Is running a marathon safe?
Estimates vary but there is about a 1 in 50,000 chance of collapsing and dying. Sometimes that happens when there is a congenital condition previously undetected. Based on a 75 year life expectancy, that means one runs half-again the risk of dying on marathon day vis-a-vis dying on any other day. The same could be said about a day of getting drunk, or driving drunk, or crossing a lot of streets. There could also be secondary effects of some sports injuries. People who run such distances tend to be strong cardiovascularly and have strong resistance to illness in general. Regular physical activity is also proved beyond all doubt to prevent acquired conditions of mental illness. Balance the risks (low) with the benefits (obvious).
