Marathon running is definitely on the upswing.
Running USA reports a 10% jump in the number of U.S. marathon finishers for 2009. The largest U.S. races last year, again measured by finishers, were New York City (43,250) and Chicago (33,475), according to the Assn. of International Marathons and Distance Races.
With more Americans doing more marathons, the Baltimore Sun examines the risks associated with 26.2-mile races in "Marathon running is not more dangerous than other sports, studies show."
The Baltimore Marathon gets under way on Sunday, and the Baltimore Sun's Exercists blog posts good tips for runners (for this race or any marathon) in "Baltimore Marathon: Advice for newbies" and "Baltimore Marathon: Advice for newbies, part 2."
--Mary Forgione / AFor the Los Angeles Times
