How do runners eliminate their waste during a marathon?

I heard that runners of a marathon poop their pants. Is this true?|||At the start of each race, Depends adult diapers are given to the runners with their numbers and timing chips.|||Of course that is completely untrue. There are always porta johns at the way stations on longer runs. However, it is pretty darn rare that a runner would have the need to 'go' during a run. Generally dehydration is the issue, and during dehydration, you don't have the need to use the bathroom.





PS the urban legend of this is based on this poor unfortunate guy who got diarrhea during a run. This is NOT the norm and would not be expected, however, it is where the idea that marathoners poop themselves comes from. The photo is a shot of someone who had this problem. http://wtfoodge.com/runner-crapping-pant鈥?/a> BUT again I emphasize this is way out of the ordinary and he most certainly did not intentionally let it go like that.|||ive heard this rumor too. and yes it is very true... sadly


also this website tells about a runner who has had this problem.|||Any liquid is expelled as sweat Marathons are usually 25 miles i don't think you would need to have a bowl movement in that short of time|||most marathon runners are going to finish the race in 4-5 hours. How often do you have to poop in 4 hours?|||LOL!