Running ultramarathons may hurt your red blood cells, study says it can do more harm than good

A study suggests running extreme distances can injure red blood cells, making them less flexible and more likely to break down.(Picture: Pexels)

• Ultramarathons can damage red blood cells, study finds
• Longer races cause more red blood cell stress and fragility
• Extreme running may impact oxygen delivery and recovery

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Everyone knows running is healthy, it strengthens your heart, lungs, and muscles. But like anything done to extremes, it can also have its downside. Ultramarathons, which stretch for tens or even hundreds of miles, can stress the body in ways many runners might not realise. Recent research shows that these extreme races can damage red blood cells, the vital carriers of oxygen and waste in your blood.

A study published in the American Society of Hematology’s journal Blood Red Cells and Iron looked at 23 ultramarathon runners. Blood samples were taken before and after races ranging from 40 km to 171 km. The findings were clear: running extreme distances can injure red blood cells, making them less flexible and more likely to break down.

Running is great, but extreme distances may come at a hidden cost. Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen and keeping the body healthy, and pushing them too far can cause damage. Ultramarathons might test your limits, but your body, and your blood, can only take so much.

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Here’s how running affects red blood cells

Mechanical stress

Running puts pressure on your blood flow. Red blood cells get stretched and stressed, which can weaken them and make them more likely to break.

Molecular damage

Racing also causes inflammation and oxidative stress, which can harm cells at the molecular level and speed up their ageing.

Longer races, bigger impact

The longer the race, the more damage was seen. Runners in the 171 km Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc had far more stressed and fragile red blood cells than those in the 40 km Martigny-Combes à Chamonix race.

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Your health and performance

While red blood cells are tough, extreme running can strain them. This may impact oxygen delivery, recovery, and also your performance. Understanding this may also help scientists improve blood storage for transfusions. However, the study involved only a small group of runners and measured blood at only two points. Scientists now plan to perform bigger studies to see how long it lasts and what it means for long-term health.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis