Deadly blood poisoning risk to endurance race runners

TAKING part in extreme endurance events such as marathons and triathlons can lead to blood poisoning, researchers found.

Overexertion can cause naturally-occurring bacteria in the gut to leak into the bloodstream – increasing the risk of a potentially deadly infection.

Extreme exercise is growing in popularity in the UK with endurance running in ‘ultra marathons’, cycling and so-called ‘tough guy’ events designed to test both physical and mental strength.

Experts say those who compete regularly follow a gradual training programme that helps develop stronger immune systems.

But deaths could rise as such events become more popular with recreational athletes – or those with sedentary lifestyles who suddenly overexert themselves.

Scientists in Australia found higher levels of toxins in the blood of those who took part in 24-hour ultra-marathons on consecutive days.

In extreme cases, the blood poisoning can lead to an inflammatory response that can be fatal if not diagnosed promptly.

The study, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and in Exercise Immunology Reviews, also warned of an increased risk of longer-term chronic diseases.

Dr Ricardo Costa, of Monash University in Melbourne, said: ‘If a race organiser just wants to get numbers into the race and has an open entry, you get people that want to challenge themselves without appropriate training. It’s then very likely that we are going to have some health issues and fatal outcomes.’

Dr Costa advised would-be endurance athletes to slowly build up to the event.

He added: ‘If you’re not trained to do long distances, you’re looking for trouble.’