Medical complications and deaths in 21 and 56 km road race runners: a 4-year prospective study in 65 865 runners—SAFER study I

Abstract

The incidence of medical complications was higher in 56 km runners but sudden cardiac deaths only occurred in 21 km runners. Serious medical complications were as common in 21 km as in 56 km runners. Risk factors for medical complications need to be determined in 21 and 56 km runners to plan strategies to reduce the risk of adverse medical events in endurance runners.