Is Running Harmful to Your Health?

Since I shared in my last column that I was preparing for a half marathon, many friends have been inquiring if I plan to move up to a full marathon next. My response is consistently the same: absolutely not. Running 21 kilometers feels manageable, but tackling 42 can be daunting. This has led me to consider whether longer races come with their own benefits and drawbacks.

While research on this topic is limited, some studies indicate diminishing returns and even potential risks associated with longer distances.