captured footage allowed early identification of two race participants in need of medical attention. Appropriate resources were dispatched, and UAV repositioning allowed for real-time viewing of the medical response. Conclusion: Live video transmission from UAVs for medical surveillance of runners passing through higher risk segments of a marathon for four consecutive hours is feasible. Live feed interruptions and moments with inadequate FOV could be minimized through practice and additional equipment redundancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim was to analyze the response of serum levels of inflammatory, high-energy muscle biomarkers and hamstring localized bioimpedance (L-BIA) measurements to marathon running and to ascertain whether they correlate with each other or with race time.Methods: Blood samples and hamstrings tetra-polar L-BIA measurements from 14 Caucasian male recreational athletes at the Barcelona Marathon 2019 were collected at base line, immediately after and 48 h post-race. Serum C reactive protein (sCRP), creatinine kinase (sCK) and lactate dehydrogenase (sLDH) were determined using an AU-5800 chemistry analyzer. L-BIA was obtained at 50 kHz with a Quantum V Segmental phase-sensitive bioimpedance analyzer.Results: Median sCRP increased (4-fold) after 48 h post-race. Median sCK and sLDH levels increased immediately post-race (3-fold, 2-fold) and 48h post-race (5-fold, 1-fold). Left, right and combined hamstring reactance (Xc) and phase angle (PhA) increased immediately post-race. Xc combined hamstring pre- and immediately post-race correlated with race-time and with sCK and sLDH median levels pre-race. Xc combined hamstring pre- and immediately post-race > 15.6 Ω and 15.8 Ω, respectively, predicted the race time of 3:00:00 h.Conclusion: L-BIA reactance (Xc) is an objective direct, real time, easy, noninvasive bioelectrical parameter that may predict muscle and marathon athlete performance.

In 2006, I walked the route of the 1908 London Olympic Marathon as part of a research project on the city’s Olympic history. With this physical act of research and recovery, I aimed to make the route itself more well-known as a site in local history. The physical nature of the research was a new departure for me. In this personal, reflexive article, I revisit the project to explore my motivations, methods and the impact that the walk had on my practice as a sports historian.

BackgroundAlthough runner’s profiles were previously investigated, information on the training frequency and training distance for short (5 km, 10 km) and long-distance (>21 km) running is absent. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between training routines and exercise habits of recreational endurance runners considering self-reported preferred race distance [10 km, half-marathon (HM), and marathon/ultra-marathon (M/UM)] subgroups.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study, sampling 154 recreational runners of both sexes. A web survey was used for data collection regarding age, sex, preferred distance (10-km, HM, M/UM), training routines, exercise habits, and periodized training routines. The Chi-square test (Cramer’s V) and Kruskal-Wallis test (Eta-Squared η2) with effect sizes were used for comparisons between race distances.ResultsSignificant differences were shown for anthropometric, training, and periodization characteristics. Highly significant differences were found between subgroups for the number of sessions, running kilometers, and training hours at all periods and within all four preparation conditions. M/UM runners were training more frequently, for longer durations, and ran greater distances each week.ConclusionThis finding supports the notion that training habits and periodization characteristics are different for different race distances (10-km, half marathon, marathon, and ultramarathon).

The article describes an educational project as a form of extracurricular activity that contrib- utes to the development of creative and cognitive abilities of primary schoolchildren. The project is being realised on the initiative and on the basis of the Udmurt Republic State National Gymnasium named after Kuzebai Gerd (Izhevsk), with the participation of other educational institutions of the Udmurt Republic. The staff of the gymnasium creates favourable conditions for the development of a multilingual personality. The curricula include native (Udmurt, Russian) and foreign (English, German) languages. The Udmurt language is studied as a native language and as a second language after Russian. The relevance of this work lies in the fact that teaching native and foreign languages in a bilingual and multilingual audience is one of the priorities of modern linguodidactics aimed at creating national and cultural conditions in the educational process. The implementation of a long- term project (2014–2023) called “Multilingual marathon “KylGerdzet” (“Language node”) is pre- sented as an illustrative materal. The aim is to generalise the experience of creating and promoting a multilingual marathon among primary schoolchildren of the Udmurt Republic. This marathon is an intelligent gaming technology using three languages: Udmurt, Russian and English. The novelty of the research lies in the presentation of the results of an innovative project. A descriptive research method was employed. The number of participants in the marathon was 551, 30 students of the Kuzebai Gerd Gymnasium took part in the first year (5,1%), in 2023 their number increased to 143 people (26% of the total). The event was attended by children from different educational insti- tutions of the republic. Over the years of the intellectual marathon, the technology for the imple- mentation of the event has been developed; creative tasks have been done and tested to contribute to the intellectual development of children.They are based on language comparison and aimed at the formation and development of a multilingual personality in early language education.

Although the studied polymorphisms affect muscular proteins, aerobic adaptations, and recovery, their influence on the anthropometric variables and performance in ultramarathon runners is still poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the influence of ACTN3 R577X, ACE I/D, and CK MM A/G NcoI polymorphisms on the changes in the anthropometric variables and running time of 105 km mountain runners, in which 22 male Brazilian elite athletes (35.9 ± 6.5 years) were evaluated. Genotyping of the R577X (RR, RX, and XX), ACE I/D (DD, ID, and II), and CK MM A/G Ncol (AA, AG, and GG) polymorphisms was performed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique with DNA extracted from saliva. Body composition was determined via bioimpedance. Pre- and post-race weight differences were observed on athletes with the AA genotype (77.1 ± 5.9 kg; 74.6 ± 5.6 kg) compared with those with the AG genotype (74.5 ± 8.0 kg; 68 ± 5.1 kg) (p = 0.02; p = 0.02). The RR genotype showed a correlation between BMI and running time (R = 0.97; p = 0.004). The genotype II showed a correlation with % fat and fat mass concerning running time (R = 0.91; p = 0.003; R = 0.99; p < 0.0001). The AA genotype was associated with post-race weight and lean mass loss, while the RR genotype correlated with BMI, and the genotype II correlated with % body fat and fat mass in relation to times in the 105 km mountain ultramarathon.

Many of today’s recreational runners have changed their diet from omnivorous to vegetarian or vegan for reasons like better sport performance, animal ethics, positive health, eco-aspects, or male infertility. Others have constructed the flexitarian diet due to current trends in sustainable eating. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the dietary habits and race day strategies of recreational endurance runners following current sustainable dietary trends. Recreational endurance runners (18+ years) were invited to complete the standardized online survey on socio-demography/anthropometry, motivations, running/racing history, food frequency, and race day dietary strategy. Chi-squared tests and Wilcoxon tests were used for the statistical analysis. In total, 289 participants submitted the survey; 146 subjects following flexitarian (n = 34), vegetarian (n = 50), or vegan (n = 62) diets were included in the final sample. Significant differences were found across the diet types: BMI (p = 0.018), fruit/vegetable consumption (p < 0.001), and the dietary motive of performance (p = 0.045). The findings suggest that the flexitarian diet may be appropriate for health- and environmentally conscious populations living in a meat-centered society and lacking social support to eat completely vegetarian/vegan. Following a plant-based diet is perceived as easy for health-conscious, athletic populations, and the vegan diet does not require a particularly effortful/complex race day strategy for endurance runners.

Despite sleep health being critically important for athlete performance and well-being, sleep health in marathoners is understudied. This foundational study explored relations between sleep health, individual characteristics, lifestyle factors, and marathon completion time. Data were obtained from the 2016 London Marathon participants. Participants completed the Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) along with a brief survey capturing individual characteristics and lifestyle factors. Sleep health focused on the ASSQ sleep difficulty score (SDS) and its components. Linear regression computed relations among sleep, individual, lifestyle, and marathon variables. The analytic sample (N = 943) was mostly male (64.5%) and young adults (66.5%). A total of 23.5% of the sample reported sleep difficulties (SDS ≥ 8) at a severity warranting follow-up with a trained sleep provider. Middle-aged adults generally reported significantly worse sleep health characteristics, relative to young adults, except young adults reported significantly longer sleep onset latency (SOL). Sleep tracker users reported worse sleep satisfaction. Pre-bedtime electronic device use was associated with longer SOL and longer marathon completion time, while increasing SOL was also associated with longer marathon completion. Our results suggest a deleterious influence of pre-bedtime electronic device use and sleep tracker use on sleep health in marathoners. Orthosomnia may be a relevant factor in the relationship between sleep tracking and sleep health for marathoners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]