RACE for LIFE Initiative
This Initiative, supported by RACE Rx Academy of Exercise Sciences, is aimed at developing and promoting activities to increase the health and safety of endurance athletes. In 2007, Ryan Shay collapsed during the US Olympic Men’s Marathon Trials in New York City. Ryan died of a sudden and fatal cardiac event while running the race. His death was tragic, but the influence of his life was, and is, far-reaching. His wife, Alicia, also a competitive runner, now guides the RACE for LIFE Initiative to guide our efforts as we seek to detect potential health risks and prevent serious injuries among endurance athletes. With our work we pay tribute to those athletes who have suffered death or disability, and seek to support them and their family/friends through difficult times.
Research Topics
- Health and Safety among Endurance Athletes:
- This research is aimed at identifying risk factors of cardiovascular complications among endurance athletes.
- Over-Use Injuries among Endurance Athletes:
- In an effort to foster injury-free training and competition, this research seeks to identify strategies for preventing and treating over-use injuries among endurance athletes.
- Resistance Training for Runners:
- Resistance training is becoming an integral part of many runners competitive preparation. Strategies for enhancing health and performance are being tested among elite and recreational runners.
For more information and/or to contribute to the RACE for LIFE Initiative Research Fund contact us.
“Running was his love and Ryan Shay used it to chase an Olympic dream as passionately as any athlete has” (Runners World, February 2008). Ryan lived at the highest level as an athlete and person, inspiring the entire running community. He took running to new heights by daily pressing the limits and defining human potential. Ryan inspired the lives of others with this passion and dreamed about making the world a better place. Ryan was a nine-time All American athlete at Notre Dame, a five time road champion for the USA, and the youngest athlete to win the USA Marathon Championship. Ryan’s pursuit of an Olympic dream ended tragically when he collapsed at the 2007 US Olympic Men’s Marathon Trials in New York City. Ryan died of a sudden and fatal cardiac event while running the race.