Are the risks of endurance sports worth it?

During a triathlon in New York last weekend two people died during the swim portion of the event.  News like this from NBC Sports always starts the conversation around the risks associated with endurance sports. With an increase in the number of participants each year in endurance events like Triathlons, Ironman’s and Marathons the news stories of injuries and deaths has had a far higher focus in the media.  Runners and triathletes understand the risks associated with endurance sports.  They sign waivers indicating that they understand the risk.  And we can't forget that the original marathoner, the courier, Pheidippides, died after running over 25 miles to deliver the news of victory at the Battle of Marathon.

So far in 2011 a total of 8 deaths have been associated with triathlons alone.  After the deaths on August 7th, a New York lawmaker suggested that the governing body behind the triathlon hold a complete investigation into the event and the deaths.  Many claim that the weather may have caused an issue but as many researchers and Race Directors have cited a change in the types of participants and the conditions of the athlete’s bodies play a higher roll in the increase in deaths. Race organizers are working with USA Triathlon to determine if documentation supporting a participants training or health statement should be required prior to the start of a race.  In the 25 deaths in triathlons, 20 have occurred in the swim portion.  The adrenaline rush and the change in conditions contribute to these deaths.  When the body hits the water that can be 20 to 30 degrees lower then the temperature on land combined with the increase in heart rate at the start of the race, the results can be dangerous if not deadly.  Combine that with the portion of the event that most participants despise and frankly are not good at, you have a deadly result in the water. 

Since 2006, a total of 16 deaths have occurred during marathons.  The highest profile was during the Olympic trials in New York.  Documentation of training or a medical record would have not provided any indication that the young athlete would have suffered during the race.  

I believe that participants understand the risks associated with training and participating in endurance sports.  If a runner thinks that they can run a marathon but only ran to 10 miles in training they are putting themselves at risk, not the race directors.  If a triathlete doesn't know how to swim or doesn't learn before an event, it is they who are putting themselves at risk.  Race Directors have to be focused on the logistics around the events, things like the weather, drivers on the course, and providing enough water stops for hydration. It is the athlete’s responsibility to ensure that they have prepared for the race.  

Now get out there and train for your next race and have fun doing it.