Can a Kidney Transplant Recipient
Run a Marathon?

Taking my meds and making sure I don’t get dehydrated are the two most important things that I’m conscious of while running.

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During a marathon, I drink over 100 ounces (3 to 4 liters) of water, in addition to 30 to 60 ounces (1 to 2 liters) of water the morning of the race. I drink a lot of water. Thankfully, I love water, and so does my kidney. It’s extremely important that kidney recipients drink enough water, and don’t get dehydrated. On a normal non-running day, I drink over 200 ounces (6 to 7 liters) of water.

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During my first two marathons after my transplant I ran with the Salomon Active Skin 8 hydration vest. It's great for storing everything you need, along with two water bottles on the chest and a large bladder on the back. It's terrific for staying hydrated, but it's obviously bulky. Now I run with the Salomon Active Handled. It's flexible so you can squish it up when not full, and it's easy to refill at the numerous water stations along a marathon course. During my training runs I basically run from one water fountain to the next to ensure my water bottle is never empty. 

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For fuel I don't like gels - I don't like a lot of sugar while running. Instead I consume about 6 Honey Stinger Energy Waffles during a marathon, and 10 SaltStick FastChews. Both are low in sugar. The waffles are more like real food than gels. And SaltSticks are electrolyte chews that replenish your sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels. The day before the marathon, and the night after, I drink a Nuun, which are electrolyte tablets that you mix with water. They're very low in sugar too.

 

It's extremely important for all runners to fully hydrate the day before a marathon. 

 

Meds. I follow a very strict 12-hour schedule for my meds, and if that time happens to be during a race then I stop and take those meds. For example, during the 2026 London Marathon my meds were due at 12 noon. I usually take my meds at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., but the week before traveling to London I backed them down to 7 and 7, which correlated with noon and midnight in London. For short trips I stay on the same 12-hour cycle even if it means taking meds at odd hours like 12-midnight. Since the London Marathon started for me around 10:45 it meant that I would be taking meds during the race. It's a small price to pay to be able to continue doing something I love. 

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If you're looking for shorts to carry your meds, waffles, and electrolytes, then I love the Janji Half Tight and Path Projects' Graves PX. The Janji Half Tight has seven pockets, which keep everything (including a phone) very secure. If you don't like tights, but want pockets, then the Grave PX are my favorite liner-less shorts. The shorts have two zipped pockets on your sides, and a zipped pocket in the back. I don't think they hold the phone secure enough, but they're great for your meds, waffles and SaltSticks. 

 

When you're on immunosuppressants, you need to be very wary of skin cancer. I developed skin cancer on my scalp less than a year after my transplant. Wearing a UPF hat and SPF 60 sunscreen is a must. If it's extremely sunny - especially in the summer - I recommend a UPF 50 running shirt. UPF shirts are actually quite cool for a long-sleeve shirt. ​​​Janji, Path Projects, and Rabbit all make great UPF running gear to protect you from the sun.

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Sunscreen. I use Aveeno Broad Spectrum SPF 60 lotion every day on my face and neck. And by every day I mean even on cloudy and rainy days too. During a race I carry a sunscreen stick, or extra sunscreen in a contact lens case, so I can reapply during the race. However, sticks are easier and less messy to apply when your face is covered in sweat. A stick also functions like a squeegee to remove sweat from your face. 

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One item that I never run without, and never leave the house without, is the Janji Transit Tech hat. It's a UPF 50+ hat that protects you from the sun, and it even has a pocket for your ID and credit card. The Transit Tech hat is an essential item for any kidney transplant recipient when outside in the sun. 

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During a marathon I estimate that all of these new normals (meds, frequent water stops, frequent bathroom breaks) add at least 30 minutes to my overall time. That's totally fine by me. I'm still running. 

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Please Note: I've been consuming the waffles, SaltSticks, and Nuun, for many years before my transplant, and even years before my CKD diagnosis. However, after my transplant I asked my nephrologist for her approval before consuming them as a kidney transplant recipient. Please check with your nephrologist before consuming any of these items and get his/her approval before running. 

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