INCIDENCE OF INJURIES AND OTHER HEALTH-PROBLEMS IN THE AUCKLAND CITIBANK MARATHON, 1993

Objective-To describe the incidence of injuries and other health probl ems sustained during participation in a marathon. Methods-A cohort stu dy was undertaken involving the 1993 Auckland Citibank marathon partic ipants. Demographic data and information on injuries and other health problems sustained during, immediately after, and 7 d following the ma rathon were obtained from a pre-race questionnaire, the medical aid po sts, and a post-race questionnaire. Results-Of the 1219 starters, 916 (75.1%) completed both questionnaires. Seventy five individuals (6.2%) sought assistance at the medical aid posts. During or immediately aft er the marathon, 283 systemic health problems were reported by 218 res pondents (23.8%) and 2671 specific health problems were reported by 84 6 respondents (92.4%), In the 7 d following the marathon, 1905 specifi c health problems were reported by 723 respondents (79.2%). The majori ty of the specific health problems were blisters, stiffness, and pain, predominantly involving the lower limbs. Conclusions-Although a high proportion of participants experienced health problem during the race, very few of these problems were serious. Many of the entrants were st ill experiencing problems 7 d after the marathon.