Race Directors Research Articles

The Chicago Marathon

I the race then and.now1. The Marathon from Myth to Actuality 2. A Brief History of the Chicago Marathon I I staging the event3. The Race Director 4. Grassroots Support I I I sponsorship and general assistance5. Corporate and Small Business Sponsorship 6. Government and Sister Agency Support I V marathon alliances7. Charities 8. The Media V the runners9. Professionals and Exceptional Amateurs 10. Older Runners 11. Middle-Aged and Younger Runners 12. Charity Runners Conclusion

A 5k Run Handicap Model For Age And Body Weight

The adverse effect of increasing age and/or body weight on distance run performance has been well documented. Accordingly, nearly all 5K distance road races employ age categories and, sometimes, a two-category body weight classification. Problems include small numbers of runners within elderly categories and the lack of precision with only two weight classes. PURPOSE To develop a 5K Run Handicap Model (5KRHM) for men and women based on the known independent contributions of age and body weight to distance run performance. METHODS By combining the findings of several studies with large sample sizes, we developed a 5KRHM with a correction factor based only on the independent contributions of age and weight. RESULTS The table below shows examples of 5KRHM adjusted times for two men and two women.TableCONCLUSIONS As age increases, the 5KRHM adjusted times are progressively slower than those using WAVA age-only adjusted standards. This is due to the WAVA model's handicap being a percentage of actual run time and the 5KRHM model's handicap being a percentage of a set world class time subtracted from actual time. The 5KRHM model could be advantageous for several reasons: 1) Age or body weight categories would not be needed, 2) Heavier and older runners might feel more incentive to participate and/or compete and 3) This model could be used to augment already existing award structures for races. We recommend that interested race directors consider the field testing of such a model to assess its efficacy and usefulness.

The Risk of Death in Running Road Races

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Although the risk of death for marathon participants and for high school and college athletes has been quantified, limited data are available about the risk of death in running shorter road races.OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and causes of exercise-related death in running road races and to provide information that may help identify those at risk and assist race directors with medical staffing needs.METHODS: Investigators requested the number of finishers and the number of deaths within a 5-year period (1996 through 2000) from 62 of the largest races (according to USA Track and Field in 1999) from 10K, 12K, 15K, and half-marathon distances. Differences in the risk of death between these races and marathons were compared with a chi-square analysis.RESULTS: Thirty-eight (61%) of the officials from the 62 races responded. Five deaths occurred among 1,636,720 finishers. All the fatalities were men, and their age range was wide (38 to 84 years). Most of the deaths were in 10K races (4 deaths); 1 was in a half-marathon race. Further data were available on 3 of the runners, whose deaths were attributed to coronary artery disease. The overall incidence of death in running road races was approximately 3.1 per 1 million finishers. This risk and that for 10K races are significantly lower than the risk reported for marathons from combined data from other sources.CONCLUSION: The risk of death in running road races is significantly lower than the risk for marathons. These data may help to identify participants at risk and assist race directors in determining medical staffing needs on race day.

HYPONATREMIA AND ADVENTURE RACING

PURPOSE To determine hydration status, serum sodium concentration and the incidence of hyponatremia in athletes competing in the sport of adventure racing. METHODS Six male and five female endurance-trained athletes participating in a 48-hour adventure race served as subjects. Race components included trail running, orienteering, mountain biking and kayaking. Environmental conditions during the race were relatively mild, with a high temperature of 34°C and a low of 9°C, corresponding humidity measurements were 43% and 70%, respectively. Food and fluid intake was measured and recorded for each subject throughout the race to determine total and hourly intakes. RESULTS The mean and range of times for participation were 23.86±5.54 hr and 17.5–30.8 hr; none of the 11 subjects were able to complete the race due to injuries or perceptions of cold, fatigue, and/or malaise. Data analysis revealed a mean body weight loss of 1.53±1.20 kg, which was 1.98% of prerace body weight. The group mean post-race serum sodium was 134.7±7.3 mEq/L, and 6 of the 11 subjects had post-race serum sodium levels within the classification of hyponatremia (< 135 mEq/L). Mean hourly fluid and sodium intakes were 309±100 ml and 295±126 mg, respectively. CONCLUSION Data indicated that fluid consumption was less than that recommended by the ACSM. Considering that over half of the subjects became mildly hyponatremic, it is recommended that adventure race directors alert participants and race volunteers to the potential hazards imposed by these ultraendurance events in order to prevent medical emergencies related to hydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Distance running: Organization of a medical team

There has been a dramatic increase in endurance race participation, which has led to the need for medical coverage during these events. Organization and preparation for the event are essential to providing thorough medical coverage. The medical director coordinates medical coverage and works closely with the race director to develop a safe and efficient race plan. Education of staff and participants is done before race day, as well as during the event. Triage and prompt treatment of injuries are the major components of race day activities. This chapter discusses the needs and development of medical coverage for an endurance event. It also describes commonly seen injuries and their initial treatment. Finally, it gives suggestions for staff and participant education.

Women in Statistics: Sesquicentennial Activities

Women in Statistics: Sesquicentennial Activities

Medical Coverage of Endurance Events

A group of medical race directors and researchers discuss topics likely to be of practical value to physicians covering triathlons and marathons.

What Are We Learning From Road Races?

Road races and fun runs would be safer if runners and race directors were more aware of the predictable medical problems and their prevention and management.

A Tenuous Partnership: Novice Runners and Distance Races.

Many of the runners lining up for race numbers aren't prepared for distance or heat. Responsibility for their safety seems to be floating somewhere between the runner and the race director.