100-km Ultramarathon Research Articles

BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES AFTER DRAMATIC INCREASE IN RUNNING TRAINING VOLUME: EXPLORATORY STUDY IN 3 ELITE SOLDIERS

Ultra-Endurance running training is a powerful stressor for all biological systems and depends mainly on its volume and intensity. Although the high physical demands, soldiers are an unstudied group and information on exercise indicators are essential. This study aimed to observe the changes in serum biochemical indicators in previously endurance trained elite soldiers after a 17-week training program with a dramatic increase in running volume. Three subjects (#1: 26 years, 169,5cm; #2: 27 years, 167,9cm; #3: 27 years, 180,7cm) running daily between 10-12 km/day, increased their running volume to prepare the participation in a 100-km ultramarathon race. For 17 weeks the training program included 10-12 sessions per week, corresponding to 200-260 km. Average daily running volume was 35.8±6.2 km. Blood samples were taken for analysis of urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, AST, ALT, CK, aldolase, Na, chloride, P, Ca, K, Fe, Mg and cortisol. Despite a marked drop in iron and a rise in phosphorus, the overall mineral status remained within laboratory reference values. ALT, AST, Aldolase showed slight changes while a marked increase was found in CK. Creatinine decreased and urea maintained the high starting values. Changes of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides had no clinical significance. After the 17-week the cortisol increased to outside of the reference values in two participants. This study shows that a dramatic increase in running training volume experienced by previous trained runners is mainly reflected in basal blood chemistry through the reduction of iron and creatinine and increase of cortisol.

MO302: The Correlation Between Serum and Urinary NGAL With Redox Biomarkers in Post-Ultramarathon Amateur Athletes

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Few studies have investigated the physiological alterations provoked by ultramarathon competition, particularly those related to redox balance, kidney function and NGAL regulation. A better understanding of the dynamics of these biomarkers during ultramarathons could be useful in the search of new biomarkers in the context of exercise physiology. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress and NGAL levels in blood and urine of amateur athletes before and after a 100-km ultramarathon. METHOD The sample was composed of seven athletes between the ages of 21 and 60 years, submitted to anthropometric evaluation, ergoespirometric testing, urine and blood sampling, biochemical and hormonal measurements, body weight measurement and subjective perception of effort (SPE)—–the perception was evaluated through a scale from 6 to 19 [1], along with verification of competition duration, besides the heart rate (HR), energy expenditure and oxygen consumption (VO2) during the event. The duration, the energy expenditure and the average HR of the competition were measured by a frequency meter (Polar, m200). The data provided was analyzed by the Polar Flow app platform. RESULTS The sample had an average BMI of 25.75 ± 3.20, a body fat percentage of 18.54% ± 4.35% and a VO2max of 48.87 ± 4.78. In the pre-competition period, no significant correlations (P > .05) were found between NGAL levels, in blood and urine and blood and urine biomarkers. In relation to the results obtained after competition, there were no significant correlations among of the NGAL levels and plasma biomarkers, except for the serum creatinine level (P < .05). The average duration of the competition (the average finishing time of the competitors) was 820.60 min (±117.00), during which the mean energy consumption was 2209.72 kcal (+951.97) and energy expenditure was 7837.16 kcal (+195.71), with an average HR of 127.85 (±12.02). CONCLUSION The data presented here did not support our initial hypothesis that the ultramarathon would cause oxidative stress and acute kidney injury. In addition, there was no significant correlation between oxidative stress biomarkers and NGAL in serum and urine, which suggests that NGAL is more sensitive to the inflammatory process than ROS levels.

From Athens to Sparta-37 Years of Spartathlon.

(1) Background: Recent studies analyzed the participation and performance trends of historic races such as the oldest ultra-marathon (Comrades) or the oldest 100-km ultra-marathon (Biel). One of the toughest and historic ultra-marathons in the world is the ‘Spartathlon’ (246-km ultra-marathon from Athens to Sparta). The present study aimed to analyze the trends in participation and performance of this race. (2) Methods: Different general linear models were applied as follows: the first model was a two-way ANOVA (Decade × Sex), with separate models for all participants and for only the top five finishers in each race; the second model was a two-way ANOVA (Age Group × Sex); the third model was a two-way ANOVA (Nationality × Sex). (3) Results: Between 1982 and 2019, 3504 ultra-marathoners (3097 men and 407 women) officially finished the Spartathlon at least once. Athletes from Japan were the majority with 737 participants, followed by far by runners from Germany (n = 393), Greece (n = 326), and France (n = 274). The nations with the highest numbers of athletes amongst the top five performers were Japan (n = 71), followed by Germany (n = 59), and Great Britain (n = 31). Runners from the USA were the fastest in men, and runners from Great Britain were the fastest in women. Female and male runners improved performance across the decades. The annual five fastest women and men improved their performance over time. Runners achieved their best performance earlier in life (20–29 and 30–39 years) than female runners (30–39 and 40–49 years). Runners in age group 30–39 years were the fastest for all nationalities, except for Greece. (4) Conclusions: Successful finishers in the Spartathlon improved performance in the last four decades and male runners achieved their best performance ~10 years earlier in life than female runners.

Investigation of Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Function Following an Ultramarathon: A Case Study in Monozygotic Twins

The primary objective of this case study was to investigate the changes in skeletal muscle mitochondria that occur in response to a 100-km ultramarathon in monozygotic twins. Secondarily, we sought to determine if periodically consuming a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHFD) during training would affect these changes. To accomplish these objectives, one pair of male monozygotic twins ran 100 km side-by-side on treadmills. During 8 weeks of training leading up to this event, twin 1 (T1) and twin 2 (T2) consumed a calorie and macronutrient-matched, high-carbohydrate diet, with the exception of 2 consecutive days per week for the final 4 weeks where T2 consumed a calorie and protein-matched LCHFD. Training load was matched between the subjects, most of which they completed together. The subjects were extremely well-matched in VO2 max (61.2 and 60.3 ml/kg/min), BMI (20.4 and 20.6 kg/m2), and body mass (62 and 61.9 kg). During the 100-km run, food and fluid intake were matched, as well as the pace of the run. The run took 16 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Blood draws and muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis were collected 4 weeks prior to the run, as well as 4- and 52-hours post-run. During the last 4 weeks of training, T2 lost an average of ~1 kg of body weight (BW) over the two days of LCHFD each week (comparing BW of 4 consecutive Mondays to Wednesdays, p=0.02), which was regained two days after reintroduction of carbohydrate, consistent with fluctuating glycogen levels. Though T2 trained with periodically low glycogen levels, respiratory-exchange ratio was no different from T1 throughout the 100-km run. Four hours post-run, state 3, uncoupled, and fatty acid-supported mitochondrial respiration were reduced in T1 by 22.3%, 34.1% and 25.7%, respectively, and by 28.4%, 49.4% and 39.9% in T2, which was associated with a decrease of 15-20% in citrate synthase (CS) activity. Both twins exhibited decreases in mitochondrial complex proteins, though this was more marked in T2. Blood CPK, CRP, and AST levels were also elevated post-run. Possibly the most novel finding from this study was that 52 hours post-run, respiratory capacity, mitochondrial proteins, CS activity and blood markers showed signs of rapid recovery. It is currently unclear by what mechanism mitochondrial respiration and content was reduced 4 hours post-run, or how it recovered in 2 days. Interestingly, maximal mitochondrial ROS production (glutamate, malate and succinate-supported) was decreased post-run at both timepoints but was increased compared to baseline with the addition of ADP (12.5 μM – 100 μM). This suggests that the mitochondria were less sensitive to ADP-induced reductions in ROS. Neither diet resulted in better preservation of mitochondrial function 4-hours post-run, though T2 showed some signs of supercompensation 52 hours-post run. This study is valuable because it provides evidence of an acute reduction in mitochondrial content and function following ultra-endurance activity, followed by rapid recovery. This study was approved by the Brigham Young University Institutional Review Board and conformed to the principles of human experimentation set by the Declaration of Helsinki.

Association between dietary practice, body composition, training volume and sport performance in 100-Km elite ultramarathon runners

Sport performance during competitions is a central goal for athletes, and several factors have been identified that appear to have an association with better performance in different sport disciplines. However, the data are still not conclusive in ultramarathon runners. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the potential associations between anthropometric, body composition, dietary and training factors and athletic performance in 100-Km elite ultramarathon runners. Body mass index (BMI), body composition, training volume, Mediterranean dietary adequacy score (MDAS) and "100-Km race competition record" were assessed in 10 elite ultramarathon runners from the Italian Ultramarathon and Trail Association (IUTA) of the Italian national team. The study sample had a mean age of 41.1±7.59 years and BMI of 21.66±1.11kg/m2. Female athletes had a lower appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) and 100-Km race competition record, and a higher trunk fat percentage and MDAS compared to males. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between the 100-Km race competition record and age, gender, ASMI, training volume, total body and trunk fat percentages. However, after correcting for confounders, partial correlation analysis confirmed only the association between training volume and 100-Km race competition record (ρ=-0.891, p=0.009). Our findings provide evidence that a higher training volume expressed as Kilometers per week is an independent variable associated with better performance in 100-Km race competitions in elite ultramarathon runners. Future studies are needed to assess the usefulness of programs based on the increase of training volume as a strategy to improve athletic performance in 100-Km races in this specific population.

Effects of 100-km ultramarathon on erythropoietin variation in runners with hepatitis B virus carrier.

Completing an ultramarathon leads to an immediate postrace surge of erythropoietin (EPO). Patients with chronic liver disease may have high plasma EPO concentrations. This study aims to explore whether plasma EPO concentrations vary between hepatitis B virus carrier (HBVc) and non-HBVc runners during long distance running. Blood samples were collected from 8 HBVc and 18 non-HBVc runners at 3 different time points: 1 week before, immediately following, and then 24 h after the 100-km ultramarathon race. Samples were analyzed for plasma EPO levels. EPO concentration had a statistically significant rise immediately after the race (8.7 [7.1-11.9] mU·mL-1 to 23.7 [14.8-37.2] mU·mL-1, P < 0.001) and maintained the high levels 24 h after the race finished (16.7 [11.5-21.0] mU·mL-1, P < 0.001) in all participants. The mean of EPO concentration was 8.9 (5.7-13.2) mU·mL-1 in HBVc runners and was 8.7 (7.7-11.2) mU·mL-1 in non-HBVc runners in the prerace. In HBVc runners, plasma EPO levels were no different at baseline (P = 0.657) and increased in the same fashion in response to ultramarathon compared with non-HBVc runners. Plasma EPO levels between the two groups were not statistically different at any time point. Prolonged endurance exercise led to a significant increase in EPO. A comparable increase in EPO levels was observed in HBVc and non-HBVc runners during and 24 h after 100-km ultramarathon. However, a small sample size might have affected the ability to detect a difference if it does exist.

An Analysis of Participation and Performance of 2067 100-km Ultra-Marathons Worldwide.

This study aimed to analyze the number of successful finishers and the performance of the athletes in 100-km ultra-marathons worldwide. A total of 2067 100-km ultra-marathon races with 369,969 men and 69,668 women competing between 1960 and 2019 were analyzed, including the number of successful finishers, age, sex, and running speed. The results showed a strong increase in the number of running events as well as a strong increase in the number of participants in the 100-km ultra-marathons worldwide. The performance gap disappeared in athletes older than 60 years. Nevertheless, the running speed of athletes over 70 years has improved every decade. In contrast, the performance gap among the top three athletes remains persistent over all decades (F = 83.4, p < 0.001; pη2 = 0.039). The performance gap between the sexes is not significant in the youngest age groups (20–29 years) and the oldest age groups (>90 years) among recreational athletes and among top-three athletes over 70 years. In summary, especially for older athletes, a 100-km ultra-marathon competition shows an increasing number of opponents and a stronger performance challenge. This will certainly be of interest for coaches and athletes in the future, both from a scientific and sporting point of view.

Elite 100-km road ultramarathon runners: characteristics and musculoskeletal injuries.

Currently known data about ultramarathon medical issues has been collected from all combinations of ultramarathon race types (road, trail, etc.) and the population in those studies consists of mixed elite and recreational athletes. There are few studies concerning injuries related to musculoskeletal system injuries in ultramarathon runners. The study was conducted on total of 77 elite ultramarathoners based on a questionnaire-based survey. We studied the elite male and female athletes who participated in the 30th IAU 100-km World Championships held in Croatia, in 2018. Ultramarathon runners have higher percentage of lower-leg injuries and rehabilitation of those injuries tend to last longer as ultramarathon runners show specific training habits with less days off and hold a permanent, full-time job and often with a higher academic degree. Furthermore, also the mean age is higher. Ultramarathoners have a higher percentage of lower-leg injuries than runners who do not run distances beyond a marathon. In addition, rehabilitation tends to last longer. This may well be correlated also to their specific training loads with fewer days off and training whilst holding a permanent full-time job. Often, they also hold a higher academic degree with years spent in the education system which might influence their mindsets on the medical issues they encounter. Also, being older may also have a bearing on injury occurrence and rehabilitation time.

Expression of ABC transporter and scavenger receptor mRNAs in PBMCs in 100‐km ultramarathon runners

Cholesterol metabolism is tightly regulated at the cellular level. This study was to measure the expression levels of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1), scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and class A (SRA), and CD36 mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to 100-km ultramarathon event and determine any correlation between these ABC transporters/scavenger receptor expression levels and plasma cholesterol homeostasis. Twenty-six participants were enrolled. Blood was drawn from each individual 1week prior, immediately after, and 24hours after the race. The expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1, SR-BI, SRA and CD36 in PBMCs were measured by using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Plasma triglyceride levels were significantly increased immediately after the race and dropped at 24-hour post-race compared with pre-race values. The 100-km ultramarathon boosted high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels 24-hour post-race. The expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR-BI were markedly decreased, whereas that of CD36 was slightly but significantly upregulated in runners' PBMCs immediately after the race. Ultramarathon resulted in immediate large-scale stimulation of inflammatory cytokines with increased plasma interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels. Moreover, by using in vitro models with human monocytic cell lines, incubation of runners' plasma immediately after the race significantly downregulated ABCA1 and ABCG1, and upregulated CD36 expression in these cells. ABCA1, ABCG1 and CD36 gene expressions in PBMCS might be associated with endurance exercise-induced plasma cholesterol homeostasis and systemic inflammatory response.

Performance in 100-km Ultramarathoners-At Which Age, It Reaches Its Peak?

Nikolaidis, PT and Knechtle, B. Performance in 100-km ultramarathoners-At which age, it reaches its peak? J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1409-1415, 2020-The number of those participating in 100-km ultramarathon has increased over the past years; however, we have limited knowledge about performance trends in this sport, and particularly, the effect of age. The aim of this study was to analyze the age when women and men runners achieve their peak performance considering 1- and 5-year age group intervals, and examining all or the fastest (i.e., top 10) participants in each age group. We analyzed 370,051 athletes (i.e., 44,601 women and 325,450 men) who finished a 100-km ultramarathon between 1959 and 2016, and studied the age of peak performance using a second-order nonlinear regression analysis. The age of peak performance was 40-44 years in women and 45-49 years in men when all finishers were analyzed, whereas it was 30-34 years in women and 35-39 years in men when the top 10 finishers were considered in 5-year age groups. When we analyzed finishers in 1-year age groups, we found the age of peak performance at 41 years in women and 45 years in men considering all finishers, and at 39 years in women and 41 years in men considering the top 10 finishers. In conclusion, the age of peak performance was younger in women than in men, which might reflect the overall younger age of women participants than men. Compared with previous studies, we observed the peak performance at an age older by ∼10 years, which could be attributed to an increase of finishers' age across calendar years. Because the knowledge of the age of peak performance is unique for each sport, coaches and fitness trainers might benefit from the findings of this study in the long-term training of their athletes.

The Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Hepcidin, Iron, and IL-6 Responses after a 100 km Ultra-Marathon.

Deficiencies in iron and vitamin D are frequently observed in athletes. Therefore, we examined whether different baseline vitamin D3 levels have any impact on post-exercise serum hepcidin, IL-6 and iron responses in ultra-marathon runners. In this randomized control trial, the subjects (20 male, amateur runners, mean age 40.75 ± 7.15 years) were divided into two groups: experimental (VD) and control (CON). The VD group received vitamin D3 (10,000 UI/day) and the CON group received a placebo for two weeks before the run. Venous blood samples were collected on three occasions—before the run, after the 100 km ultra-marathon and 12 h after the run—to measure iron metabolism indicators, hepcidin, and IL-6 concentration. After two weeks of supplementation, the intervention group demonstrated a higher level of serum 25(OH)D than the CON group (27.82 ± 5.8 ng/mL vs. 20.41 ± 4.67 ng/mL; p < 0.05). There were no differences between the groups before and after the run in the circulating hepcidin and IL-6 levels. The decrease in iron concentration immediately after the 100-km ultra-marathon was smaller in the VD group than CON (p < 0.05). These data show that various vitamin D3 status can affect the post-exercise metabolism of serum iron.

Participation and Performance Trends in the Oldest 100-km Ultramarathon in the World.

Participation and performance trends in ultramarathon running have been investigated for large datasets and long period of times with an increase in participants and an improvement in performance. However, the analysis of ultramarathons across many decades is missing. We analyzed these trends for 96,036 athletes (88,286 men and 7750 women) from 67 countries competing between 1956 and 2019 in ‘100 km Lauf Biel’ in Switzerland, the oldest 100-km ultramarathon in the world. More men than women participated in all years. The number of male participants reached a peak at around 1985 and a decline in participation occurred thereafter. Women started competing in 1962. Men were always faster than women and both women and men reduced their race times over years. After about 1985, both overall women and men and both female and male winners were not able to improve race times. For men, athletes from all age groups below the age of 49 years old reached a peak of participation in the 1980s, and showed a decrease since then. Regarding age groups, the decrease first started in age group 20–29 years, followed by 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, and 60–69 years. For athletes in age groups 70–79 and 80–89 years, no decrease occurred. For women, age group athletes in age groups 40–49, 50–59, and 60–69 years increased their participation, whereas age groups 20–29 and 30–39 peaked in the late 1980s and started to decrease or stabilize, respectively. Switzerland, Germany, and France were the countries with the highest numbers of participants throughout the history of the race. In men, race times increased after about 1990 for most nationalities; only runners from Germany seemed to stabilize their performance. In women, runners from Italy, France, and Austria improved their performance over the years. In summary, the analysis of the oldest 100-km ultramarathon in the world showed a decrease in participation and an impairment in performance in the last 60 years. These changes were due to a decrease in the number of male ultramarathoners in around the 1980s, where mainly the number of age group runners younger than 70 years decreased.

63 Effect of 100-km ultramarathon on N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide variation

Abstract Introduction The change in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels follows strenuous endurance exercise-imposed paradox. Our previous reports showed significant body weight (BW) loss with dehydration was common in ultramarathon runners. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the dehydration and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation possibly contribute to exercise-induced NT-proBNP release. Methods Twenty-six participants who finished a 100-km ultramarathon in Taiwan were enrolled. For each participant, blood samples and spot urine samples were collected one week before the race, as well as immediately and 24 hours after the finish. Body weight change was recorded to monitor the hydration status. Results Prolonged endurance exercise led to a substantial increase in NT-pro-BNP. Compared to pre-race values, NT-pro-BNP levels significantly increased immediately after the race (24.3 ± 20.2 to 402.9 ± 305.9 pg/mL, p &amp;lt; 0.05) and maintained the lasting high levels till 24 hours after the race finished (143.7 ± 126.1 pg/mL, p &amp;lt; 0.05). The fractional excretion of sodium values were all below 1% in three different time points. The 100-km ultramarathon resulted in significant BW loss, and elevated of renin and aldosterone levels. However, only 24 hours after the race, there was a positive significantly relationship between NT-proBNP and aldosterone levels, but negative significantly relationship between NT-proBNP and BW increase during the recovery phase. Conclusions Results of this study showed the mechanism of NT-proBNP release immediate following the race were multifaceted. However, during the recovery phase, rehydration might lead to the decrease of NT-proBNP in the volume depletion state.

Factors influencing post-exercise proteinuria after marathon and ultramarathon races.

Post-exercise proteinuria is one of the most common findings observed after short and intensive physical activity, but is observed also after long runs with low intensity. The aim of this study was to analyze factors influencing proteinuria after marathon runs. Two groups of male amateur runners were studied. The results of 20 marathon finishers (42.195 m), with a mean age of 49.3 ± 6.85 years; and 17 finishers of a 100-km ultramarathon with a mean age of 40.18±4.57 years were studied. Urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated before and after both races. The relationship between ACR and run pace, metabolites (lactate, beta hydroxybutyrate), markers of inflammation (CRP, IL-6) and insulin was studied. The significant increase in ACR was observed after both marathon races. ACR increased from 6.41 to 21.96 mg/g after the marathon and from 5.37 to 49.64 mg/g after the ultramarathon (p<0.05). The increase in ACR was higher after the ultramarathon that after the marathon. There was no correlation between run pace and proteinuria. There was no correlation between ACR and glucose, free fatty acids, lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate and insulin levels. There was significant negative correlation between ACR and interleukin 6 (IL-6) (r =-0.59, p< 0.05) after ultramarathon. Proteinuria is a common finding after physical exercise. After very long exercises it is related to duration but not to intensity. There is no association between metabolic and hormonal changes and ACR after marathon runs. The role on inflammatory cytokines in albuminuria is unclear.

Impact of angiotension I converting enzyme gene I/D polymorphism on running performance, lipid, and biochemical parameters in ultra-marathoners

The insertion (I) or deletion (D) polymorphism in the angiotension I converting enzyme gene, (ACE I/D, rs1799752) is associated with human exercise endurance and performance. However, most of the aforementioned studies focus on marathons, swimming, and triathlons, while the ACE polymorphism in ultra-marathoners has not yet been reported. We studied the impact of ACE I/D polymorphism in ultra-marathoners and investigated its relationship with lipid profiles, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in runners before and after ultra-marathon racing.This observational study used data from a 100-km ultra-marathon in Taipei, Taiwan. Twenty-four male participants were analyzed for their ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism, lipid profiles, hs-CRP, IL-6 in serum immediately before and after ultra-marathon running.In our 24 subjects analyzed, 7, 14, and 3 subjects were of I/I, I/D, and D/D genotypes, respectively. Runners with the D polymorphism (I/D and D/D) showed a trend of better performance in the 100-km ultra-marathon (measured by completion time in minutes, P = .036). In this group, the previous best marathon performance was also significantly better than the I/I group (P = .047). After adjusting for body mass index (BMI), the difference in performance was not significant. Ketone levels, IL-6, and hs-CRP levels were highly increased at immediately and 24-hour post-race. No correlation was found between different ACE polymorphisms and common biochemical parameters examined.We report the first study in the impact of the ACE I/D (rs1799752) on ultra-marathoners. Presence of the D polymorphism in ACE gene is associated with better performance, although the BMI of the runners contribute as a major factor. There was no difference in the biochemical or lipid parameters measured among different ACE polymorphisms.

Effects of Long-Distance Running on Cardiac Markers and Biomarkers in Exercise-Induced Hypertension Runners: An Observational Study.

ObjectiveTo investigate changes of cardiac and muscle damage markers in exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) runners before running (pre-race), immediately after completing a 100-km ultramarathon race, and during the recovery period (24, 72, and 120 hours post-race).MethodsIn this observational study, volunteers were divided into EIH group (n=11) whose maximum systolic blood pressure was ≥210 mmHg in graded exercise testing and normal exercise blood pressure response (NEBPR) group (n=11). Their blood samples were collected at pre-race, immediately after race, and at 24, 72, and 120 hours post-race.ResultsCreatine kinase (CK) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were significantly higher in EIH group than those in the NEBPR group immediately after race and at 24 hours post-race (all p<0.05). However, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CKMB), or CKMB/CK levels did not show any significant differences between the two groups in each period. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were significantly higher in EIH group than those in NEBPR group immediately after race and at 24 and 72 hours post-race (all p<0.05). A high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level was significantly higher in EIH group than that in NEBPR group at 24 hours post-race (p<0.05).ConclusionThe phenomenon of higher inflammatory and cardiac marker levels in EIH group may exaggerate cardiac volume pressure and blood flow restrictions which in turn can result in cardiac muscle damage. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the chronic effect of such phenomenon on the cardiovascular system in EIH runners.

Russians are the fastest 100-km ultra-marathoners in the world.

ObjectivesA recent study investigating the top 10 100-km ultra-marathoners by nationality showed that Japanese runners were the fastest worldwide. This selection to top athletes may lead to a selection bias and the aim of this study was to investigate from where the fastest 100-km ultra-marathoners originate by considering all finishers in 100-km ultra-marathons since 1959.MethodsWe analysed data from 150,710 athletes who finished a 100-km ultra-marathon between 1959 and 2016. To get precise estimates and stable density plots we selected only those nationalities with 900 and more finishes resulting in 24 nationalities. Histograms and density plots were performed to study the distribution of race time. Crude mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range (IQR), mode, skewness and excess of time for each nationality were computed. A linear regression analysis adjusted by sex, age and year was performed to study the race time between the nationalities. Histograms, density and scatter plots showed that some races seemed to have a time limit of 14 hours. From the complete dataset the finishes with more than 14 hours were removed (truncated dataset) and the same descriptive plots and analysis as for the complete dataset were performed again. In addition to the linear regression a truncated regression was performed with the truncated dataset to allow conclusion for the whole sample. To study a potential difference between races at home and races abroad, an interaction term race site home/abroad with nationality was included in the model.ResultsMost of the finishes were achieved by runners from Japan, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy and USA with more than 260’000 (85%) finishes. Runners from Russia and Hungary were the fastest and runners from Hong Kong and China were the slowest finishers.ConclusionIn contrast to existing findings investigating the top 10 by nationality, this analysis showed that ultra-marathoners from Russia, not Japan, were the fastest 100-km ultra-marathoners worldwide when considering all races held since 1959.

The Effect of a 100-km Ultra-Marathon under Freezing Conditions on Selected Immunological and Hematological Parameters.

Although moderate exercise is beneficial for the human body and its immune system, exhaustive ultra-endurance performance in cold conditions might be harmful. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a 100-km ultra-marathon under cold conditions (temperatures from −1°C to +1°C) on selected immunological, biochemical and hematological parameters. Participants were 15 runners (12 men and three women, age 40.3 ± 9.7 years, body mass 67.3 ± 9.0 kg and body height 1.74 ± 0.10 m, mean ± standard deviation). Leukocytes increased (p < 0.01) and, particularly, the number of leucocytes doubled in seven out of 15 athletes. Immature neutrophils, mature neutrophils and monocytes increased (p < 0.02), whereas lymphocytes and eosinophils did not change. IgG increased (p < 0.02), but IgA and IgM remained unchanged. Platelets increased (p < 0.01), whereas red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin did not change. lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) increased (p < 0.01), but alanine aminotransferase (ALT) did not change. There was an association between the markers of the acute inflammation of the organism (i.e., neutrophils, immature neutrophils, platelets, and monocytes) and the markers of muscle damage (i.e., CK, platelets, and LDH). There were no relationships among all the markers in relation to upper respiratory tract infections and liver damage. The highest change was noted in the increase of the number of immature neutrophils (1,019.2%) and CK levels (1,077.6%). In summary, this is the first study investigating immunological, hematological and biochemical parameters and showing that running a 100-km ultra-marathon under cold conditions leads to changes in several immunological, biochemical and hematological parameters indicating a severe stress on the body associated with increasing susceptibility to the development of infections.

Running Performance, Nationality, Sex, and Age in the 10-km, Half-Marathon, Marathon, and the 100-km Ultramarathon IAAF 1999-2015.

Nikolaidis PT, Onywera VO, and Knechtle B. Running performance, nationality, sex, and age in the 10-km, half-marathon, marathon, and the 100-km ultramarathon IAAF 1999-2015. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2189-2207, 2017-The aim of this study was to examine the performance of the world's best runners in the 10-km, half-marathon, marathon, and 100-km races by age, sex, and nationality during 1999-2015, using data from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). A total of 38,895 runners (17,136 women and 21,759 men) were evaluated, with 2,594 (1,360 women and 1,234 men) in the 10-km; 11,595 (5,225 women and 6,370 men) in the half-marathon; 23,973 (10,208 women and 13,765 men) in the marathon; and 733 (343 women and 390 men) in 100-km events. Most runners in the 10-km event (women 40%, men 67%) and the half-marathon (women 30%, men 57%) were Kenyans. In the marathon, most female and male runners were Ethiopians (women 17%, men 14%) and Kenyans (women 15%, men 43%), respectively. In the 100-km event, most runners were Japanese (20% women, and 80% men). Women were older than the men in the 10-km (32.0 ± 6.0 vs. 25.3 ± 4.3 years, p < 0.001), half-marathon (27.5 ± 4.7 vs. 25.9 ± 4.1 years, p < 0.001), and marathon events (29.5 ± 5.5 vs. 29.1 ± 4.3 years, p < 0.001), but not in 100-km event (36.6 ± 6.1 vs. 35.9 ± 5.5 years, p = 0.097). Men were faster than the women in the 10-km (28:04 ± 0:17 vs. 32:08 ± 0.31 (minutes:seconds), p < 0.001), half-marathon (1:01:58 ± 0:00:52 vs. 1:11:21 ± 0:01:18 (hours:minutes:seconds), p < 0.001), marathon (2:13:42 ± 0:03:01 vs. 2:35:04 ± 0:05:21 (hours:minutes:seconds), p < 0.001), and 100-km events (6:48:01 ± 0:11:29 vs. 7:53:51 ± 0:16:37 (hours:minutes:seconds), p < 0.001). East Africans were not the fastest compared with athletes originating from other countries where only the Ethiopian men were faster than all other men in the marathon. In summary, (a) in the 10-km, half-marathon and marathon events, most runners were from Kenya and Ethiopia, and from Japan and Russia in the 100-km event; (b) women were older than the men in all distance events except the 100-km event;

The impact of hepatitis B carrier on cardiac troponin I in 100-km ultramarathon runners

BackgroundProlonged endurance exercise is known to cause elevation of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Previous studies have reported the correlation of several factors with exercise-induced cTnI release. However, the investigation of the predictors for elevated cTnI and postrace kinetics of cTnI after ultramarathon running is lacking, especially in an Oriental population. MethodsTwenty-six participants, including eight hepatitis B virus carrier (HBVc) runners, who finished a 100-km ultramarathon in Taiwan were enrolled. For each participant, blood samples were collected 1 week before the race, as well as immediately and 24 hours after the finish. ResultsThe results showed that 19 runners (73.1%) had postrace elevated cTnI levels and eight (30.8%) had elevated cTnI values lasting more than 24 hours after the run. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the HBV status was a factor related to the high level of cTnI after 24 hours of running (β=0.03, p=0.08). The recovery of plasma cTnI levels was delayed in ultramarathon runners with latent HBV infection. Among HBVc runners, multiple linear regression analyses showed age (β=−0.01), previous running experience (β=−0.06), training distance (β=0.37), and 4 hours of running distance (β=−0.04) as significant predictors of higher postrace cTnI levels. ConclusionFor most athletes, cTnI values significantly increased immediately following the race in the absence of adverse clinical sequelae, and HBVc runners had higher and prolonged cTnI levels. While several factors are identified for such HBV effects, the specific causes need further elucidation.