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Sophie E Harrison, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, Bangor University, Bangor University

Stress and anxiety before a marathon can leave runners at risk of getting sick – new research

Being anxious, stressed or in a bad mood before a marathon may make you more vulnerable to illness. Asier Romero/ Shutterstock

Marathons have quickly become a popular pursuit. Hundreds of thousands of people submit ballots each year to run in some of the most prestigious races. In 2024, a record number of people crossed the finish line at some of the world’s biggest marathons. If you haven’t run a marathon yourself, chances are you know someone who has.

While we know that running has a range of health benefits, including reducing your risk of illness, research also shows that runners are more likely to catch a cold after completing a marathon.

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