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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
08:26
Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
Medical problems of marathon runners
Leon D Sanchez1, Brian Corwell, David Berkoff
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA. leon_sanchez@bidmc.harvard.edu
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|August 30, 2006
Summary
Marathon running can impact multiple organ systems, causing common acute injuries and gastrointestinal issues. However, it does not increase long-term musculoskeletal disability, though cardiac events and hyponatremia are serious risks.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Marathon running is a demanding endurance activity with potential physiological impacts.
- Understanding the effects of marathon running on various organ systems is crucial for athlete health and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of marathon running on multiple organ systems.
- To identify common health issues and risks associated with marathon participation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining physiological responses and health outcomes in marathon runners.
- Analysis of reported injuries, gastrointestinal problems, cardiac events, and hyponatremia.
Main Results:
- Acute musculoskeletal injuries are frequent but do not lead to increased long-term disability.
- Gastrointestinal complaints are common, partly due to reduced mesenteric blood flow during exercise.
- Serious risks include rare but severe cardiac events and symptomatic hyponatremia, which is often preventable.
Conclusions:
- Marathon running presents a range of physiological challenges affecting musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems.
- While most issues are manageable or do not cause lasting disability, awareness and prevention of cardiac events and hyponatremia are critical for runner safety.
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