Running Ultra-Marathons May Harm Your Blood Cells, Study Warns : ScienceAlert

Ultra-Marathon Running: The Hidden Cost to Your Blood Cells

In a groundbreaking study that pushes the boundaries of endurance research, scientists have uncovered a startling truth about the impact of ultra-marathon running on the human body. The findings reveal that pushing your body to extreme distances can cause red blood cells to become less flexible, potentially compromising their vital functions of oxygen delivery and waste removal throughout the body.

The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, compared two groups of elite runners: those who completed a 40-kilometer race (just shy of a marathon) and those who tackled the grueling 171-kilometer Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc race. What they discovered was both fascinating and concerning.

Blood samples taken from runners before and immediately after their respective races showed significant

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