Powerhouse athletes are actually prematurely aging their bodies thanks to an extreme exercise: study

February 18, 2026

They’re running themselves ragged — and possibly fast-tracking Father Time.

Ultramarathons are surging in popularity, with more than 100,000 North Americans racing beyond 26.2 miles last year, nearly triple the 35,000 who did so in 2020.

But before you lace up your sneakers, here’s the catch: New research suggests that people who tackle these extreme endurance events may be prematurely aging a vital part of their bodies, potentially affecting how it functions.

In the past, studies have shown that ultramarathon runners often experience a breakdown of normal red blood cells during races, which can sometimes lead to anemia and other health issues, but the causes have remained unclear. NEW YORK POST