Rectal temperatures, weight losses, and sweat rates in marathon running.

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Abstract
Body weight and rectal temperature changes were followed in athletes competing in a marathon race (42 km). Ambient temperature was 23 C (17 C WB) and relative humidity 58%. There were 77 competitors. Average results for those completing the race were: speed, 13 km hr-1; estimated O2 intake, 44 ml kg-1 min-1; weight loss, 2.85 kg; rectal temperature, 39.0 C. The winner''s time was 2 hr, 38 min; his average speed was 16 km hr-1; estimated O2 intake was 54 ml kg-1 min-1; weight loss 5.23 kg; fluid loss 5.1 liters or 6.7% of body weight. Rectal temperature was 41.1 C and average sweat rate was 1.8 liters hr-1. Unexplained partial collapse occurred in four runners . 5-1 hr after the race. It was concluded that heat elimination limits performance for some runners even in comparatively mild conditions and that successful marathon runner have sweat rates equal to the highest values seen in heat-acclimatized nonathletes and can tolerate exceptionally high rectal temperatures.

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