Ultramarathon and Ultra-endurance Sports

Ultramarathon and ultra-endurance events have seen increasing popularity over the last few years. Due to long durations of exercise in training and competition, these activities put extreme demands on the human body and test its limits. Musculoskeletal injuries affect mostly the lower limbs particularly in ultra-endurance runners. Nutritional and hydration strategies are important and if not addressed properly can lead to life-threatening conditions such as exercise-associated hyponatremia and other conditions such as gastrointestinal distress, acute kidney injury, thermal injuries, and dehydration. Generally, less serious medical problems that can adversely affect performance include skin problems such as blisters and muscle cramping. Recognition and appropriate acute management of these conditions are important to allow for safe participation in these events.