Common problems noted after participation:
(1) topical problems: blisters, chaffing, abrasions
(2) musculoskeletal problems (stiffness and/or pain): front thigh, hamstring, hip, knee, calf
Risk factors for injuries or other health problems:
(1) participation in a marathon for the first time (more than 50% increased risk of injury)
(2) participation in other sports (cycling, swimming, aerobics, etc.)
(3) illness in the 2 weeks prior to the marathon
(4) current use of medications
(5) drinking alcohol once or more in the month prior to the marathon
Injuries and gender:
(1) Men tend to have increased risk for calf and hamstring injuries.
(2) Women have increased risk of hip problems.
Injuries and age:
(1) Age has a significant but complex relationship with injury risk.
(2) Constitutional problems tended to decrease with age.
(3) Thigh injury tends to be highest in adults in their early 30's and is lower in the younger and the older runners.
Extent of training:
(1) Training related to the number of kilometers run each week in the period leading up to but not including the 2 weeks before the marathon.
(2) Increased training increases the risk for front thigh and hamstring problems but decreases the risk for knee problems.
Factors not found associated with injuries or health problems:
(1) previous injuries, even those involving the lower half of the body serious enough to prevent training for at least 5 days (other studies have reported that previous injury is a risk factor for further injury).
(2) warm up and stretching
(3) body mass index
Factors not included:
(1) temperature extremes
(2) humidity extremes
