Physique Transformations Along Berlin Marathon's 42.195 Kilometers: An Inside Look
The Berlin Marathon, renowned for setting world records, is set to take place this weekend, covering a 42.195-kilometer course through the German capital. Over two days, nearly 80,000 participants, including wheelchair athletes, handcyclists, and skaters, will compete.
On Sunday, a vast array of top athletes will be vying for victory. Among the men, Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe, currently considered the best marathoner, will be joined by Akira Akasaki (Japan), Chimdessa Debele (Ethiopia), Guya Adole (Ethiopia), and Yuhei Urano (Japan). The women's field is equally strong, with Rosemary Wanjiru (Kenya), Azmera Gebru (Ethiopia), Viola Cheptoo (Kenya), Fantu Worku (Ethiopia), and Fabienne Königstein (Germany) ready to challenge for the title. Participants hail from 160 nations, reflecting the global appeal of the event.
Energy consumption during a marathon varies depending on several factors, including body weight, course profile, speed, running style, and average heart rate. Top athletes like those mentioned above can burn up to 3000 kilocalories, with about 80% coming from carbohydrates and 20% from fat. To compensate for this loss, experts recommend drinking about 0.3 to 0.4 liters per hour, ideally electrolyte-rich fluids.
Marathon runners can lose up to 3 liters of fluid during a race. It's crucial to maintain hydration to avoid symptoms such as headaches, confusion, muscle weakness, and cramps. However, if the blood becomes too diluted, it can lead to more serious issues. Last year, 49 participants had to be treated in hospitals at the Berlin Marathon.
The body's immune system works overtime after a marathon, increasing the number of white blood cells and causing inflammatory reactions. The body is in a similar state after a marathon as when it has an infection. Studies show further positive effects of endurance sports on the brain. A well-structured, long-term marathon training has a positive effect on the heart and circulation.
The longer the distance of a marathon, the more troponins from the heart muscle increase in the blood. While this is a normal response, it's essential to monitor and manage it to ensure optimal performance and recovery. The current best times are 2:00:35 hours (men) and 2:09:56 hours (women), both set in Chicago in 2023.
The race in Berlin is popular among international top athletes, with 13 world records set so far. With the global talent assembled, it promises to be an exciting event, with many chasing personal bests and world records. Rosemary Wanjiru, a favorite among women, faces strong competition. Let's see who will claim victory this year!
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