Dear Craig,

WSER has supported basic, applied, clinical and behavioral research associated with the race for many decades. Please see below for an opportunity to participate this year.

Thank you for contributing to the knowledge base.

Craig Thornley

Race Director

Stanford Research Study Opportunity: Biomarkers in Ultrarunners

We are reaching out to share an opportunity to be involved in research centered around the ultrarunner. This study is a research study at Stanford University seeking to assess key biomarkers and risk factors for relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) in the ultrarunning population, better understand how to reduce risk of injury, improve identification of low energy availability, and improve performance in this unique ultra-endurance athlete population.

If you wish to participate in this study, please email the FASTR Research Team ([email protected])

There are TWO different groups in this study. Any given athlete who is eligible can participate in ONE of these two groups. All athletes must be over 18 years old, training at least 3-4 hours a week, signed up to race the 2024 Western States, and be willing and able to complete all study procedures.

Longitudinal group (15 female athletes)

• Complete a baseline survey and 2 brief follow up surveys (baseline, 8 weeks, 1-2 days before race day)
• Complete 4 blood draws through InsideTracker
• Track training using Strava for the 4 months leading up to Western States
• Complete 1 session that involves 4 back to back DXA scans onsite in Olympic Valley 1-2 days before Western States
• Overall time commitment: 5 hours over 5-6 months

Cross-sectional group (50 total male and female athletes)

• Complete a questionnaire on topics including training, injury/health history, nutrition, and mental health.
• Complete a blood draw through InsideTracker onsite in Olympic Valley 1-2 days prior to Western States
• Complete 1 session that involves 4 back to back DXA scans onsite in Olympic Valley 1-2 days prior to Western States
• Overall time commitment: 1 hour over 1-2 days

How will participants benefit?

• You will receive the results of your lab draw and DXA bone density data at the end of the study.
• Your participation will be helping to further high-quality research on and for female ultrarunners

See this flyer which provides additional information on the study and timeline of study tasks.

If you wish to participate in this study please email the FASTR Research Team ([email protected])

For participant’s rights questions, please contact the Stanford Institutional Review Board at 1-866-680-2906.

Thank you!