Physiological Aspects of Marathon Running

Marathon running is a fascinating field within sports science, focusing on the physiological demands and adaptations required for long-distance running. This area of research explores how the human body copes with the extreme physical and mental challenges posed by marathon running. Current questions in this field include understanding the cardiovascular, muscular, and metabolic responses during prolonged endurance exercise. Recent studies have highlighted the complex interplay between energy systems, muscle fatigue, and recovery processes, as well as the role of nutrition and hydration in optimizing performance. Despite these advances, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of the physiological mechanisms that underpin marathon running, particularly concerning individual variability in performance and recovery. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing targeted interventions to enhance performance and reduce injury risk, thereby benefiting not only athletes but also contributing to broader health and fitness knowledge.

This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of the physiological aspects of marathon running by exploring the intricate biological processes involved. The primary objectives include investigating how various physiological systems interact during a marathon, identifying key factors that influence performance, and examining the impact of different training and nutritional strategies. Specific questions to be addressed include the role of the gut microbiota, immune responses, and hormonal changes during endurance running, as well as the influence of the central nervous system on performance and recovery.

To gather further insights into the physiological aspects of marathon running, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Influence of endurance running on the gut microbiota, the immune system, and biomarkers such as hormones, cytokines, and metabolites;
- Foods, flavors, and natural substances that affect endurance running;
- Nutritional strategies during marathon races to improve performance;
- Role of the central nervous system in endurance running;
- New technologies for the assessment of endurance running, including energy expenditure, sweating, and skeletal damage;
- Prevention of muscle damage during marathon races;
- Gastrointestinal symptoms during marathon running;
- Cooling strategies during marathon races to improve performance.

Keywords: marathon, running, endurance training, immune system, gastrointestinal symptoms, nutrition, central nervous system, skeletal damage

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.