8/20/2023 0 Comments Download ultra endurance running![]() Some event organisers therefore require participants to undergo pre-race cardiac screening. The average age of an ultramarathon runner is 45 years old, which means they are more likely to have an existing condition, such as the beginning of coronary heart disease. The Vertical Kilometer section of the Transvulcania ultra-marathon in Spain sees runners climb 1,160m in elevation, over a 6.6 km course. This is mainly as a result of unknown, existing heart conditions. The main cause of death during ultramarathons, though, is actually sudden cardiac death (43%). The terrain and the climate both can increase risks associated with heat stress, hypothermia and falling. When running in deserts or across mountain ranges, there can be sudden, unexpected changes in the weather. The environmental dangersĪs growing numbers of competitors look to push themselves to their absolute limit, and organisers seek new challenges to enable them to do so, there is always going to be some risk. Whether this psychological stress has an effect on their longer-term mental health is unknown. Ultramarathon runners also have to overcome unpleasant emotions and negative thoughts during an event. ![]() Surveying the participants of the Bear Chase Trail Race (which consists of a 10km, a half marathon, a 50km, a 50 miles, and a 100km mountain run), the authors found that one in five screened positive for exercise addiction and for depression. A prevalence of psychological disorders higher than the 6.7% in the wider population has been found among endurance athletes generally.Ī 2018 study in Colorado looked at how ultramarathon running might exacerbate these disorders. Unsurprisingly, psychological disorders can occur. One study during an 80.5km treadmill-based ultramarathon found high levels of the stress hormone cortisol – and mood disturbances – in the participants. Research suggests long-distance events are one of the most stressful activities a human being can participate in. ![]() Ultramarathon runners have to dig deep to overcome these physiological challenges. Hale/ZUMA Wire/Alamy Live News Psychological stresses Winner Scott Harber completed the annual Weymouth Woods 100km ultramarathon, in North Carolina, in 10 hours, 39 minutes and 55 seconds. Scholars don’t know if these are good or bad. The scientific jury is still out as to how ultramarathons affect the heart in the long term, as structural changes to the heart after extended training and competing in ultramarathons have been noted. This damage is generally reversed within a few days. Elsewhere, runners can also experience tissue damage to, among other things, the heart, the kidneys, the muscles and the joints. The sleep deprivation involved in longer races impairs physical and cognitive performance, and often leads to hallucinations. Symptoms vary from nausea, vomiting and headaches to altered mental states, seizures and death. These low levels of sodium in the blood have been found to cause hyponatremia in up to 51% of participants in single-stage ultramarathons, compared to up to 28% for standard marathons. This can cause digestion problems and discomfort. Imagine trying to replace 2.8 litres of fluid an hour while running. Some runners, depending on the environment, will lose up to 2.8 litres of sweat per hour, which results in a loss of salts too. If participants aren’t able to meet their calorific demands through food, they can end up in considerable energy deficit, with the body using its own muscle mass and fat as fuel. This type of distance alone puts immense stress on the body. The Marathon des Sables in the Sahara and the Last Desert in Antarctica each cover 250km. Athletes often compete in extreme conditions. Godong / Alamy Stock Photo Physical stressesĪn ultramarathon is a race that exceeds the 42.2km distance of traditional marathons. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is an annual single-stage mountain race in the French Alps.
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