{"id":91611,"date":"2023-11-02T09:37:42","date_gmt":"2023-11-02T08:37:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/42krunning.com\/gastrointestinal-issues-risk-factors-and-solutions\/"},"modified":"2023-11-02T09:37:42","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T08:37:42","slug":"gastrointestinal-issues-risk-factors-and-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/42krunning.com\/en\/gastrointestinal-issues-risk-factors-and-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Gastrointestinal issues, risk factors, and solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gastrointestinal issues are one of the main risks<\/strong> (and fears) faced by runners in endurance events<\/strong> such as marathons, long-distance trail running races, or ultra-endurance events (6H, 12H, and 24H).<\/p>\n

The appearance of gastrointestinal issues d<\/span>uring a competition can ruin any chance of reaching the desired athletic goal. Most runners have experienced at some point the difficulties and discomfort<\/strong> of running with gastrointestinal issues<\/strong>, especially when this happens in events lasting several hours (such as marathons, mountain<\/span> races, triathlons, duathlons<\/span>, etc.) where it is absolutely necessary to consume food, supplements, liquids, etc., to maintain performance and avoid the dreaded “bonking<\/em>” or conditions like hyponatremia<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Between 30% and 50% of runners suffer from gastrointestinal issues in long-distance events<\/h2>\n

Eating and hydrating correctly is necessary\u2014essential, to be more exact\u2014in races of a certain duration, but it is of great importance to do it correctly to avoid the onset of gastrointestinal issues, which, as already indicated, are very common.<\/p>\n

Studies show that between 30% and 50% of participants<\/strong> in long-distance events suffer from gastrointestinal disorders or issues<\/strong>. Fortunately, most manage to complete the course with more or less luck, but it is also true that sometimes gastrointestinal issues can force a withdrawal by triggering more serious consequences and putting the athlete’s health at risk. <\/p>\n

\"Gastrointestinal<\/a>
42K runner Sete Cerd\u00e1n crossing the finish line of the Subida al Pico Veleta, a 50km race that requires a careful eating and hydration strategy to avoid suffering from gastrointestinal issues. (Photo: Subida Pico Veleta).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Below are some of the most common symptoms<\/strong> of gastrointestinal issues<\/strong> that runners can suffer during a long-distance event (and I am sure the vast majority of runners have suffered one of these at some point):<\/p>\n