It is advised that individuals should avoid losing >2% of their body mass during exercise in order to prevent hyperthermia. This study sought to assess whether a loss of >2% body mass leads to elevations in core temperature during an ultramarathon. Thirty runners agreed to take part in the study. Body mass and core temperature were measured at the start, at three locations during the race and the finish. Core temperature was not correlated with percent body mass change (p = 0.19) or finish time (p = 0.11). Percent body mass change was directly associated with finish time (r = 0.58, p < 0.01), such that the fastest runners lost the most mass (~3.5-4.0%). It appears that a loss of >3% body mass does not contribute to rises in core temperature. An emphasis on fluid replacement for body mass losses of this magnitude during prolonged exercise is not justified as a preventative measure for heat-related illnesses.
Keywords: Endurance exercise; core temperature; dehydration; thermoregulation; ultramarathon.