Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the present review study is to assess the existing literature regarding the physiological and public health adaptations made in the surge in marathon runners, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it is well documented the growth in running, post pandemic has benefited many countries financially and socially. However, a deeper look into the physiology and from a public health perspective, has not been recently discussed. The present paper outlines three specific empirically based physiological factors to training and running a marathon that many may not clearly understand.

Search methods: A search was conducted on the wide-body of research that exists in and around the physiology mechanisms related to distance and endurance running. The data presented aligns the research in a clear manner, specifically describing the potential physiological response implementing a training program for running a marathon. Literature gathered involved trails of comparative analysis with control groups in various exercise settings.

Main results: In an attempt to clarify the physiological adaptations many new runners experience as a result of newly training for a marathon, the conclusion of this review outlines 3 empirically supported factors suggesting the continued growth of marathon running. Specifically, the present paper displays how training and running a marathon will have public health outcomes enhancing oxygen utilization, bettering body composition and improving resting heart rate.

Keywords

marathon, running, oxygen uptake, body composition, resting heart rate, cardiovascular