All articles tagged with #ultramarathon
A Washington Post piece reports that a small study found a surprisingly high rate of precancerous polyps among young extreme runners, raising questions about whether intense endurance sports might influence colorectal cancer risk; doctors also note cases of fit young patients with advanced colon cancer and few risk factors, but experts caution that data are limited and controversial.
Nike’s ACG Ultrafly Trail is a high-energy trail super shoe designed for ultramarathons, combining two-density ZoomX foam, dual spoon carbon plates for adaptive stiffness, and a Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole to deliver exceptional energy return (75.4%) and stability on easy trails and gravel. Its high drop (10.7 mm) and roomy forefoot promote a confident ride, but heavier runners may want more forefoot cushioning and breathability is limited. At about $260, it’s a premium choice best suited for open-terrain ultras rather than technical trails, with alternatives like Saucony Xodus Ultra 4, Hoka Tecton X 3, and Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra worth considering.
A study of 23 runners found that very long-distance races can injure red blood cells, reducing their flexibility and accelerating aging due to inflammation and oxidative stress, with longer races like the UTMB causing more damage; researchers caution the small sample size and call for more research into training and recovery strategies to minimize cellular damage.
A study in Blood Red Cells & Iron finds ultramarathon races can damage red blood cells, making them less flexible due to mechanical stress and inflammation/oxidative stress; signs of accelerated aging appear after 40‑km races and worsen after 171‑km events, though long‑term effects and duration of damage are unclear; findings could influence training, recovery, and blood storage research, but the study has a small sample size and limited sampling points.
The first-ever Taco Bell DC 50k ultramarathon took place in Alexandria, where participants ran 31 miles and ate at nine Taco Bells, with vomiting allowed but stomach medicines banned.
Shailene Woodley will star in the psychological thriller 'Ultra,' directed by Victoria Negri, which follows a woman participating in the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon after her twin sister's death, confronting her inner demons amid extreme physical and psychological challenges. The film will be showcased at AFM 2025 for international sales.
Shailene Woodley will star in the psychological thriller 'Ultra,' about a woman running the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon while being pursued by an ominous figure, inspired by director Victoria Negri's personal experiences with grief and ultrarunning. The film is set to be sold at AFM 2025 by Mister Smith Entertainment and WME Independent.
A preliminary study suggests that extreme endurance running, such as ultramarathons, may increase the risk of precancerous colon polyps, possibly due to repeated gut stress and inflammation, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Recent research suggests that ultramarathon running may be a risk factor for developing advanced adenomas, which are linked to colorectal cancer, with nearly 15% of studied runners showing such growths, higher than the general population. This finding is significant amid rising colorectal cancer rates among young adults, prompting calls for refined screening and further investigation into lifestyle and environmental factors, including the potential impact of COVID-19.
A preliminary study suggests that extreme endurance running may be linked to a higher prevalence of precancerous colon polyps in young adults, raising concerns about the potential health risks of intense long-distance running, although further research is needed.
Bob Becker, an 80-year-old, became the oldest person to complete the 135-mile Badwater 135 ultramarathon through Death Valley, demonstrating remarkable endurance and determination at an advanced age.
A 60-year-old woman died during the Hardrock 100 ultramarathon in Colorado's mountains, highlighting the event's extreme difficulty and risks associated with high-altitude trail running.
British runner Jasmin Paris became the first woman to finish the grueling Barkley Marathons, completing the course just 99 seconds before the 60-hour time limit expired. The ultramarathon, known for its near-impossible nature, consists of five loops totaling between 100 to 130 miles through steep, unforgiving terrain with no aid stations, phones, or GPS for navigation. Paris, a 40-year-old veterinarian, collapsed over the finish line, joining four other finishers in the 2024 edition. The race's tough nature is evidenced by its 99% dropout rate and absence of finishers between 2017 and 2023.
Harvard Physics professor Jennifer E. Hoffman ’99 shattered the women's transcontinental running record, completing over 3,000 miles in under 48 days. Running an average of 63 miles per day, Hoffman's third attempt at the record was motivated by a close friend's car accident. With the support of her team and unexpected acts of kindness from strangers, Hoffman overcame challenges and received encouragement from online followers. She hopes her achievement inspires others to overcome failures and pursue audacious goals.
Ultramarathoner Nickademus de la Rosa, known for his incredible feats in races like Badwater and Barkley Marathons, has been battling borderline personality disorder, a serious mental illness that has affected his running career and personal life. Diagnosed at 29, de la Rosa used running as a form of self-medication to cope with emotional turmoil. With the support of his wife, Jade Belzberg, also an ultramarathon runner, de la Rosa is now focused on his mental health, receiving treatment, and reframing his thoughts and behavior. While his running career has taken a backseat, de la Rosa is pursuing a master's degree in sports psychology and coaching others. He has learned the importance of self-worth and self-love, and aims to promote resilience and mental toughness in his coaching.