Numerous Marathon Participants Suffered Kidney Injuries According to a Recent, Modest Investigation
Marathon running, while a popular endurance sport, has been linked to potential risks for kidney health. Studies, including those published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, have primarily identified Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) as a concern for marathon runners[1][2].
The primary causes of AKI in marathon runners are reduced renal blood flow during exercise, dehydration, heat stress, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin[1][2]. Intense endurance activity redistributes blood flow, preferentially to working muscles and skin, which decreases perfusion to the kidneys, impairing their function transiently and increasing the risk of AKI[2].
Dehydration from sweating and high temperatures, common in marathon running, aggravates kidney strain and can precipitate injury[2][5]. NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin production, which normally helps maintain kidney blood flow. Their use before or during endurance events has been linked to increased rates of kidney failure and serious complications such as rhabdomyolysis-induced damage and the need for dialysis[1].
Marathon running can cause muscle tissue breakdown, releasing myoglobin, which is toxic to kidneys if filtered in large amounts when combined with dehydration[1]. This temporary muscle injury can result in elevated serum creatinine levels post-marathon, which usually resolves but may signal underlying risk if repeated or combined with other factors[4].
A large study of nearly 4,000 marathon runners found that those who took NSAIDs had more adverse kidney-related outcomes, including hospitalizations for kidney failure[1]. The accumulated evidence from multiple endurance events highlights that kidney injury in marathon running is often multifactorial, related to physiological stress, medication use, and hydration status.
However, it's important to note that more research is needed before declaring runners at risk of kidney disease[1]. For instance, a study involving 22 marathoners, with an average age of 44 and 9% being men, did not extensively investigate the potential risk of kidney disease in marathon runners[2].
The World Marathon Challenge, an event that involves completing a marathon on each continent in seven days, poses unknown risks to kidney health due to lack of research[6]. Competitors in this challenge complete a marathon on each continent in seven days, increasing the potential for dehydration, heat stress, and muscle damage.
Prevention strategies for marathon runners focus on avoiding NSAIDs, ensuring adequate hydration, and monitoring for symptoms of kidney distress during and after races[1][2][4]. Unusually high blood levels of creatinine and less urination can indicate decreased kidney function, which should be addressed promptly.
In conclusion, while marathon running may pose risks of acute kidney injury and kidney stress, with proper precautions and understanding of the associated risks, runners can minimise these potential complications.
- Science and medical research have shown a link between marathon running and chronic kidney diseases, especially Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
- Mental health and overall health and wellness can be improved by adopting fitness and exercise routines, but avoiding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin during marathon training can help prevent potential kidney complications.
- Despite the risks associated with marathon running and kidney health, especially during events like the World Marathon Challenge, focusing on prevention strategies such as adequate hydration, avoiding NSAIDs, and monitoring for symptoms of kidney distress can help runners maintain their kidney health while pursuing their fitness goals.
