A research team from the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas has published a significant study on hydration’s role in long-distance running, based on data collected during the 2024 Boston Marathon. The study, titled “Biomarkers of organ stress and injury following the Boston Marathon,” appears in the Journal of Applied Physiology, and evaluates the impact of hydration on marathon participants both before and after the race.
The study aimed to identify stress biomarkers related to kidney and gastrointestinal function among runners. The research team comprised experts from various institutions, including Brendon McDermott, a veteran educator and researcher in exercise science, alongside colleagues such as Cory Butts, Zachary McKenna, and Xiujing Zhao. Additional contributors included Whitley Atkins, a former U of A student now teaching exercise science at the University of New Mexico, and Sarah Gustus, a research project manager at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Key Findings on Hydration and Stress
Brendon McDermott, who has dedicated nearly 25 years to teaching athletic training, emphasized the study’s findings regarding renal stress. He noted, “We found that renal [kidney] stress persisted whether runners were hydrated or not. This lets runners know that hydration is protective, but only to a certain extent.” He encouraged athletes to adopt effective recovery strategies, acknowledging the challenges their gastrointestinal and renal systems face post-race.
McDermott leads the Heat and Hydration Optimization (H2O) Lab, focusing on preventive measures for heat-related illnesses and hydration strategies. The research team’s findings have not only been included in the National Library of Medicine but also highlighted in a popular health and nutrition newsletter titled “Run Long, Run Healthy,” authored by Brady Holmer. This article, “The Crazy Effect a Marathon Has on Your Body,” explores the physiological impacts of marathon running based on the research.
Impact and Future Directions
The enthusiasm surrounding the team’s work is palpable. McDermott expressed his satisfaction at the public’s interest in their findings, stating, “Having others read and show interest in our research brings the satisfaction that we need to continue answering scientific questions to help the population.” He underscored the importance of support from the College of Education and Health Professions, which has provided essential funding, administrative assistance, and moral backing for their research initiatives.
Looking ahead, McDermott confirmed that future studies are planned to further investigate the physiological aspects of distance running, reinforcing the commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. The full study is available for review in the Journal of Applied Physiology, and interested readers can access it through the DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00775.2025.
This research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also aims to enhance the understanding and performance of athletes worldwide, highlighting the intricate balance between hydration and physical endurance.
