Runner's diarrhea
Encyclopedia
Runner's Diarrhea, often termed 'runner's trots' or 'the gingerbread man', (popularized by Tony Audenshaw
on Marathon Talk), is a condition that often affects distance runners, and is characterized by an urgent need for a bowel movement mid-run. If the runner can find a suitable toilet or bush, the resulting stool will be on the higher end of the Bristol Stool Scale
. Whether the stool can be considered diarrhea
, or a clinical expression of ischemic enteropathy is under debate.
and mechanical trauma. The reduced incidence of diarrhea in cyclists would indicate the latter. Diet is often cited as a common cause of diarrhea in distance runners, particularly with meals including berries and dried fruit.
, replacement of fluids and electrolytes is advisable. Methods to prevent runner's diarrhea will vary between individuals, although it is advisable to consider examining the pre-running diet to determine potential trigger foods.
won with a time of 2:17:42, although the race is often remembered for the moment when Radcliffe, in desperate need for a toilet break, stopped by the road in full view of the crowd and TV cameras, and the unfortunate event was broadcast live. She later blamed a meal of grilled salmon from the previous night for the incident.
Tony Audenshaw
Antony Audenshaw is an English actor best known for his role as Bob Hope on the popular ITV1 soap Emmerdale. In 1995 and 1996, he had a brief appearance as PC Ian Coban in the Channel 4 Soap Brookside...
on Marathon Talk), is a condition that often affects distance runners, and is characterized by an urgent need for a bowel movement mid-run. If the runner can find a suitable toilet or bush, the resulting stool will be on the higher end of the Bristol Stool Scale
Bristol Stool Scale
The Bristol Stool Scale or Bristol Stool Chart is a medical aid designed to classify the form of human faeces into seven categories. Sometimes referred to in the UK as the "Meyers Scale", it was developed by Dr. Ken Heaton at the University of Bristol and was first published in the Scandinavian...
. Whether the stool can be considered diarrhea
Diarrhea
Diarrhea , also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and...
, or a clinical expression of ischemic enteropathy is under debate.
Causes of runner's diarrhea
The causes of runner's diarrhea remain under debate, although several theories include ischemiaIschemia
In medicine, ischemia is a restriction in blood supply, generally due to factors in the blood vessels, with resultant damage or dysfunction of tissue. It may also be spelled ischaemia or ischæmia...
and mechanical trauma. The reduced incidence of diarrhea in cyclists would indicate the latter. Diet is often cited as a common cause of diarrhea in distance runners, particularly with meals including berries and dried fruit.
Treatment and prevention
Runner's diarrhea will normally clear up by itself from several hours to two days after running. As with all forms of diarrheaDiarrhea
Diarrhea , also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and...
, replacement of fluids and electrolytes is advisable. Methods to prevent runner's diarrhea will vary between individuals, although it is advisable to consider examining the pre-running diet to determine potential trigger foods.
Famous cases of runner's diarrhea
At the 2005 Flora London Marathon, Paula RadcliffePaula Radcliffe
Paula Jane Radcliffe, MBE is an English long-distance runner. She is the current women's world record holder in the marathon with her time of 2:15:25 hours...
won with a time of 2:17:42, although the race is often remembered for the moment when Radcliffe, in desperate need for a toilet break, stopped by the road in full view of the crowd and TV cameras, and the unfortunate event was broadcast live. She later blamed a meal of grilled salmon from the previous night for the incident.