At some point during a marathon, a runner might begin experience headaches, muscle cramps, and delirium. These ailments are associated with the loss of vital body fluids. The importance of hydrating the body with fluids has become very evident with the number of casualties that have occurred during recent marathon events. Event officials have had to take a closer look at hydration principles in place at every meet and ensure that athletes are prepared for adverse weather conditions.



Runners that train aggressively throughout the year are conscious about their present physical condition and the current hydration levels in their bodies. They have probably consumed water in sufficient quantities while training for the race but might prefer to ask trainers and friends to keep an eye out for them as they run along a course just to make sure that things are looking right. They know what type of hydration levels must be maintained for them to be able to achieve maximum output from their body while running in a marathon, but at times, reality gets away from a runner and a second opinion might be necessary.

The runners that do not pay attention to the warning signs of dehydration may find that they are unable to maintain the pace required to win marathons, and some might even be remove from the roads before the race is finished. Even after following the proper rules for hydrating the body, it is possible for the body to suffer from some form of dehydration due to other circumstances.

The runners that ignore the symptoms will be putting place their life and health at risk without meaning to. Some runners believe that they can continue running in a race without replenishing the fluids that are lost through sweating. At some point in the race, they might fall to their knees because their body does not have the proper fuels in place to keep all body parts operating correctly.

Drinking too many fluids just before a race can have adverse effects on the runner's health. Some runners experience stomach cramps and shortness of breath during a race because excess body fluids have accumulated and the heated body has caused all body functions to slow. The metabolic rate that body uses water that is drunk is dramatically different from the condition of the body at normal temperatures. A runner will have to be aware of hydrations levels before, during and after a race.

The body will consume water in many ways on the day of a race. Regular trips to the bathroom, sweating, and warm up periods will deplete water from the bdy. The body will also consume present hydration levels because the body has a normal intake of fluids to function properly and this application of fluids is needed to keep muscles and body parts lubricated at various joints several ways. If hydrating along the route of the race is reduced in any way, the runner will experience loss of faculties and will not have energies store that will be needed to win the race.