Marathon Travel Insurance

To get a quote, please call contact us on:0844 848 150 or Email: chris@jsinsurance.co.uk

A Marathon is a distance running event set at an official length of 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 km). Legend has it that in 490 BC, the messenger Pheidippides ran all the way from the battle of Marathon to the senate in Athens to deliver the news of victory before dropping down dead!

Modern Marathon running began around the end of the 19th century and has been incorporated into the modern Olympic games.

Today there are over 500 Marathon races that take place every year. Some of the more famous events are:

• Boston
• London
• New York
• Chicago
• Berlin
• Amsterdam
• Honolulu
• Paris
• Rotterdam
• Stockholm

More unusual locations for Marathons include the North Pole, Antarctica and the Great Wall of China!

Due to the extended nature of the physical strain on the body, there is a wide variety of injuries that can occur during and after taking part in a marathon.

The most common ailments present themselves immediately and in the week or so after participation. These include:

• Blisters
• Black toenails
• Chafing
• Diarrhea
• Muscle Cramps
• Strains
• Sprains
• Stress Fractures

Anyone considering Marathon Running should have embarked on a rigorous training schedule in the preceding months.

This serves to tell you what clothing and shoes are most comfortable for running, how much water you usually need to consume, which foods give you the most energy etc.

Using this information you should be able to avoid at least some of the above conditions altogether.

If you feel a blister forming during a race it is best to cover with a plaster or bandage straight away. Never go running in brand new shoes - make sure you have worn them at least 5-10 times before.

Do not wear brand new clothing either as these may pinch and rub, causing irritating conditions such as fissure of the nipple (joggers nipple) and subungual hematoma (joggers toe).

Another mistake many people make is over-consuming water. This can cause a condition known as hyponatremia which can result in vomiting and seizures, and sometimes even coma and death.

Current guidelines state that you should not drink ahead of your thirst and should let your thirst be your guide.

Another common problem for marathon runners is known as hitting the wall around the 18-20 mile mark. Carbohydrates are converted in the body to glycogen and this burns rapidly to provide energy.

However, the body can only store enough glycogen to provide energy for around 18-20 miles, after which time it begins to burn fat stores which is harder to do. This means you may suddenly feel very fatigued. The best way to combat this is with energy gels which contain potassium, sodium and sometimes caffeine.

Useful Websites: About Marathons - Marathons Indepth

To get a quote, please call us on:0844 848 150 or Email: chris@jsinsurance.co.uk