Aim
Study Aim and Research Framework
The Aim of the Multi-Marathon Study
Overall Aim
The Multi-Marathon Study is the first systematic academic investigation of lifelong multi-marathoners — athletes who have completed 100 or more marathons.
It explores how sustained endurance participation shapes health, physiology, psychology, and cognition, identifying both resilience factors and vulnerabilities across these domains.
Specific Aims
| Focus Area | Aim |
|---|---|
| 1. Participant Profile | Characterise who multi-marathoners are — their demographics, motivations, training patterns, and cultural background. |
| 2. Population-Level Insights | Use large-scale datasets to uncover hidden patterns across gender, age, and experience. |
| 3. Integrated Framework | Examine relationships between cardiovascular fitness, cognitive performance, personality traits, and mental health. |
| 4. Strengths and Risks | Identify markers of resilience and risk factors such as depression, anxiety, or over-training. |
| 5. Policy and Dissemination | Translate findings into evidence-based recommendations for clubs, organisers, and health professionals. |
Research Framework
| Domain | Focus |
|---|---|
| Participation & Demographics | History, motivations, training volume, injury and health status |
| Physiology | Cardiovascular fitness |
| Psychology | Personality traits, depression and anxiety |
| Cognition | Executive function, memory, and attentional control |
Why It Matters
- There are ~20,000 multi-marathoners worldwide, many continuing to run well into their 60s, 70s, and 80s.
- They represent a unique model of active ageing — combining long-term endurance, psychological resilience, and potential health risks.
- Understanding this group helps to inform safer training practices, reduce stigma, and promote mental-health awareness in endurance communities.
Key References
Lundy, L., & Reilly, R. B. (2024). Demographics, culture and participatory nature of multi-marathoning — An observational study highlighting issues with recommendations. PLOS ONE, 19 (5), e0302602.
100 Marathon Club Japan (2024). World MegaMarathon Ranking 300+. https://full-hyaku.amebaownd.com/pages/7518755/page_202312231517
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