Optimal medical preparation for the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON

Prevention is better than aftercare - Dr Matthias Krüll explains why.

Dr. Matthias Krüll, a lung specialist from Berlin, has been part of SCC EVENTS for over ten years. As Medical Director, he and his team look after major events such as the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON and the BMW BERLIN MARATHON. 

In the RUNNER'S WORLD podcast, Dr Krüll spoke about the medical concept of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON and its uniqueness. 

In the following, one point of the podcast is intensified once again: Prevention. 

^{A happy runner throws his hands up shortly before the finish of the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON 2024.© SCC EVENTS // Jean-Marc Wiesner}

Dr. Krüll, in the podcast you explicitly addressed the topic of prevention in marathon running. Can you briefly describe what you consider to be important aspects of this?

Marathon running is a maximum physical exertion. For many who are about to run their first marathon, the exertion can also entail health risks. Incorrect preparation or unknown health problems could jeopardise the enjoyment of the sport and, in the worst case, lead to serious injuries or health complications. It is therefore advisable to undergo a thorough medical examination before the race.

1. Health check and exercise ECG

A comprehensive health check is the first step. A doctor will not only check your general state of health, but also the resilience of your cardiovascular system. An exercise ECG helps to determine how your heart reacts to physical exertion. This is particularly important for marathon runners, as sudden, intense exertion can put a lot of strain on the heart. An exercise ECG therefore gives you important information on whether you can complete your training and the marathon safely.

2. Joints, muscles and musculoskeletal system

The next point is to examine your joints and muscles. A marathon is particularly demanding on the knees, hips and ankles. Anyone who runs regularly will be familiar with the problem of overloading and minor injuries. It is important to check for signs of strain before the marathon. Physiotherapy or sports orthopaedists can provide valuable support here to ensure that there are no misalignments or muscle deficits that could jeopardise performance or health.

3. Nutrition and fluid balance

Another important point is proper nutrition and fluid balance. A balanced diet ensures that you have the energy you need to cover long distances. Before the marathon, you should make sure that you consume enough carbohydrates and minerals to optimise your performance. Hydration is also crucial: drink enough, but make sure you don't risk overhydration.

4. Injury prevention and regeneration

Marathon runners are susceptible to various injuries such as strains, tendonitis and overuse injuries. Prevention plays an important role here. The right running technique, suitable running shoes and regular regeneration measures such as stretching, massages and physiotherapy treatments can help to prevent injuries and speed up recovery after training.

A marathon is therefore more than just a sporting event. It requires not only targeted training, but also thorough medical care. The road to the marathon is a process that should be approached early and with care to ensure that you not only finish successfully, but also stay healthy.

PODCAST

^{Healthy at the finish line - a couple celebrates the finish of the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON 2024 with a kiss. © SCC EVENTS // Jean-Marc Wiesner}

Participants can take a so-called PAPS test on the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON website. Can you explain exactly what this test entails and emphasise its importance?

The ‘Personal Activity and Prevention Screening Test’ (PAPS test) is an online questionnaire that we have introduced at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON for runners who want to make the marathon safer from a preventive health perspective and to provide athletes with an initial assessment of their physical fitness and individual health risk. The aim is to recognise potential health problems at an early stage and determine whether the runner is suitable for the extreme physical exertion of a marathon. The test takes about 2 to 3 minutes and provides important information for a possible visit to the doctor or health check-up. The test is based on the ‘Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire’ (PAR-Q) of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and is recommended by the American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine.)

The PAPS test is recommended as an important preventative tool by the German Athletics Association and in a comparable form by the German Society for Sports Medicine and Prevention. The PAPS test is used at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON to help participants become aware of their own state of health. Completion of the test has no effect on eligibility to participate. The recommendation at the end of the test is for personal and voluntary further use. The PAPS test does not replace a visit to the doctor and cannot provide absolute certainty about existing or emerging risks. 

PAPS-TEST

Suppose a participant complains of health problems one week before the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. Is it possible to contact you and your team before the start?