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Baseline injury risk factors for runners starting a marathon training program
Joseph N Chorley1, John C Cianca, Jon G Divine
1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA. jchorley@bcm.tmc.edu
Summary
Many marathon runners start training programs with low fitness and little experience, increasing injury risk. Programs need to focus on baseline fitness, education, and goal setting for novice runners.
Area of Science:
- Exercise science
- Sports medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Marathon training programs attract diverse participants with varying fitness levels.
- Understanding baseline characteristics is crucial for injury prevention in novice runners.
- A significant portion of marathon trainees may lack adequate prior endurance running experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize participants beginning a marathon training program.
- To identify baseline participant traits and their association with injury risk factors.
- To inform program design for novice marathon runners.
Main Methods:
- Prospective survey of 1,548 participants in a community-based marathon training program.
- Data collected via a 4-page survey at registration.
- Survey assessed running experience, training practices, demographics, medical history, and prior injuries.
Main Results:
- Females were more likely underweight, males overweight/obese (p < 0.0001).
- 52.3% had no prior marathon training; 16.1% were sedentary in the 3 months prior.
- Runners new to marathon training showed higher prevalence of potential injury risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Marathon programs attract females and less experienced runners, with 35.6% overweight/obese.
- A notable percentage (16.1%) begin programs with sedentary habits.
- Programs must prioritize baseline fitness, injury prevention education, and realistic goal setting for new trainees.