Risk factors for injuries and other health problems sustained in a marathon

Objectives - To identify risk factors for injuries and other health problem s occurring during or immediately after participation in a marathon. Methods - A prospective cohort study was undertaken of participants in the 1993 Auckland Citibank marathon. Demographic data, information on running e xperience, training and injuries, and information on other lifestyle factor s were obtained from participants before the race using an interviewer-admi nistered questionnaire. Information on injuries and other health problems s ustained during or immediately after the marathon were obtained by a self a dministered questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify significant risk factors for health problems. Results - This study, one of only a few controlled epidemiological studies that have been undertaken of running injuries, has identified a number of r isk factors for injuries and other health problems sustained in a marathon. Men were at increased risk of hamstring and calf problems, whereas women w ere at increased risk of hip problems. Participation in a marathon for the first time, participation in other sports, illness in the two weeks before the marathon, current use of medication, and drinking alcohol once a month or more, were associated with increased self reported risks of problems. Wh ile increased training seemed to increase the risk of front thigh and hamst ring problems, it may decrease the risk of knee problems. There are signifi cant but complex relations between age and risk of injury or health problem . Conclusions - This study has identified certain high risk subjects and risk factors for injuries and other health problem's sustained in a marathon. I n particular, subjects who have recently been unwell or are taking medicati on should weigh up carefully the pros and cons of participating.