Why Do Healthy People Die Running Marathons?

imageRunning a marathon is a great way of getting fit and having fun. However, this activity is not without its risks and in fact a number of people have actually died while running marathons in the past. Let’s take a closer look at the possible reasons for this.

Not Being in Shape

It is important to realize that there is a big difference between being healthy and being physically fit. Being healthy can be as simple as eating right, not drinking too much alcohol and not smoking. However, people who wish to successfully complete a marathon also need to be physically fit, which requires training and dedication.


Staying hydrated while running a marathon is absolutely essential, especially if the marathon takes place during the hot summer months. Many runners try to avoid drinking too much before the race starts so that they do not need to rush to the bathroom. The best way to stay hydrated is to carry a bottle of water and take smalls sips from it regularly.

Not Warming up Properly

Failure to warm up properly before the start of the marathon can lead to cramping of the muscles, which can lead to serious problems and can even be fatal in some cases. Although it might be boring, people who are planning to run a marathon need to spend several minutes stretching all of the muscles in their body so that they do not start off cold.

Pushing too Hard

It is important to know your limits and stick to them to avoid trying to push too hard, which can bring on a stroke or a heart attack. The best way to do this is to train for several months before the marathon so that you can increase your stamina and know what your body is capable of.