[The super-marathon run (Spartathlon, 248 km): variations in blood gastrin]

Serum gastrin levels were determined in 21 male runners aged 21-57 years old before and after an ultra marathon (Spartathlon, Athens-Sparta, 248 km). 13 participants (group B) arrived to Sparta after a continuous run of 24-35 hours, while 8 stopped after 95-151 km (group A). The stress associated with such a strenuous run has resulted a 35% decrease of gastrin in group A and a 46% rise in group B. Gastrin levels (post-race) of group B were 56% lower than those of group A. The regulatory mechanisms of serum gastrin levels and the physiological adaptations related to such an exhaustive exercise are discussed.