SummaryBlood coagulation and fibrinolysis were assessed in 13 Finnish amateur runners aged 31 to 48, and one 65-year old taking part in a non-competitive marathon (42.2 km). After the run the mean values of partial thromboplastin time showed a very significant shortening, whereas the mean values of the prothrombin time and of plasma fibrinogen were not significantly altered. The mean values of euglobulin lysis time were significantly shorter and the mean values of fibrin degradation products increased highly significantly. After the run, protamine sulphate was positive or strongly positive in all subjects, whereas the ethanol gelation test was negative in all runners; no cryofibrinogen was detected in any participant. Thus, running a marathon race affects the haemostatic balance and activates the fibrinolytic mechanism. The effects of training and physical fitness on the above parameters are discussed.

SummaryPlatelet count and aggregation were assessed in 9 Finnish amateur runners aged 34 to 48, and one 65-year old taking part in a non-competitive marathon race (42.2 km).After the run the mean value of platelet count showed a very significant rise (p <0.001). The platelets were markedly more sensitive to both ADP and collagen-induced aggregation. A highly significant increase (p <0.001) was noted for both the intensity and velocity of platelet aggregation.The finding of platelet hyperaggregability after prolonged strenuous exercise even in trained subjects is discussed. It is concluded that a thorough medical examination of the haemostatic balance is recommended before a marathon race.

SummaryBlood coagulation, fibrinolysis, platelet count-aggregation and Cortisol were assessed in 35 Finnish amateur runners aged 27 to 56 years (mean 40) and three aged 65, 67, and 82 who had run a non-competitive Marathon in 1975, 1976 and 1977 over the classical itinerary. After the run, in all 3 years, APTT showed shortening (p < 0.001); prothrombin time and plasma fibrinogen were not significantly altered; euglobulin lysis time was shorter (p < 0.001) and FDP increased (p < 0.001); PSPT became positive in all subjects, whereas the ethanol gelation test remained negative; no cryofibrinogen was detected. Platelet count and aggregation showed increase (p < 0.001) in 1975 (extreme heat, 25° C) but remained unaltered in 1976, 1977 (15–18° C). Cortisol levels were always significantly increased – more markedly in 1975. Women’s responses were similar to those of men. A possible correlation between physical fitness and the responses of haemostatic balance is suggested and the influence of weather is discussed.

SummaryBlood coagulation, fibrinolysis and platelet aggregability were assessed in 8 physicians aged 30-40 years, who had travelled nonstop by car from Salonica to Athens (510 km) and returned to Salonica after 48 h of rest and after administration of 1 g of aspirin. At the end of journey A, platelet aggregability was found to be increased (6 out of 8 persons), AT III was decreased by 30% (p <0.001), the FVIIIiC / FVIIIRiAg ratio was decreased (p <0.02) and ELT was prolonged. At the end of journey B the findings were the following: platelet aggregation was not affected, the decrease of AT III was not statistically significant and ELT was significantly shortened (p <0.005).A common finding of both journeys was the increase of platelet counts at the end (p <0.005).The correlation between long lasting sitting and the response of the haemostatic balance is suggested. The influence of aspirin is discussed.