A research team from the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas has conducted a significant study on hydration during the 2024 Boston Marathon. The study, titled “Biomarkers of organ stress and injury following the Boston Marathon,” was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology and assessed marathon participants to identify biomarkers indicating kidney and gastrointestinal stress before and after the race.
The research team comprised several members, including Cory Butts, Brendon McDermott, Zachary McKenna, Abigail Morris, Rose Perez, Shawn Wierick, and Xiujing Zhao from the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation. They were joined by Whitley Atkins, a University of Arkansas alumna currently 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 Running
Brendon McDermott, who has nearly 25 years of experience teaching athletic training and exercise science, highlighted the study’s findings: “Our study is a reflection of the amount of stress the body experiences during a moderately fast marathon.” The results indicated that renal stress persisted among runners, regardless of their hydration status. McDermott emphasized that while hydration offers protective benefits, it has limits. This insight encourages runners to focus on recovery strategies, as both their gastrointestinal and renal systems face challenges after completing a marathon.
McDermott is a leading figure in the field of thermoregulation and directs the Heat and Hydration Optimization (H2O) Lab, which specializes in preventive measures and treatments for hydration and heat-related illnesses.
The research has been recognized beyond academic circles; the study was added to the National Library of Medicine, a valuable resource for health professionals and researchers. It also gained visibility through the health and nutrition newsletter “Run Long, Run Healthy,” authored by Brady Holmer, which featured the article “The Crazy Effect a Marathon Has on Your Body.”
Future Research Directions
McDermott expressed enthusiasm about the public’s interest in their findings. “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 stated. He plans to pursue further laboratory studies to address additional physiological questions related to long-distance running.
Acknowledging the support received from the College of Education and Health Professions, McDermott noted, “The college has provided valuable research support behind the scenes on every level.” This backing includes financial assistance, administrative help, and moral support, which are crucial for advancing their research initiatives.
The findings from this study not only contribute to the scientific understanding of hydration and its effects on marathon runners but also aim to provide actionable insights for athletes seeking to enhance their performance and recovery strategies. For more detailed information, refer to the study by Zachary J. McKenna et al, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology in March 2025.
