Half Marathon Research Articles

Impact of advanced footwear technology for Japanese Ekiden athletes.

Advanced footwear technology (AFT) was developed with the goal of running a marathon in under 2 hours. This pace (2:51 min/km) is similar to the race pace of Ekiden, which are road relays where each athlete covers a distance ranging from 15 kilometers to 22 kilometers. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of AFT on the records of Japanese Ekiden runners. A total of 2000 men's performances in 10,000 m and half-marathon were analyzed. Top-100 performances for 10,000 m and half marathon were subjected to One-Way group Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), including year (2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020/2021/2022/2023). Significant improvements are observed in 10,000 m times after 2020 and half marathon times after 2018. For 10,000 meters, track spikes with the AFT may improve running performance, rather than the first launch of the AFT in 2017. The improvement in the half-marathon for Japanese Ekiden athletes since 2018 may reflect improved running economy (RE). The present results would provide further evidence for Japanese Ekiden athletes to use AFT alongside the improvement in physiological measures like VO<inf>2</inf>.

Health Aspects of Amateur Long-Distance Running

Introduction: Running, as a generally accessible form of physical activity, is recognized as a popular means of preventing lifestyle diseases. Each year, an increasing number of people of various ages, levels of training, and physical fitness participate in mass running events. Purpose: The study aims to identify the opinions of amateur long-distance runners regarding health. Material: 140 individuals from several Polish provinces, approximately 30 years old. Method: A proprietary questionnaire survey. Results: The most important factor motivating the respondents to engage in long-distance running is the improvement of sports performance, followed by the need to relieve stress, improve quality of life, and, to a lesser extent, health goals. According to most respondents, endurance-based long-distance running is healthy because it improves physical fitness, positively affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, enhances immunity, and is a way to relieve stress. Only a few respondents believe that running is not healthy. The main forms of preparation for half marathons and marathons among runners include warm-up exercises before the planned effort and strength and muscle stretching exercises. In the studied group of runners, past injuries do not diminish the satisfaction of engaging in long-distance running. Despite a significant number of respondents having experienced injuries in the past while practicing this sport, they still consider running to be healthy. Conclusions: Long-distance running brings numerous health benefits. It improves physical fitness, positively affects cardiovascular function, including lowering blood pressure, significantly enhances sleep quality, and helps reduce stress, as confirmed by the respondent’s opinions.

Soft-Tissue Vibrations and Fatigue During Prolonged Running: Does an Individualized Midsole Hardness Play a Role?

Footwear has the potential to reduce soft-tissue vibrations (STV) but responses are highly subject-specific. Recent evidence shows that compressive garments minimizing STV have a beneficial effect on neuromuscular (NM) fatigue. The aim was to determine whether an individualized midsole hardness can minimize STV and NM fatigue during a half marathon. Twenty experienced runners were recruited for three visits: a familiarization session including the identification of midsole minimizing and maximizing STV amplitude (MIN and MAX, respectively), and two half marathon sessions at 95% of speed at the second ventilatory threshold. STV of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle, running kinetics, foot strike pattern, rating perceived exhaustion (RPE), and midsole liking were recorded every 3 km. NM fatigue was assessed on plantar flexors (PF) before (PRE) and after (POST) the half marathon. At POST, PF central and peripheral alterations and changes in contact time, step frequency, STV median frequency, and impact force frequency as well as foot strike pattern were found in both MIN and MAX. No significant differences in damping, STV main frequency, flight time, duty factor, and loading rate were observed between conditions whatever the time period. During the half marathon, STV amplitude of GM significantly increased over time for the MAX condition (+13.3%) only. Differences between MIN and MAX were identified for RPE and midsole liking. It could be hypothesized that, while significant, the effect of midsole hardness on STV is too low to substantially affect NM fatigue.

Differences in training characteristics of recreational endurance runners by race distance - results from the NURMI Study (Step 2).

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. 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. 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. This finding supports the notion that training habits and periodization characteristics are different for different race distances (10-km, half marathon, marathon, and ultramarathon).

Ad libitum ice slurry ingestion and half-marathon performance in a hot environment: A study comparing the effects of the amount and moment of ingestion between ice slurry and water at 37 °C

Ice slurry ingestion during prolonged exercises may improve performance in hot environments; however, the ideal amount and timing of ingestion are still uncertain. We determined whether ad libitum ice slurry ingestion influences physiological and perceptual variables and half-marathon performance while comparing the effects of the amount and moment of ingestion between ice slurry and water at 37 °C. Ten trained participants (28 ± 2 years; mean and SD) were required to run two half marathons while consuming either ice slurry (-1 °C; Ad-1) or water (37 °C; 37 CE) ad libitum. They then performed two other half marathons where, during one, they were required to ingest an amount of water equivalent to the amount consumed during the Ad-1 trial (Pro37), and in the other, to ingest ice slurry in the amount consumed during the 37 CE trial (Pro-1). During the half marathons, dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity were controlled at 33.1 ± 0.3 °C and 60 ± 3%, respectively. Ad-1 ingestion (349.6 ± 58.5 g) was 45% less than 37 CE ingestion (635.5 ± 135.8 g). Physical performance, heart rate, perceived exertion, body temperatures, and thermal perception were not influenced by the temperature or amount of beverage ingestion. However, a secondary analysis suggested that lower beverage ingestion was associated with improved performance (Ad-1 + Pro37 vs. 37 CE + Pro-1: −4.0 min, Cohen's d = 0.39), with a significant relationship between lower beverage ingestion and faster running time (b = 0.02, t = 4.01, p < 0.001). In conclusion, ice slurry ingestion does not affect performance or physiological or perceptual variables during a half marathon in a hot environment. Preliminary evidence suggests that lower beverage ingestion (ice slurry or warm water) is associated with improved performance compared to higher ingestion.

Did Running Events Recover from the (COVID)-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Participation, Performance and Pacing Strategies in the Stuttgart-Lauf Half Marathon from 2019 to 2023

Objectives: This study was an investigation of the participation and performance metrics and pacing strategies employed among virtual half marathoners by examining the experiences of runners of the Stuttgart Lauf, before, during, and after the COVID-19 era. Methods: The results of the top 25 female and top 25 male athletes in the Stuttgart-Lauf Half Marathon from 2019 to 2023 were obtained from the event's official website. A comparative analysis was conducted between the in-person races held in 2019, 2022, and 2023, and the virtual races held in 2020 and 2021, focusing on participation rates, performance outcomes, and pacing strategies. Participation in virtual events was observed to be lower than in-person events. Results: For the top 25 male finishers, the fastest year was 2019 and the slowest year was 2021. For the top 25 female finishers, the fastest year was 2023, and the slowest year was 2021. However, the finish time differences across years were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Virtual running events exhibit disparities in terms of participation rates, performance outcomes, and pacing strategies when compared to in-person events. The many differences observed in running events during the pandemic have disappeared, and the events have continued to exhibit characteristics like the pre-pandemic period.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 on neuromuscular efficiency after a half-marathon

Introduction:Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 (PS128) could be considered an antioxidant supplement to reduce muscle fatigue and improve exercise capacity recovery after vigorous exercise.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of PS128 on muscle fatigue and electromyography (EMG) activity after a half-marathon (HM).Methods: The experimental design used a repeated-measures design with a double-blind approach. The participants either took two capsules of PS128 for 4 weeks as the PS128 group (PSG, n = 8) or took two capsules of a placebo for 4 weeks as the placebo group (PLG, n = 8) to ensure counterbalancing. The time points of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and EMG activity test were set before probiotics were taken (baseline), 48 h before HM (Pre), and immediately at 0 h, 3 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h after HM.Results: EMG activity included median power frequency (MDF), integrated EMG (iEMG), and neuromuscular efficiency (peak torque/iEMG). The MVICs of knee extensors, analyzed by using an isokinetic dynamometer, showed a decrease from the Pre to 0 h (p = 0.0001), 3 h (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), 24 h (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), 48 h (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), 72 h (p = 0.0002), and 96 h (p = 0.0408) time points in the PLG. Sidak’s multiple comparisons tests showed that the PLG was significantly lower than the PSG at 0 h (p = 0.0173), 3 h (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), 24 h (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), 48 h (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), 72 h (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), and 96 h (p = 0.0004) time points. The MDF of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) in the PLG was significantly decreased 24 h after HM and significantly lower than that in the PSG at all times points after HM. The iEMG of VMO in the PLG was significantly decreased 48 h after HM and significantly lower than that in the PSG at 0 h, 3 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after HM.Conclusion: The PS128 supplementation may prevent the decrease in MDF, iEMG, and peak torque after vigorous exercise. Recreational runners may consider implementing a probiotic supplementation regimen as a potential strategy to mitigate muscle fatigue following HM.

Increase in Serum Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1ra) Levels after Wheelchair Half Marathon Race in Male Athletes with Spinal Cord Injury.

Exercise increases the serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which in turn stimulates the production of various inflammatory cytokine antagonists, such as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). Individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) are at high risk of inflammatory conditions. This study compared the effects of wheelchair half marathon on the immune system of male athletes with CSCI and those with thoracic/lumber spinal cord injury (SCI). Neutrophil count, IL-1ra, IL-6, and various endocrine parameters were measured before, immediately and 1 h after the race in five CSCI and six SCI who completed the wheelchair marathon race. The percentage of neutrophils was significantly higher in CSCI immediately and 1 h after the race, compared with the baseline, and significantly higher in SCI at 1 h after the race. IL-6 was significantly higher immediately and 1 h after the race in SCI, whereas no such changes were noted in IL-6 in CSCI. IL-1ra was significantly higher at 1 h after the race in both SCI and CSCI. The race was associated with an increase in IL-1ra in both CSCI and SCI. These findings suggest wheelchair half marathon race increases IL-1ra even under stable IL-6 status in male CSCI individuals, and that such post-race increase in IL-1ra is probably mediated through circulatory neutrophils.

Biomechanical changes identified during a marathon race among high-school aged runners

BackgroundDespite the increasing popularity of endurance running competitions among adolescent runners, there is currently limited information regarding expected biomechanical changes across the duration of a long-distance running event, and the relationship between young runners’ biomechanics and running performance. Wearable technology offers an ecological means to continuously assess runners’ biomechanical data during outdoor running competitions. Research questionDo adolescent athletes adopt changes in sensor-derived biomechanics throughout a marathon race, and are there relationships between race performance and biomechanical features among young marathoners? MethodsFourteen high-school aged runners (9 M, 5 F; age: 16 ± 1 years, height: 170.8 ± 7.5 cm; mass: 63.6 ± 9.4 kg) wore lace-mounted sensors to record step-by-step biomechanics during a marathon race. Official race segment completion times were extracted across 5 race segments (5-K, 15-K, Half Marathon [21.1-K], 35-K, Marathon [42.2-K]). Within-participant repeated measures of covariance (pace) were conducted to assess changes in biomechanics across the race, with Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons. Pearson’s r correlations were performed to assess the relationship between race finish times and biomechanics. ResultsPace was significantly slower (p-range: 0.002–0.005), contact times significantly longer, and stride lengths significantly shorter in the final segment compared to middle segments (p-range: 0.003–0.004). The rate of shock accumulation was significantly higher in the final race segment compared to the first three segments (p-range: 0.001–0.002). Moderate relationships existed between finish times and pace (r = −0.63), stride length (r = −0.62), and contact time (r = 0.51). SignificanceAdolescent runners altered their gait patterns in the final marathon segment compared to earlier segments. Spatiotemporal measures were moderately correlated with race finish times, suggesting a link between faster run pace, increased stride lengths, and reduced contact time for improved running performance during an endurance race.

Perspectives of Health and Eating Behaviors in Marathon and Half-Marathoners

Introduction: Marathon and half-marathon runners are a growing population of athletes who have unique training and nutritional demands that put them at risk for health issues. The purpose of this study was to investigate perspectives regarding sport-related health and factors impacting eating behaviors in adult marathoners and half-marathoners. Methods: The Runners Health Choice Questionnaire was deployed online and distributed via a snowball sampling approach. Participants were adult runners who had completed a marathon or half-marathon in the previous three years and planned to participate in another marathon or half marathon in the next 24 months. Collegiate athletes were excluded. Results: Five hundred male and female marathon and half-marathon runners ages 18-79 completed the survey. The relationship between sex and diet classification was significant (χ2 [1, 500]= 7.2194, p= 0.0072); males were significantly more likely to select an atypical diet when compared to females. Time to prepare meals (83.40%) and training run/race that day (81.00%) had a moderate to high impact on daily meal decisions. If provided new nutrition education, 77.24% of runners reported being very likely or somewhat likely to change their diet. Conclusions: Health and eating behaviors and decisions are complex and impacted by several variables: time, training, and an athlete's age and sex. However, runners have a desire to be healthy and a willingness to change with new nutritional information.

Feasibility of Live Video Feed Transmission from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Medical Surveillance During the 2022 Montreal Marathon.

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). 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. 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. 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.

Running and active aging: a mixed study on the reasons for practice, lifestyle and performance

The practice of physical exercise is crucial for an active and healthy aging. In this sense, this research investigated aspects related to the reason for practicing among half marathon and marathon runners, verifying characteristics regarding performance and lifestyle, in different age groups, through a mixed approach of concomitant triangulation. 281 people participated in this research, with a mean age of 43.15 years (SD = 11.04), with a predominance of self-declared white individuals (n = 191, 67.97%), with complete specialization (n = 94, 33 .45%) and income higher than 10 minimum wages (n = 60, 21.70%). Health was listed as the main one, followed by the variables pleasure, stress control, sociability, competitiveness and aesthetics, with differences being found between some age groups in the aesthetic and pleasure dimensions. It was observed that running contributed to the adoption of healthier habits. As for performance, there was a tendency to decrease with age.

How do event zones influence visitor behaviour and engagement with host destinations? A longitudinal study of the Cambridge half marathon (2017–2020)

This work identifies important influencing factors that affect event visitor behaviour in and beyond event zones, utilising a four-year, mixed-method, longitudinal study (n=6212) of the Cambridge Half Marathon (2017–2020). We counter a commonly held view that visitors naturally spill out into local cultural and business precincts, arguing that event zones represent cities within cities that spatially segregate visitors from the host destination; only 7% of the sample engaged in longer and deeper cultural stays. Quantitative data reveals statistically significant demographic and tripographic factors that increase the likelihood of visitors venturing beyond the event zone, whilst qualitative data reveals the behavioural and organisational factors that encourage or discourage engagement. Managerial tactics and strategies for encouraging visitors to venture beyond event zones, across host destinations, to optimise local economic benefits across the host destination are presented.

Gender differences in footwear characteristics between half and full marathons in China: a cross-sectional survey

There are concerns about the risk of injuries caused by marathons in China. Since male and female runners have different injury risks, gender differences in running shoe functionality should be further complemented. A supervised questionnaire survey of 626 marathon runners was collected. The questionnaire was categorized into four sections: (1) participant profile, (2) importance of shoe properties, (3) functional evaluation of shoe properties and (4) importance ranking of shoe properties. The Mann–Whitney U test, Fisher’s exact test of cross tabulation and Chi-square test, and two-way ANOVA were used to analyze the results of this survey. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. The full marathon participants were older than the half marathon participants. There was no gender difference in the importance of shoe features to elite runners. In addition, women are more concerned about upper elasticity and have higher requirements for running shoes than men. Women were more focused on injury prevention, while men were more focused on running performance. Heel cushioning was identified by all participants as the most important running shoe feature. There were no gender differences between elite players’ demand for running shoes, but significant gender differences were found between genders at other running levels.

Paper 63: Return to Long Distance Running After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Objectives: Arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has shown high rates of return to different sports in athletes. No studies to date have focused on patients’ return to long- distance running, a running sport with unique characteristics and demands. The purpose of this study was to determine return to long-distance running rates and changes in running performance in long distance runners undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of FAI and to identify possible risk factors associated with not returning to long distance running. Methods: An institutional hip preservation registry was retrospectively reviewed for patients identified as long distance runners (half marathons and marathons) who underwent primary hip arthroscopies for FAI performed between March 2010 and January 2017. Patient demographics and injury characteristics as well as clinical and radiographic findings were recorded. All patients were contacted for return to running information using a running specific return to sport questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for not returning to long-distance running. Results: Sixty-eight long distance runners (78 hips) were included. Mean patient age and body mass index (BMI) were 37.8±8.9 years and 23.8±3.3 kg/m2, respectively. Thirty-eight (56%) were female runners. Mean weekly running milage prior to injury was 34.5±16.9 miles. Mean duration of hip symptoms prior to seeking medical evaluation was 77.3±16.9 weeks. Fifty-nine runners (87%) had to stop or modify their running for a mean duration of 44.3±45 weeks prior to surgery due to hip symptoms. Overall, 50 runners (74%) returned to any running, of which 25 runners (50%) returned to long distance running completing half/full marathons races after surgery. Most common reasons for not returning to running were pain or discomfort (50%) followed by fear of re-injury (22%) and additional different injuries (22%). Among runners who did not return to any running, 12 (67%) reported satisfaction from surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed female runners (odds ratio [OR]=0.2; confidence interval [CI]=0.0 to 0.9; p=0.034) and hips with radiologic findings of higher alpha angles (OR=0.9; 95% CI=0.9 to 1.0; p=0.045) were less likely to return to long distance running. Conclusions: Hip arthroscopic treatment for FAI in symptomatic long-distance runners, a distinctive subgroup of runners, allowed most of them (74%) to return to running, however only 40% returned to long distance running races. Female runners and runners with radiologic findings of higher alpha angles were less likely to return to long-distance running. These data can better guide clinicians and long- distance runners with realistic expectations related to the arthroscopic management of symptomatic FAI.

Assessment of right atrial strain parameters in half marathon amateur runners

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Endurance training may cause atrial remodeling and atrial arrhythmias in professional athletes. However, there is a lack of data on the right atrial (RA) adaptation to training and half marathon run in amateur runners. Recently introduced atrial deformation strain analysis allows to assess the RA function more precisely. Purpose The study aims to assess the influence of ten-weeks training and half marathon run on the RA strain parameters in non-elite athletes. It also investigates whether these changes affect the runner’s competitive performance. We hypothesized that the training and 21.0975 kilometers run itself cause functional atrial changes in recreational runners. Methods The study group consisted of 45 recreational runners with a mean age of 32.96 ± 5.12 years, 27 men. Two-dimensional, Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography was performed before the ten-weeks training period (stage 1), 48 hours before (stage 2) and within 48 hours after (stage 3) the half marathon run. We measured RA volumes, ejection fraction and strain during reservoir, conduit and contraction phases at all stages (Figure). Training intensity was expressed in declared kilometers run per week. Results There were no significant changes in RA volumes and RA ejection fraction between stages. We did not notice significant differences in RA strains during reservoir, conduit and contraction phases between stages. Athletes who trained more intensively had significantly higher maximum RA volume at stage 1 (r = 0.32; p = 0.033) and at stage 3 (r = 0.44; p = 0.003). They had also larger RA area at stage 1 (r = 0.32; p = 0.030). Runners whose RA area was larger, achieved significantly better finishing race time (r = -0.49; p = 0.001). Higher RA volume correlated with better half marathon performance (r = -0.32; p = 0.039). Conclusions Ten-weeks training period and participation in half marathon run were not associated with RA dilatation or functional changes based on strain deformation analysis in amateur runners. However, we observed the influence of intensity of physical training on the enlargement of volume and surface area of the right atrium, which resulted in better half marathon finishing time.

Half Moon Summer by Elaine Vickers

Reviewed by: Half Moon Summer by Elaine Vickers Kara Forde Vickers, Elaine Half Moon Summer; illus. by Chloe Zola. Peachtree, 2023 [288p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781682635391 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781682635544 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 5-7 As summer vacation rounds the corner in Half Moon Bay, CA, Drew is dreading the expanse of time without his best friend Isaac, who recently moved away. Things begin to turn around when Drew’s dad gifts him a new pair of Nike running shoes and they start to run together, even though Drew has a sinking feeling about his dad’s new clumsiness and his parents’ secret conversations. Meanwhile, Mia is not at all happy to be in Half Moon Bay for the summer—instead of working on building their house in Sacramento, Mia’s dad heads to Alaska to care for his sick mother, while Mia and the rest of the family spend the summer with her maternal grandmother. When Mia’s and Drew’s paths converge, they begin to run together daily with the goal of participating in a half marathon at the end of the summer. At the event, Mia intends to confront the wealthy real estate developer who has put her family’s dream of living in their own home in jeopardy. An inviting preface foreshadows the main characters’ friendship with the story of Drew and Mia’s “Birth Day,” as the two shared a bassinet after they were born on the same day at the same hospital. Vickers deftly distinguishes between the alternating perspectives by composing Drew’s point of view in prose and Mia’s chapters in verse. Both main characters seem uncommonly self-reflective for almost-thirteen-year-olds, yet their perceptiveness and the parallels between their concerns about family finances and [End Page 342] relationships greatly enhance the emotional appeal of this story. News of a serious diagnosis for Drew’s dad highlights a tender theme of courage in face of the precariousness of life, evoking a deep gratitude for every precious moment spent with loved ones. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Differences in Training and Health Characteristics Between Trail Ultrarunners and Shorter Distance Runners.

The primary aim of the study was to compare select training and health characteristics between ultramarathon and shorter distance runners participating in a trail race series. A questionnaire was sent to all participants who signed up for a trail race series, including distances of 10 km, half marathon, 50 km, 80.5 km (50 mi), and 100 km. There were 59 participants (27ultramarathoners and 32 half marathon/10-km runners) who completed the questionnaire. We compared the training and health characteristics between groups using t tests and Fisher exact tests. There were no significant differences in reported history of stress fracture (15% vs 9%; P=0.70) or sleep quality scores (4.4 vs 5.5; P=0.15) between the ultramarathon and half marathon/10-km groups. Over half of both groups reported trying to change body weight to improve performance, without significant differences between groups (65% vs 53%; P=0.42). A significantly greater proportion of the ultramarathoners reported an episode of binge eating in the 4 wk preceding the race (38% vs 3%; P=0.001). Despite differences in training volume, we did not find different injury, sleep, and nutrition data between the ultramarathoners and half marathon/10-km runners, with the exception of more ultramarathoners reporting binging behaviors in the 4 wk leading up to the race. Screening for eating disorder behaviors should be considered in distance runners, particularly ultrarunners.

Analysis of IGHA1 and other salivary proteins post half marathon in female participants.

High-intensity exercise (HIE), such as that in marathons and triathlons, suppresses transient local and systemic immunity. Serum and salivary immunoglobulin heavy constant alpha 1 (IGHA1) are major markers of immunosuppression by HIE. Although much is known about the systemic immunosuppressive response, little is known about its local response in the oral cavity, lungs, bronchial tubes, and skin. The oral cavity allows bacteria or viruses to enter the body. Saliva covers the epidermis of the oral cavity and plays an important role in the local stress response by preventing infection. In this study, we examined the properties of saliva secreted during the local stress response for half-marathon (HM) induced IGHA1 protein expression using quantitative proteomics. The Exercise Group (ExG) (19 healthy female university students) participated in a HM race. The Non-Exercise Group (NExG) (16 healthy female university students) did not participate in the ExG. The ExG saliva samples were collected 1 h pre and 2 h and 4 h post-HM. The NExG saliva samples were collected at the same time intervals. The saliva volume, protein concentration, and relative IGHA1 expression were analyzed. In addition, 1 h pre and 2 h post- HM saliva samples were analyzed by iTRAQ. The identified factors in iTRAQ were analyzed for the ExG and the NExG using western blotting. We identified kallikrein 1 (KLK1), immunoglobulin kappa chain (IgK), and cystatin S (CST4) as suppression factors, as well as IGHA1, which has been reported to be an immunological stress marker. IGHA1 (p = 0.003), KLK1 (p = 0.011), IGK (p = 0.002), and CST4 (p = 0.003) were suppressed 2 h post-HM compared with their levels pre HM, and IGHA1 (p < 0.001), KLK1 (p = 0.004), and CST4 (p = 0.006) were suppressed 4 h post-HM. There was also a positive correlation between IGHA1, IGK, and CST4 levels at 2 and 4 h post-HM. In addition, KLK1 and IGK levels at 2 h post-HM were positively correlated. Our study demonstrated that the salivary proteome is regulated, and antimicrobial proteins are suppressed post-HM. These results suggest that oral immunity was transiently suppressed post-HM. The positive correlation of each protein at 2 and 4 h post-HM suggests that the suppressed state was similarly regulated up to 4 h after a HM. The proteins identified in this study may have applications as stress markers for recreational runners and individuals who perform moderate to HIE on a regular basis.

Feasibility of Live Video Feed Transmission from UAVs for Medical Surveillance During the 2022 Montreal Marathon

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. During the 2022 Montreal marathon, the aim of this study was to determine the proportion of data collection time during which live medical surveillance UAV video feed was successfully transmitted and considered of sufficient quality to identify acute illness.Method:Four UAVs equipped with high resolution cameras were deployed at two predefined high-risk areas for medical incidents located within the last 800m 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 on runners were documented.Results:On September 25, 2022, 8,577 athletes registered in 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. The total interruption time was 22 minutes and 19 seconds, and the field of view was considered inadequate for a total of 17 minutes and 33 seconds. Active surveillance of drone-captured footage allowed 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 race for four consecutive hours is feasible. Live feed interruptions and segments with an inadequate field of view could be minimized through practice and additional equipment redundancy.