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Marathon raises endocannabinoids, boosting runners’ mood and pain

9/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

German researchers led by psychiatrist Michael Siebers measured endocannabinoid levels in marathon runners.
Nineteen runners in Essen, Germany, gave blood before, mid-race, at finish, and 45 minutes later.
Anandamide increased from 14 km onward and remained elevated 45 minutes after the race.
2-AG rose near the finish and stayed high during recovery.
Running raised happiness, cut anxiety, and heightened pain after 28 km compared with walking.

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Story summary

German researchers led by psychiatrist Michael Siebers measured endocannabinoid levels in marathon runners.
Nineteen runners in Essen, Germany, gave blood before, mid-race, at finish, and 45 minutes later.
Anandamide increased from 14 km onward and remained elevated 45 minutes after the race.
2-AG rose near the finish and stayed high during recovery.
Running raised happiness, cut anxiety, and heightened pain after 28 km compared with walking.