Most runners run exclusively

for fun and often complete just a few kilometres per training session. Some of them do not participate in running races at all. These recreational runners are probably the most common cohort within the running community. Few observational studies have investigated prospectively the incidence and risk factors of RRI in recreational runners who were not enrolled or not training to participate in races (Lun et al 2004, Macera et al 1989). The risk factors for RRI that have been identified in this population are: previous injuries, running more than 64 km/week, and less than three years of running experience (Macera et al 1989). We are unaware of prospective observational studies that controlled important aspects of training (duration of training sessions, speed training, and interval training) and the level of motivation to run in this population. Information about predictive factors for running injuries

is essential Anti-diabetic Compound Library research buy for sports physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals for the development of prevention strategies for running injuries. Therefore the objectives of What is already known on this topic: Running-related injuries are common and frequently cause absence from running. click here Studies among recreational runners have identified previous injuries, running more than 64 km/week, and less than 3 years of running experience as being associated with increased risk of running-related injury. What this study adds: Over a 12-week period, 31% of recreational runners sustained a running-related injury severe enough to prevent participation in running for at least one usual training session. Predictors of increased injury risk included a previous runningrelated injury, higher duration of training (although the increase in risk was very small), and the use of speed training. The

use of interval training was predictive of reduced injury risk. This is an observational injury surveillance study with a prospective cohort design that included 200 recreational runners who responded to an online survey with questions related to their running training routine, almost races and RRI. The recreational runners were followed-up for a period of 12 weeks, during which the online surveys were answered every two weeks. To be included in the study, runners had to be at least 18 years old and to have been running for at least six months. Runners were excluded if they had either any medical restriction to running or any musculoskeletal injury that could preclude their participation in running training sessions. A total of 4000 runners who were registered on the database of a running promoter were invited by email to participate in this study. This email provided information about the study procedures and contained a link to an electronic consent form. After agreeing to participate, the individuals were directed to a website that contained the baseline survey.