Leo Lundy, a researcher at the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, has highlighted a surprising consequence of marathon running. With around 6,000 aspiring members of the 100 Marathon Club in the UK, the nation boasts one of the highest numbers of multi-marathoners per capita worldwide. This surge in endurance sports participation is largely driven by individuals in midlife. Lundy notes, “There is a real wave of interest in running at the moment, and most people who finish multiple marathons are middle-aged.”
Lundy, himself a seasoned runner at 61, sought to explore whether repeated recreational marathon running truly benefits mental wellbeing. His study, conducted with colleagues from the Trinity School of Medicine, surveyed 576 male and female marathon runners in their forties and fifties from 22 countries, including the UK and Ireland. These individuals, termed “multi-marathoners,” are part of a growing trend of those aiming to complete the 26.2-mile distance multiple times.
The Psychological Impact of Marathon Running
Initially, 94% of the surveyed runners believed marathon running was beneficial for them. However, Lundy’s subsequent psychological tests revealed that 25% of these runners exhibited worryingly high levels of depression and anxiety. The findings, published in the Acta Psychologica journal, also indicated that about 8% of runners fell into a high-risk category for clinical depression and severe anxiety, surpassing World Health Organization norms.
“The study highlights that marathon running is not a guarantee of good mental health,” Lundy states. He emphasizes that while running is generally associated with improved mood, constant strain can lead to burnout and anxiety.
Marathon Running and Relationship Strain
Ammanda Major, a sex and relationship counsellor and clinical director for the charity Relate at Family Action, observes that the time demands of endurance events often strain relationships. “Focused, time-consuming physical activities such as marathons create neurobiological feedback loops that make you feel good, so you do more of them,” she explains. This can lead to partners feeling alienated and neglected.
A study in the Sociology of Sport suggested that newcomers to marathon running often undergo an “identity transformation,” immersing themselves in a new “running social world” that can operate outside their partnership or marriage. Researchers from the Academic College at Wingate in Israel noted that even supportive non-running partners might find their marriage jeopardized as a result.
The Runner’s Blues: Post-Race Emotional Challenges
Psychologists have identified a phenomenon known as the runner’s blues, where athletes experience negative emotions after completing a race. Researchers from Linnaeus University in Sweden found that many runners felt a “loss of energy, ambivalence, and melancholy” within six months of participating in an endurance event. Sofia Ryman Augustsson, an associate professor of sports science, noted that these emotions were “physically and mentally challenging.”
Participants blamed their post-race blues on factors such as “time spent training for a specific race” and a “perceived inability to set new goals.”
Balancing Running and Personal Life
Lundy suggests that runners should be aware of overtraining and exercise dependence. “Making time for recovery, keeping running enjoyable rather than compulsive, and talking openly about mental health in running clubs could go a long way,” he advises. He also stresses the importance of maintaining balance in relationships and focusing on events outside daily runs.
Ammanda Major adds, “It should not take over your life to the extent that everything else is adversely impacted.” She recommends re-engaging with partners, involving them to some extent in the runner’s activities, and being prepared to compromise on training and competition plans.
How to Save Your Relationship
- Re-engage with your partner: After a run, create space for re-entry into the relationship by discussing mutual interests.
- Involve your partner: Balance discussions about your hobby without overwhelming the conversation.
- Compromise: Plan training and competition schedules with your partner to avoid conflicts.
- Reflect on motivations: Consider whether training is a genuine interest or an escape from relationship issues.
As the popularity of marathon running continues to rise, understanding its potential impact on mental health and personal relationships becomes increasingly important. By maintaining awareness and balance, runners can enjoy the benefits of their sport without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal connections.
