Be heart smart to get a head start in the marathon
Health experts are warning marathon runners to ensure they are physically prepared to avoid cardiac emergencies during long-distance events. While running is a popular activity, underlying cardiovascular conditions can make the physical stress of a marathon dangerous for some participants.
Why it matters
As marathon participation grows globally, understanding the health risks associated with extreme endurance sports is vital for public safety.
Participating in an event like the Sydney Marathon needs to be approached sensibly, experts say. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS Marathon runners are often considered among the fittest people in the community and, with the right training and preparations, they can be.
All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other regional websites in your area Continue But for some Australians, tackling 42.2 kilometres could do more harm than good.
As thousands prepare for this month's Sydney Marathon, heart specialists say runners who have prepared ahead of time are unlikely to have trouble.
More than 40,000 competitors have registered for this year's Sydney Marathon. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS) But for those with hidden heart conditions, inadequate preparation or an "I'll just give it a crack" attitude - partaking can turn an endurance challenge into a medical emergency.
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