Author and graduation date: Jennifer A. FRERE, May, 2002

Committee members: Michael J. Buono (Chair), Jeanne F. Nichols, Martha Shively

Thesis title: An Analysis and Comparison of the Causes and Incidence of Road-Race Related Deaths for Males and Females in l0Ks, 12Ks, 15Ks, and Half-marathons

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and causes of exercise-related death in running road races over a 5-yr period (1996-2000), and thereby provide information which may be useful in identifying people at risk and assisting race directors in adequately preparing for such an event. The number of finishers and the number of deaths were requested from 62 of the largest races (according to U.S.A. Track and Field in 1999) from the l0K to half-marathon distances. Thirty-eight (61%) of the 62 races responded. Five deaths (38- to 84-years old, all males) were reported in 1,636,720 finishers (four deaths in the l0Ks and one in the half-marathon distance). Further data were available on three of the deaths: two died of coronary artery disease (CAD) and one died of an apparent myocardial infarction. The overall incidence of death in running road races was 0.0003% or approximately 3 per 1 million finishers. This overall risk and the risk for l0Ks, 12Ks, and half-marathons are significantly lower than the risk reported in a previous study for marathons. In conclusion, while the risk of death in running road races is extremely small, these data may help to identify people at risk and assist race directors (especially race directors of historically large races) in determining staffing needs for medical personnel on race day.

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