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. 2021 Nov 10;31(4):10266.
doi: 10.4081/ejtm.2021.10266.

"Venice marathon": participation of female Master Athletes shows a constant increase from 2003 to 2019

Giovanna Albertin  1 , Laura Astolfi  2 , Marco Falda  3 , Davide Zuccon  4 , Barbara Ravara  5 , Helmut Kern  6 , Giacomo Ferrante  7 , Raffaele De Caro  8 , Diego Guidolin  9
Affiliations

"Venice marathon": participation of female Master Athletes shows a constant increase from 2003 to 2019

Giovanna Albertin et al. Eur J Transl Myol. .

Abstract

The marathon is the most classic Olympic running event. In several cities worldwide it has become very popular with participation increasing during the last 20 years, particularly by Master Athletes. There are evidences that long-distance running could provide considerable health benefits for older runners, specifically risk reduction of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, depression, and falls. Several studies have focused on the distribution of participants and their performance on famous marathons such as those of Berlin, Boston and New York. In this preliminary study we have analyzed data from several editions of the Venice marathon, a famous Italian race that attracts people from every corner of the world. The Venice marathon is listed in Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Ranking and is Bronze Label certificated by IAAF, and Gold Label by FIDAL. The marathon starts outside Venice near Stra, then runs along the Brenta Riviera to Venice where the runners cross the canals over floating bridges set up for the race. For this study we analyzed data of the Venice marathon describing gender distribution in 17 editions (2003-2019), but groups of age-categories and their nationality only in 13 editions from 2007 to 2019. The analysis shows a steady increase in female participation, from 2003 to 2019.

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Conflict of interest statement

We confirm that we have read the Journal’s position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirms that this report is consistent with those guidelines.

Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
Paolo Gava (on the right), 400 meters 1990.
Fig 2.
Fig 2.
Total participation from 2003 to 2019 was 92.405 in these 17 editions of Venice marathon (annual average 5430 ± 536) with no significant variations between the 17 editions. Upper panel: gender distribution. Middle panel: ratio F/M. Lower panel: female distribution in percentage.
Fig 3.
Fig 3.
Distribution of female participants by countries.
Fig 4.
Fig 4.
Distribution of participants by age groups
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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