Extreme running may temporarily weaken immune system, study suggests

NCT ID NCT06089174

First seen Feb 18, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 16 times

Summary

This study looked at whether running an ultratrail (a very long race) raises the risk of getting an infection afterward. Researchers followed 471 runners and their companions, asking about symptoms like fever, sore throat, and fatigue for three weeks after the race. The goal was to see if the immune system's temporary dip after extreme exercise leads to more infections.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHU Réunion

    Saint-Denis, 97400, Reunion

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If confirmed, this could help runners and doctors better understand when to watch for infections after extreme races.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It cannot prove cause and effect, only suggest a link.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

immunodeficiency disease inborn error of immunity Infections infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.