More than 8,000 runners from almost a hundred countries will line up for the start of the 29th edition of the Prague International Marathon on Sunday. First held in 1995, the traditional race is the last chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics. That is why the fast Prague track attracted runners from China, Mongolia, India, Jordan, Ecuador and Peru. But there will also be hundreds of “hobbyists”, what should they be careful of in warm weather?
“A runner can lose up to several liters of water, especially in warm weather and with such significant physical exertion. Therefore, it is important not to underestimate hydration even during the entire race. We recommend adding not only water, but also minerals along with it, for example in the form of an ionic drink,” points out Petr Táborský, M.D., head of the Fresenius Medical Care dialysis center in Krč.
According to him, however, it makes no sense to drink a lot before the start of the marathon and put a sudden strain on the body. “”This will only lead to increased urine production. However, it is worthwhile to observe the drinking regime the day before the race, which experienced runners know well. The loss of fluids is mainly manifested by a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, flashes before the eyes and a feeling of fainting. These are signals that tell us not to overdo it, to stop immediately, sit down and, if necessary, call for help, which is abundantly represented on the race track,” explains Táborský.
“There is also a more serious disorder, when the kidneys are unable to excrete water and minerals in the correct ratio and so-called water poisoning occurs. “The risks are particularly extremely long races, the competitor’s low body weight and the use of painkillers,” warns the primary. In such cases, the symptoms are more serious, such as headache and vomiting. Specialized medical help is then necessary, as fluid intake itself can be harmful.
Some runners also chose fun costumes for the Prague Marathon
