A research team from the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, along with collaborators from various institutions, has released findings from a study conducted at the 2024 Boston Marathon. The study, titled “Biomarkers of organ stress and injury following the Boston Marathon,” was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. It examined the effects of hydration on marathon runners by evaluating kidney and gastrointestinal stress biomarkers before and after the race.
The research team consisted of Cory Butts, Brendon McDermott, Zachary McKenna, Abigail Morris, Rose Perez, Shawn Wierick, and Xiujing Zhao, all affiliated with the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation. They were joined by Whitley Atkins, a University of Arkansas alumna now teaching at the University of New Mexico, and Sarah Gustus, a research project manager at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The study found that kidney stress persisted regardless of hydration levels during the marathon. “Our study is a reflection of the amount of stress the body experiences during a moderately fast marathon,” said Brendon McDermott, who has nearly 25 years of experience teaching athletic training and exercise science. He emphasized that while hydration offers some protection, it is not a complete safeguard. Runners should prioritize recovery strategies to support their gastrointestinal and renal systems following intense events.
McDermott leads the Heat and Hydration Optimization (H2O) Lab, which focuses on preventive measures and treatments for heat-related illnesses and hydration challenges. His team’s study has been added to the National Library of Medicine, a valuable resource for health professionals and the public.
The findings have also been highlighted in a health and nutrition newsletter, “Run Long, Run Healthy,” published by Brady Holmer. The article, titled “The Crazy Effect a Marathon Has on Your Body,” reflects the increasing interest in understanding the physiological impacts of marathon running.
“It’s exciting to see people benefiting from our research,” McDermott stated. “Having others read and show interest brings the satisfaction we need to continue answering scientific questions to help the population.” He noted that upcoming laboratory studies will further explore the physiological aspects of distance running.
McDermott expressed gratitude towards the College of Education and Health Professions for its instrumental role in facilitating this research. “The college has provided valuable research support, including funding and administrative assistance,” he said. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of academic partnerships in advancing the understanding of health and performance in sports.
For more detailed insights, refer to the full study by Zachary J. McKenna et al., published in the Journal of Applied Physiology (2025). The study’s DOI is 10.1152/japplphysiol.00775.2025.
