Marathons are popular among middle-aged and elderly people, but what are the characteristics of dangerous runners?

At this year's Tokyo Marathon, a citizen runner died after falling during the race.

Marathons are popular among middle-aged and elderly people, but there are some risks involved.

What characteristics of runners should we be aware of?

(Network Reporting Department Ayari Suzuki, Eiji Akioka)

First death at Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon was held on March 3rd.

Approximately 38,000 people participated.

However, a 69-year-old male runner fell at around 21 km.

He appeared to have hit his head, and he was taken unconscious to the hospital, where he later died.

This is the first time a runner has died in the Tokyo Marathon, which began in 2007.

Cardiac arrest just before the finish line at the Ehime Marathon

At the Ehime Marathon in February this year, there was also a blundering situation.

Naoki Yamauchi (65) took on his 6th full marathon.

I thought this was my last race, and my goal was to finish it.

The time limit is 6 hours.

I was running well in the beginning of the race, but in the second half I suddenly started to feel tired.

There are 10 checkpoints along the course, with the last barrier at 40.5km.

Mr. Yamauchi used all his strength and sprinted to break through.

And then, at the bridge with just 100 meters left, the goal...

Mr. Yamauchi collapsed.

Mr. Yamauchi

: ``I remember coming to the bridge and crossing it, but just when I thought, ``I'm not going to reach the goal,'' I found myself at the hospital.I remember seeing pitch black in front of me.I crossed the bridge. But when I looked back at the footage, I realized I hadn't crossed the bridge. I think my memories are mixed up, whether I was dreaming or dozing off. Before I knew it, I was in the hospital."

Three firefighters who happened to have just finished running a marathon were watching Mr. Yamauchi collapse.

The three people work together to clear the airway, give cardiac massage, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and instruct those around them to bring an AED.

Then, we treated them using the AED that arrived.

Thanks to quick treatment, his heartbeat resumed safely in the ambulance.

Mr. Yamauchi and the rescued fire department staff

"Thank you for your help. If he had collapsed somewhere else, it would have taken a long time to treat him, but I heard that a few minutes can change your fate. You were lucky."

After I regained consciousness, I checked the records on my smartwatch and found that my heart rate at the time had risen to 195.

Mr. Yamauchi's smartwatch record of the day

``Normally, when my heart rate exceeds 160, I feel so tired that I can't run, but because it was a competition, I probably pushed myself too hard without realizing it, and my heart rate rose to over 190.''

In addition to marathons, Mr. Yamauchi has participated in various sports such as triathlons and rugby.

He said he had been feeling a bit cold for a week before the tournament.

Yamauchi says she wants runners her age to be aware that something like what happened to her could happen.

``I thought to myself, ``I couldn't believe that I was going to collapse.'' I thought it was going to be tough, but I didn't have any chest pain or pain.What I want to tell runners my age is, don't quit if you're not feeling well. This may be fine for young people, but at this age, it is better to be aware that sudden cardiac arrest can occur. I think it’s better to leave it there.”

Marathon popular among middle-aged and elderly people

If you look at the participants in the marathon event by age, it is noticeable that middle-aged and older people participate.

In the case of this year's Tokyo Marathon, the largest number of participants were in their 50s, followed by those in their 40s, for a total of over 60%.

Additionally, the oldest men are 89 years old and women are 82 years old, so many people continue to run even as they age.

Interest in running is also increasing.

According to the Sasakawa Sports Foundation, which conducts research on sports, it is estimated that in 2022 there will be 8.77 million people, or 8.5% of the total, who jogged or ran at least once a year.

While activities were restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic, some people started running, and at its peak in 2020, the number reached 10.55 million.

Since then, some people have stopped running, and the number of men in their 60s and 70s or older has increased from last time, and 7.1% of men in their 70s or older are the highest ever.

The most running men were those in their 40s.

On the other hand, the tendency for women was different from that for men, with the highest number being in their 20s.

Sub-4 runners are more dangerous than beginners.

A marathon where people of all ages participate.

What should I be careful about so that I can enjoy it with peace of mind?

We spoke to Associate Professor Tomoya Kimeto of Kokushikan University, who continues to carry out relief activities at marathon events.

Associate Professor Kirito has been involved in relief work at marathons and road races for over 20 years, and has treated 44 runners who suffered cardiac arrest.

It is said that people of all ages, not just the elderly, who suffer from cardiac arrest during a marathon need to be careful.

Associate Professor Kirito

: ``Marathon is a sport where there is a certain probability of cardiac arrest regardless of age.The most common people who experienced cardiac arrest were not marathon beginners, but those whose time was around 4 hours. "I want people to realize that this can happen to anyone."

Also, please be especially careful during the second half of the race.

``Be it a full marathon or a half marathon, the chance of cardiac arrest is higher the later in the race.I think you want to do your best while competing for time, thinking ``one last time,'' It's better not to run. It's important to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration while running."

Student volunteers doing relief work at the Tokyo Marathon

``If you fall due to fatigue during a marathon, unlike in everyday life, you may be unable to help due to fatigue and muscle pain, and there is a risk of serious injury to your head or face or even death.It may be impossible to run without getting tired, but I want people to be aware of such dangers and be careful.I also think it is necessary to slow down your pace and let your body get used to it by walking without stopping right after you finish.''

Prevent sad accidents from happening during the health marathon.

Runners, don't push yourself too hard and enjoy yourself at your own pace.