Ultra-trail Race Research Articles

Illness is more prevalent than injury in trail runners participating in a mountainous ultra trail race

ABSTRACT Objectives Trail running is a popular off-road sport involving running in natural environments over various terrains, often in remote locations. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology and risk factors of injuries and illnesses, i.e. medical encounters, on race day among trail runners in a high-altitude ultra trail race. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study on an ultra trail race (38 km, 65 km and 100 km) in South Africa, included participants 18 years or older. Of the 331 race participants, 285(86.1%) consented to participate in the study. Data collection included demographic details, injuries (body region, specific body area, tissue type, pathology) and illnesses (organ system, symptom cluster, etiology). Risk factor analysis includes sex, age, weight, height, race distance, illness and injury history, training and running experience. Frequency (n, %), prevalence (%) and odds ratios (OR; 95%CI) are reported. Results Eighty-nine (31.2%) individuals reported 131 medical encounters [49 injuries (37.4%); 82 illnesses (62.6%)]. Injuries were sustained by 14.7% of athletes, and 22.5% reported illnesses. For injuries, the lower limb was mainly involved (n = 41; 83.7%). Most injuries affected the foot (n = 18; 36.7%), ankle (n = 10; 20.4%) and knee (n = 7; 14.3%). Tissue types mainly involved skin (n = 21; 42.8%), ligament (n = 7; 14.3%) and muscle (n = 7; 14.3%). Multiple (n = 45; 54.9%) and gastrointestinal (n = 17; 20.7%) organ systems were mainly involved in illnesses. Only 100 km runners reported dehydration (n = 28; 31.5%), and one in every six of these runners (n = 5; 17.9%) did not finish. Runners reporting fatigue (n = 21; 23.6%) had a high (n = 8; 38.1%) did not finish rate. Two in every five participants (n = 36; 40.4%) with a medical encounter, did not finish. No medical encounter-associated risk factors were identified. Conclusions Illnesses were more common than injuries during the mountainous ultra trail race. Sustaining a medical encounter increased the chance of not completing the race. Further research on the epidemiology of race day medical encounters in trail running is required.

Glycaemic Effects of a 156-km Ultra-trail Race in Athletes: An Observational Field Study.

Ultra-trail running races pose appreciable physiological challenges, particularly for glucose metabolism. Previous studies that yielded divergent results only measured glycaemia at isolated times. We aimed to explore the impact of an ultra-endurance race on continuously measured glycaemia and to understand potential physiological mechanisms, as well as the consequences for performance and behavioural alertness. Fifty-five athletes (78% men, 43.7 ± 9.6years) ran a 156-km ultra-trail race (six 26-km laps, total elevation 6000m). Participants wore a masked continuous glucose monitoring sensor from the day before the race until 10days post-race. Blood was taken at rest, during refuelling stops after each lap, and after 24-h recovery. Running intensity (% heart rate reserve), performance (lap times), psychological stress, and behavioural alertness were explored. Linear mixed models and logistic regressions were carried out. No higher risk of hypo- or hyperglycaemia was observed during the exercise phases of the race (i.e. excluding stops for scientific measurements and refuelling) compared with resting values. Laps comprising a greater proportion of time spent at maximal aerobic intensity were nevertheless associated with more time > 180mg/dL (P = 0.021). A major risk of hyperglycaemia appeared during the 48-h post-race period compared with pre-race (P < 0.05), with 31.9% of the participants spending time with values > 180mg/dL during recovery versus 5.5% during resting. Changes in circulating insulin, cortisol, and free fatty acids followed profiles comparable with those usually observed during traditional aerobic exercise. However, creatine phosphokinase, and to a lesser extent lactate dehydrogenase, increased exponentially during the race (P < 0.001) and remained high at 24-h post-race (P < 0.001; respectively 43.6 and 1.8 times higher vs. resting). Glycaemic metrics did not influence physical performance or behavioural alertness. Ultra-endurance athletes were exposed to hyperglycaemia during the 48-h post-race period, possibly linked to muscle damage and inflammation. Strategies to mitigate muscle damage or subsequent inflammation before or after ultra-trail races could limit recovery hyperglycaemia and hence its related adverse health consequences. NCT05538442 2022-09-21 retrospectively registered.

Training for shorter ultra-trail races results in a higher injury rate, a more diverse injury profile, and more severe injuries: 2022 Mac ultra races

ObjectivesDetermine and compare the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and injury severity among race entrants training towards different ultra-trail race distances. DesignRetrospective cross-sectional study. SettingThe six months training period before the 2022 Mac Ultra races (46 km, 80 km, 161 km and 322 km). ParticipantsOf the 245 race entrants, 162 (66% of Mac ultra-trail runners) consented to analyse their data. Outcome measuresInjury rate (injuries per 1000 h of running), point prevalence (% of currently injured participants), injury severity (time loss), and the frequency (n, %) of injuries reported during pre-race medical screening in the six months before the race. Using inferential statistics, we compared the injury rates between the different race distance categories (46 km, 80 km, 161 km, 322 km). All tests were performed at a 5% level of significance. ResultsWe reported a statistically significantly higher injury rate among 46 km study participants (3.09 injuries per 1000 h) compared to the injury rates reported among 80 km (0.68 injuries per 1000 h; p = 0.001) and 161 km (1.09 injuries per 1000 h; p = 0.028) participants. The lower limb (89%) was the most injured anatomical region, with only 46 km study participants reporting upper limb, trunk, and head injuries (11%). Muscle/tendon was the most reported injured tissue type (56%), with muscle injuries (31%) the most reported pathology type. Shorter distance ultra-trail runners reported the highest injury severity. ConclusionUltra-trail runners training towards shorter ultra-trail distance races presented with a higher injury rate, more diverse injury profile, and a higher injury severity.

EFFECTS OF TRAINING VOLUME IN FINAL RACE TIME AND NEUROMUSCULAR FUNCTION IN ULTRATRAIL RUNNERS

The increasing status of ultratrail races due to the growth in number of races and participants in this kind of events has caught the attention and interest of the scientific community. The present study was carried out in an ultra-trail race (108km distance and 5800m of accumulated slope). The participants were divided into amateur level competitors (n=10; 43.30±4.52 years) or high-level competitors (n=10; 41.40±6.19 years). Neuromuscular response (squat jump, countermovement jump and Abalakov jump) was evaluated before and after the race. A questionary was passed to all participants before the race to determine the experience, the basal parameters and the training volume. The aim of this study is to a) determine the influence of the training volume expressed in hours per week (HS) and elevation gain (D) in the final race time; b) determine the influence of the training volume in the lower body strength loss after an ultratrail race. We establish the hypothesis that those runners who present a lower training volume spend a longer time in finishing the race and that they have a greater loss of lower body strength. Final race time and lower body strength loss were both minor in high level group. Although no significant results (p0.05) were found out.

Pole Walking Is Faster but Not Cheaper During Steep Uphill Walking.

The aim of this study was to compare pole walking (PW) and walking without poles (W) on a steep uphill mountain path (1.3km, 433m of elevation gain) at 2 different intensities: a maximal effort that would simulate a vertical kilometer intensity and a lower intensity (80% of maximal) simulating an ultratrail race. On the first day, we tested the participants in the laboratory to determine their maximal physiological parameters, respiratory compensation point, and gas exchange threshold. Then, they completed 4 uphill tests along a mountain path on 4 separate days, 2 at their maximum effort (PWmax and Wmax, randomized order) and 2 at 80% of the mean vertical velocity maintained during the first 2 trials (PW80 and W80, randomized order). We collected metabolic data, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion at the end of each trial. We also collected rating of perceived exertion at every 100m of elevation gain during PW80 and W80. Participants completed the maximal effort faster with poles versus without poles (18:51 [03:12] vs 19:19 [03:01] in min:s, P = .013, d = 0.08, small). Twelve of the 15 participants (80%) improved their performance when they used poles. During PW80 and W80, none of the physiological or biomechanical parameters were different. In the examined condition, athletes should use poles during steep uphill maximal efforts to obtain the best performance. Conversely, during submaximal effort, the use of poles does not provide advantages in uphill PW.

Acute Kidney Injury and Hyponatremia in Ultra-Trail Racing: A Systematic Review.

Background and objectives: Ultra-trail races can cause episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI) and exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) in healthy subjects without previous renal pathology. This systematic review aims to review the incidence of these two syndromes together and separately taking into account the length and elevation of the ultra-trail race examined. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted through electronic search in four electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science and Alcorze). Results: A total of 1127 articles published between January 2006 and December 31, 2021 were included, 28 of which met the inclusion criteria. The studies were categorized according to the length and stages of the race in four categories: medium (42 to 69 km), long (70 to 99 km), extra (>100 km) and multi-stage if they included various stages. A total of 2950 runners (666 females and 2284 males) were extracted from 28 publications. The AKI incidence found was 42.04% (468 cases of 1113), and 195 of 2065 were diagnosed with EAH, accounting for 9.11%. The concurrence of both pathologies together reached 11.84% (27 individuals) from a total of 228 runners with AKI and EAH simultaneously analyzed. Sorted by race category, the AKI+EAH cases were distributed as follows: 18 of 27 in the extra (13.63% and n = 132), 4 in the large (5.79% and n = 69) and 5 in the medium category (18.15% and n = 27). Conclusions: According to these results, extra and medium races showed a similar incidence of AKI+EAH. These findings underline the importance of the duration and intensity of the race and may make them responsible for the etiology of these medical conditions. Due to their variable incidence, EAH and AKI are often underdiagnosed, leading to poorer prognosis, increased condition seriousness and hindered treatment. The results of this review urge participants, coaches and race organizers to take measures to improve the early diagnosis and urgent treatment of possible EAH and AKI cases.

Ultra-Trail Koşucularında Somatotip Rolü ve Performans

The aim of this study is to compare the somatotype of male running Ultra-trail race at different distances and to evaluate the race performance relationship. A total of 44 runners, average of age 45.64 ± 9.16 years; average of height 175.84 ± 6.18 cm; average of body weight 75.36 ± 7.46 kg, who ran distances of 13 km (n= 6), 30 km (n= 19), 66 km (n= 14) and 100 km (n= 5), participated voluntarily in the study. Heath &amp;amp; Carter method was used to determine the somatotypes of the runners. The running performance times were taken from the race results section on the organization's website. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare the running groups, and the Pearson correlation test was used for correlation analysis (p &amp;lt; 0.05). As a result, there was a significant difference in endomorph (p = 0.000) and mesomorph (p = 0.035) of the groups. Significant differences were observed between the endomorph of 13 km runners compared with 30 km (p = 0.003), 66 km (p = 0.002) and 100 km (p = 0.005) runners. It was found that those who run 13 km had more mass than those who run 30, 60 and 100 km, and as the distance increased, the endomorph and mesomorph values decreased, and the long-distance running athletes had a more linear physical structure. In Ultra Trail runs the somatotype differs according to the distance, and it can be said that the somatotype mesomorphic-ectomorph as the performance time and distance increases.

Extreme Ultra-Trail Race Induces Muscular Damage, Risk for Acute Kidney Injury and Hyponatremia: A Case Report

A case study involving a healthy trained male athlete who completed a 786 km multi-stage ultra-trail race. Several markers were analyzed in blood and urine samples: creatinine (SCR) for kidney damage, sodium ([Na+]) for hyponatremia, creatine kinase (CK) for exertional rhabdomyolysis, as well as other hematological values. Samples were taken before and after the race and during the recovery period (days 2 and 9 after the race). Results showed: SCR = 1.13 mg/dl, [Na+] =139 mmol/l and CK = 1.099 UI/l. Criteria for the determination of acute kidney damage were not met, and [Na+] concentration was above 135 mEq/L, indicating the absence of hyponatremia. Exertional rhabdomyolysis was suffered by the athlete (baseline CK increased fivefold), though this situation was reverted after 9 days of recovery. Ultra-trail races cause biochemical changes in athletes, which should be known about by healthcare professionals.

Relationship of Carbohydrate Intake during a Single-Stage One-Day Ultra-Trail Race with Fatigue Outcomes and Gastrointestinal Problems: A Systematic Review.

Due to the high metabolic and physical demands in single-stage one-day ultra-trail (SOUT) races, athletes should be properly prepared in both physical and nutritional aspects in order to delay fatigue and avoid associated difficulties. However, high carbohydrate (CHO) intake would seem to increase gastrointestinal (GI) problems. The main purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate CHO intake during SOUT events as well as its relationship with fatigue (in terms of internal exercise load, exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and post-exercise recovery) and GI problems. A structured search was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines in the following: Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases up to 16 March 2021. After conducting the search and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, eight articles in total were included in this systematic review, in all of which CHO intake involved gels, energy bars and sports drinks. Two studies associated higher CHO consumption (120 g/h) with an improvement in internal exercise load. Likewise, these studies observed that SOUT runners whose intake was 120 g/h could benefit by limiting the EIMD observed by CK (creatine kinase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and GOT (aspartate aminotransferase), and also improve recovery of high intensity running capacity 24 h after a trail marathon. In six studies, athletes had GI symptoms between 65–82%. In summary, most of the runners did not meet CHO intake standard recommendations for SOUT events (90 g/h), while athletes who consumed more CHO experienced a reduction in internal exercise load, limited EIMD and improvement in post-exercise recovery. Conversely, the GI symptoms were recurrent in SOUT athletes depending on altitude, environmental conditions and running speed. Therefore, a high CHO intake during SOUT events is important to delay fatigue and avoid GI complications, and to ensure high intake, it is necessary to implement intestinal training protocols.

Effects of Ultratrail Running on Neuromuscular Function, Muscle Damage and Hydration Status. Differences According to Training Level.

The status of trail running races has exponentially grown in recent years. The present study aimed to: (a) evaluate the acute response of ultratrail racing in terms of neuromuscular function, muscle damage and hydration status; (b) analyze if responses could differ according to training levels. Twenty runners participated in the present study. The participants were divided into amateur training level (n = 10; 43.30 ± 4.52 years) or high level competitors (n = 10; 41.40 ± 6.18). Neuromuscular response (squat jump, countermovement jump and Abalakov jump), muscle damage (alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, creatine kinase and leukocytes) and hydration status (sodium and creatinine) were evaluated before and after the Guara Somontano Ultratrail Race (108 km distance, with an accumulated slope of 5800 m). The height and power achieved by vertical jumps were lower after the race (p < 0.001). The post-race muscle damage and creatinine parameters increased in both groups (p < 0.001). The high-level group obtained lower percentages of change in squat jump and countermovement jump than the amateur-level group (p < 0.05). However, the increase in creatinine was greater for the high-level group (p < 0.05). Ultratrail racing reduces neuromuscular function and increases muscle damage. High-level runners showed less neuromuscular fatigue compared to amateur ones.

Differential impacts of trail and ultra-trail running on cytokine profiles: An observational study.

Endurance running events are known to cause inflammation and result in increased cytokine production. However, the effects of ultramarathons on cytokine profiles are not well characterized. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the effects of a trail (40 km) race and an ultra-trail (171 km) race on leukocyte concentrations and cytokine profiles. The study was conducted during the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc® ultra-marathon running event, and included 11 runners who completed the 40 km trail run and 12 runners who completed the 171 km ultra-trail. Blood samples were taken before and after the races. Leukocyte concentrations significantly increased after both races. Circulating levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, and IFN-γ were significantly higher after the longer race compared to the shorter race. Furthermore, while both races resulted in significant increases in IL-6 and IL-8, only the longer race resulted in significant increases in MIP-1β, IL-7, IL-17a, and IL-4. These results illustrate that a 171 km ultra-trail race results in greater modulations in cytokine profiles than a traditional trail race.

Does hip or knee joint replacement decrease chances to complete an ultra-trail race? Study in participants at the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc®

IntroductionThe number of patients with hip or knee joint replacements is increasing. Some of these patients want to practice sport, including in high-impact sports such as ultra-trails. Is the proportion of drop-out higher among runners after a hip or knee replacement? What are the symptoms of these patients? HypothesisHip or knee joint replacements are associated with a higher drop-out rate during an ultra-trail. Material and methodsWe conducted a monocentric retrospective epidemiological study. A questionnaire translated into French, English and Spanish were sent to all runners registered for one or more of the 5 races of the 2015 to 2017 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® (UTMB®) editions. There were no exclusion criteria. The drop-out rate of patients who responded to the questionnaire was calculated among patients with and without hip or knee joint replacement. Specific symptoms related to these joint replacements were identified before, during and after the race. ResultsOut of the 24,855 participants having run at least one of the 3 editions, 2,469 responded. Some of them ran several races: these 2469 runners were on 3171 start lines and 2548 finish lines (drop-out rate of 19.6%). Among these 2469 runners, 18 had hip and/or knee replacement and were on 27 start lines and 17 finish lines (drop-out rate of 37%). The race was finished by 3 of the 6 runners with a total hip arthroplasty (THA), all of the 8 runners with a hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) and 3 of the 4 runners with a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Among runners with THA, pubalgia or groin pain was described by one of them before the race, 3 during the race and 2 after the race. Among runners with HRA, pygalgia or groin pain was described by 2 of them during the race. As for the TKA, there was no specific symptom. No answering runner had a unicompartmental knee prosthesis. DiscussionRunning ultra-trail is possible after a hip or knee joint replacement. All of the 8 runners with HRA finished the race. We may remain cautious about the long-term survival of prostheses. Level of proofIV; monocentric retrospective epidemiological study.

Morbidity Among Athletes Presenting for Medical Care During 3 Iterations of an Ultratrail Race in the Himalayas

Although ultratrail races are increasing in popularity, there is a dearth of data regarding illnesses and medical care at these events. Data about injuries and illnesses for races taking place in the Himalayas, where the nearest medical facility can be hundreds of miles away, are even harder to find. This study aimed to describe the injuries and illnesses befalling the participants of a 7-stage 212 km (132 mi) trail race at high altitude. Ethical approval was obtained from Nepal Research Health Council. A retrospective study of the record of medical encounters among the 100 participants competing in the Manaslu trail race in Nepal from 2014 to 2016 was performed. Diagnoses were classified into various categories. Informed consent was taken from all participants. Acute diarrhea was the most common ailment reported among the participants (18%), followed closely by musculoskeletal problems (17%). Altitude illness made up 6% of care provided. Approximately 35% of the athletes were using acetazolamide as prophylaxis for high altitude illnesses. The 1 case needing evacuation in the 3 iterations was high altitude pulmonary edema. Ultratrail races at high altitude pose a challenge in terms of provision of medical care in a remote setting with limited resources. However, most of the illnesses are minor in nature and easily managed by the race doctor. Knowledge of common illnesses among travelers to the area can help aid in preparation and provision of proper care, especially in remote settings with limited resources.

Effects of wearing a full body compression garment during recovery from an ultra-trail race

In sport disciplines with high levels of muscle damage such as an ultra-trail competition, full body compression garments (FBCG) may have an ergogenic effect during the recovery process. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of FBCG worn for 24 h immediately after a 107-km ultra-trail on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle damage, inflammatory and renal response. Thirty-two athletes (19 males and 13 females; VO2peak: 54.1 ± 5.2 ml O2/kg/min) participated in the study. The following blood markers were analysed before, immediately after, at 24 and 48 h post-race: lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, C-reactive protein and creatinine. The glomerular filtration rate was also calculated. Delayed onset muscle soreness was evaluated before, immediately after and at 24 h post-race. On arrival at the finishing line, athletes were randomised into one of two recovery groups (FBCG and control group). The results showed that wearing FBCG did not influence the evolution of any of the blood markers up to 48 h after the race (p > .05). However, FBCG group presented a lower increase in posterior leg DOMS (11.0 ± 46.2% vs 112.3 ± 170.4%, p = .03, d = 0.8). Therefore, although FBCG is not useful for reducing muscle damage and inflammatory response after an ultra-trail race, its use may still be recommended as a recovery method to reduce muscle soreness. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03990259.

Penyagolosa Trails: From Ancestral Roads to Sustainable Ultra-Trail Race, between Spirituality, Nature, and Sports. A Case of Study

The organization of an open-air sporting event involves a series of challenges. People are drawn by the desire to do sport, preferably in close contact with nature, so as to complement healthy lifestyles, and in search of air purity. Sporting organizations are increasingly searching for new locations that do not only attract athletes, but spectators and companions too. Races in natural parks provide the additional benefit of doing sport in a unique space, usually a transmitter of simplicity, pure air, and tranquillity. Organizing a mountain race in a natural park implies some issues. These are areas of great environmental richness that must be protected. Natural parks are places of individual recreational activity. Within the running phenomenon, a new type of mountain race has appeared: the hiking-oriented pilgrimage, in which athletes travel ancestral paths, pilgrimage routes thus combining sport practice with spirituality. This paper aims to analyse all the actions and policies that were carried out for the peaceful integration and coexistence of two totally different events that coincide physically and temporally: the Penyagolosa Trails race, and the Peregrins de les Useres, an ancestral pilgrimage that is carried out by each and every one of the towns belonging to the Penyagolosa Natural Park. The objective is to demonstrate the sustainability of the project thanks to the collective effort and the goodwill of the interested parties, in a way that produces a mutual benefit.

P312The acute impact of a high altitude ultra-trail race on the ECG

Abstract Background Ultra-endurance competitions are becoming increasingly popular but the consequences of ultra-endurance sports activity on the heart rhythm is still a debated issue. Some authors demonstrated that athletes engaging in ultra-endurance sports show a transient rise in cardiac biomarkers and right ventricular dysfunction after a competition, suggesting the possibility of an adverse arrhythmic remodeling and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects on heart rhythm of an ultraendurance high-altitude race. Methods The study was performed during the 2018 North Face® Lavaredo Ultra Trail mountain run. We recorded the ECG with the FDA-approved MyDiagnostick device. Recordings were performed at baseline the day before the run and immediately after the run in the available athletes. The ECG was analyzed for heart rate, QRS duration, QT interval duration corrected according to the Bazett formula and presence of at least one beat of presumed ventricular origin (PVB). Results A total of 545 athletes (83% males, mean age: 40±9 years), 241 running the 120 Km race and 304 running the 50 Km race, were included in the study. At baseline, athletes showed a mean heart rate of 64±14 bpm and a mean QRS duration of 92±18 ms. Three (0.5%) showed at least one PVB. Analysis of QTc interval duration showed a mean value of 412±25 ms. After the race, athletes showed a higher heart rate (91±13 bpm, p&amp;lt;0.001), a similar QRS duration (94±16 ms, p=0.32) and a longer QTc interval duration (447±25 ms, p&amp;lt;0.001), as compared to baseline data. The number of athletes showing at least 1 PVB significantly increased to 18 (3.3%, p=0.004) as compared to pre-race evaluation. Athletes engaged in the 120 Km run showed a slightly longer post-run QTc interval (450±24 versus 444±25 ms, p=0.009) while the post-run QRS duration was similar between the two groups. The presence of PVBs after the race was not correlated with the duration of QTc interval. Conclusions In this study we found an increased number of PVBs and a prolonged QTc duration after an ultra-endurance competition. Increased ventricular ectopic activity and QT prolongation recorded shortly after an intense and prolonged exercise could contribute to the increased risk of arrhythmias occurring after the finish line.

The relationships of brand experience, sports event image and loyalty

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among brand experience, sports event image and loyalty in the Jeju International Ultramarathon Race.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 313 ultramarathon runners during the 16th Jeju International Ultramarathon Race. Statistical analyses were carried out using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.FindingsAn analysis of the relationship between brand experience and sports event image revealed that affective experience is the most influential dimension, followed by sensory and behavioral experiences. However, intellectual experience showed insignificant relationship. Sports event image indicated a positive effect on word-of-mouth and revisit intention.Research limitations/implicationsUltramarathon races are sporting events with few participants, even though it is becoming more popular. The attitude, motivation and personality of people participating in these races may be different in terms of the extreme characteristic and endurance level of sports activity. If the results of this study need to be generalized with other sports event images, a comparative study may help to understand the personality traits of people participating in ultramarathon races and other sports.Practical implicationsAs ultramarathon races are not yet popular sports, to target more people, behavioral experience has an influential role because it is action oriented and actively engages the body. Enriching consumer life by facilitating and creating opportunities to physically experience as well as showing them alternate ways of doing things may attract them to substitute lifestyle and interactions (Pine and Gilmore, 1999). Few other popular endurance race events organize short-distance races and kid races for fun (e.g. Lavaredo Ultra trail race), to engage friends and family members before the start of the main event. Doing so may provide an opportunity to attract more runners, and they may engage in running activities and participate in these kinds of events later, after having this sort of casual experience.Social implicationsSocial networking sites may be used to maintain continuous interaction with the runners and followers. Supporting a social cause is another measure to generate the intellectual experience of sports events. The result of this study shows no significant relationship between intellectual experience and the sports event image. To increase the worldwide popularity of this race and to attract more international runners, a judicious use of web platforms may be an option to maintain regular contact with a wider group of audience.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the relationship between brand experience and sports event image in an ultramarathon event context. Findings contribute to an understanding of the impact of brand experience on sports event image, thereby influencing the loyalty of runners participating in an ultramarathon event.

Changes in foot measurements, plantar pressure and postural position during a mountain ultra-marathon race

The aim of this study was to compare the plantar pressure distribution and foot measurements during standing posture before, during and after a mountain ultra-trail race. Thirty-eight runners were tested before (km-0) and after (km-171) of the Ultra-Trail Mont-Blanc 2016. Ten runners among of them were also tested at three checkpoints (km-49, km-79 and km-124). Standing erected posture was recorded on a stabilometric platform and was analyzed by the mean position of the center of pressure (CoP) on the antero-posterior (YCoP) and medio-lateral (XCoP) axis. The relative body weight under the forefoot (FPP), the foot length (LF) and the front foot width (WFF) were also measured. The rating of perceived overall fatigue (RPF) was evaluated by Borg scale. YCoP moved forward (P < 0.05) after the UTMB while FFP and WFF were increased (P < 0.05). Changes in YCoP and changes in FFP were positively correlated (r = 0.47, P < 0.05). YCoP, FFP and RPF increased significantly (P < 0.05) from the start to km-79 but were unchanged between km-79 to km-171. WFF increased at km-79 then remain unchanged until the end. XCoP and LF were unaltered throughout the UTMB. The increase of the forefoot plantar pressure is related to the forward displacement of CoP. These results explain probably why many runners have injuries in this area during a MUM. The increase of the front foot width should be taken into account for the choice of the running shoes, as much as the foot length. Le but de cette étude était de d’évaluer les modifications des pressions plantaires, des mesures du pied et de la posture, en position debout avant, pendant et après une course d’ultra-trail en montagne. Trente-huit coureurs ont été testés avant (km-0) et après (km-171) de l’ultra-trail Mont-Blanc 2016. Dix coureurs parmi eux ont également été testés à trois points de contrôle (km-49, km-79 et km-124). La posture debout a été enregistrée sur une plate-forme stabilométrique permettant d’établir la position moyenne du centre de pression (CoP) sur l’axe antéro-postérieur (YCoP) et médio-latéral (XCoP). Le poids corporel relatif sous l’avant-pied (FPP), la longueur du pied (LF) et la largeur du pied avant (WFF) ont également été mesurés. L’évaluation de la fatigue globale perçue (RPF) a été évaluée par échelle de Borg. YCoP a avancé (p < 0,05) après l’UTMB tandis que FFP et WFF ont augmenté (p < 0,05). Les changements de YCoP et les changements de FFP étaient positivement corrélés (r = 0,47, p < 0,05). YCoP, FFP et RPF ont augmenté significativement (p < 0,05) du début au km-79, mais sont demeurés inchangés entre le km-79 et le km-171. Le WFF a augmenté au km-79 puis reste inchangé jusqu’à la fin. XCoP et LF étaient inchangés tout au long de l’UTMB. L’augmentation de la pression plantaire sous l’avant-pied est liée au déplacement vers l’avant de la CoP. Ces résultats expliquent probablement pourquoi de nombreux coureurs ont des blessures dans cette zone au cours d’une MUM. L’augmentation de la largeur du pied avant doit être prise en compte pour le choix des chaussures de course, autant que la longueur du pied.

The acute effect of a high-altitude ultra-trail race on ECG features.

The acute effect of a high-altitude ultra-trail race on ECG features.

Enacting Phenomenological Gestalts in Ultra-Trail Running: An Inductive Analysis of Trail Runners' Courses of Experience.

Using an enactive approach to trail runners’ activity, this study sought to identify and characterize runners’ phenomenological gestalts, which are forms of experience that synthesize the heterogeneous sensorimotor, cognitive and emotional information that emerges in race situations. By an in-depth examination of their meaningful experiences, we were able to highlight the different typologies of interactions between bodily processes (e.g., sensations and pains), behaviors (e.g., actions and strategies), and environment (e.g., meteorological conditions and route profile). Ten non-professional runners who ran an ultra-trail running race (330 km, 24,000 m of elevation gain) volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected in two steps: (1) collection of past activity traces (i.e., race maps, field notes, and self-assessment scales) and (2) enactive interviews using the past activity traces in which the runners were invited to relive their experience and describe their activity. The enactive interviews were coded using the course-of-experience methodology to identify the phenomenological gestalts that emerged from activity and scaffolded the runners’ courses of experience. The results revealed that runners typically enact three phenomenological gestalts: controlling global ease, enduring general fatigue and experiencing difficult situations, and feeling freedom in the running pace. These phenomenological gestalts were made up of specific behaviors, involvements, and meaningful situated elements that portrayed various ways of achieving an ultra-endurance performance in the race situation. They also highlighted how runners enact a meaningful world by acting in relation to the fluctuations in physical sensations and environmental conditions during an ultra-trail race. Practical applications for preparation, race management and sports psychology interventions are proposed to enrich the existing recommendations. In conclusion, this approach provides new research perspectives by offering a more holistic grasp of activity in trail running through an in-depth analysis of athletes’ experience. In doing so, we may expect that runners can connect these typical gestalts to their own personal experiences and stories as trail runners in order to sustain a viable approach to their sport.