A research team from the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, along with co-authors from various institutions, conducted a significant study during the 2024 Boston Marathon. Their research examined the critical role of hydration in long-distance running and has been published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
The study, titled “Biomarkers of organ stress and injury following the Boston Marathon,” focused on marathon participants and evaluated their kidney and gastrointestinal stress before and after the race. The team comprised experts including Brendon McDermott, a seasoned educator in athletic training and exercise science, alongside colleagues such as Cory Butts, Zachary McKenna, Abigail Morris, Rose Perez, Shawn Wierick, and Xiujing Zhao. Collaborators included Whitley Atkins, an exercise science instructor at the University of New Mexico, and Sarah Gustus, a research project manager at Massachusetts General Hospital.
McDermott emphasized the findings, stating, “Our study is a reflection of the amount of stress the body experiences during a moderately fast marathon.” The research revealed that renal stress persisted regardless of the runners’ hydration status. This insight indicates that while hydration provides some protection, it is not a complete safeguard. Runners are encouraged to adopt effective recovery strategies, as both their gastrointestinal and renal systems face significant challenges post-race.
McDermott, who directs the Heat and Hydration Optimization (H2O) Lab, underscored the importance of further research. He noted, “Having others read and show interest in our research brings the satisfaction that we need to continue answering scientific questions to help the population.” The comprehensive study has been archived in the National Library of Medicine, a vital resource for health professionals and the public.
The findings also gained traction beyond academic circles; they were featured in the health and nutrition newsletter “Run Long, Run Healthy,” published by Brady Holmer. The article titled “The Crazy Effect a Marathon Has on Your Body” highlighted the intricate effects of marathon running on human physiology.
Looking ahead, McDermott expressed gratitude toward the College of Education and Health Professions for its support in facilitating such vital research. “The college has provided funds, administrative support, and moral support behind all the research we do,” he said. As the team prepares for future lab studies, they aim to address more physiological questions related to distance running.
For additional details, refer to the study by Zachary J. McKenna et al., “Biomarkers of organ stress and injury following the Boston Marathon,” published in the Journal of Applied Physiology (2025). DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00775.2025.
