Even during optimal long distance running conditions, fatalities occur. The deaths of 3 runners during the Detroit Marathon races underscore the importance of seeing your doctor and having regular check ups when undertaking physically challenging exercise events such as the marathon or half marathon. Despite plenty of fluids and careful pacing, Doug Landau collapsed at the finish line of his first half marathon while competing for the United States Maccabiah team in 2005. Recovering from leg cramps over the next several hours, the Herndon Reston area sports injury lawyer noted that he had fully prepared for the heat, but the distance was challenging. Landau has since run another half, in Cambridge Maryland, where he won another age group award, but was freezing from the cold !

In the Michigan running race, all three men collapsed without explanation, though the cold weather was not thought to be a factor. According to the Detroit Free Press, it was some 41 degrees at the time, which is considered good for such long distance racing. The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon yesterday had more than 19,000 people registered to participate in its 32nd running. There were at least six medical stations on the race course and emergency personnel were on the scene within seconds.

Deaths at marathons are relatively rare. The last death at the Detroit event was in 1994 when a 42-year-old man died of a heart attack after running more than 20 miles. Every runner must sign a medical release form, and they are encouraged to talk to their doctors before they run the race. “On a day when so many people bring such energy and challenge themselves to do their utmost, this news is very difficult to hear,” said Free Press editor and publisher Paul Anger said. “Our deepest sympathies are with the families.”