Cardiac Arrest in Long-Distance Running

Millions of people participate in long-distance running, particularly marathons and half-marathons, annually. While the health benefits of regular exercise are well established, long-distance running can cause significant cardiovascular stress, potentially increasing the risk of cardiac arrest in individuals with underlying heart conditions. This concern is particularly notable as the number of middle-aged and elderly runners—a population at higher average cardiovascular risk than younger runners—continues to rise. Understanding the incidence, causes, and outcomes of cardiac arrest in long-distance runners is crucial for informing risk, identifying prevention strategies, and optimizing race-day medical preparedness.