Can You Run Marathons After Donating a Kidney?

If you’re an endurance athlete, or aspire to become one, you might be wondering if donating a kidney means giving up your long runs, races, or training goals. The good news: you can absolutely run marathons after donating a kidney.

Many Kidney Donors Are Endurance Athletes

It’s not uncommon for kidney donors to be recreational or competitive athletes. Many go on to run marathons, ultramarathons, triathlons, or even compete in extreme events like the Ironman or the Racing the Planet 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series. In fact, some have achieved personal bests after donating.

There’s even a growing community of kidney donor athletes—including organizations like Kidney Donor Athletes—proving that living donation and elite performance can go hand in hand.

Examples of kidney donors running marathons post-donation:

• Michael Culley ran the Boston Marathon a little over four weeks after donating a kidney, finishing in 3:45:12.  
• Dave Ashley won an eight-hour adventure race just three months after donation, followed by a 40-mile ultramarathon a month later.
• Hilary Baude donated a kidney in 2021, then completed 12 marathons in a single year in 2023.

While many people who run marathons after kidney donations were already runners, some people who become living donors are inspired to start running after donation. For example:

• After losing weight and getting into peak health to qualify as a donor, Iris Bartov ran her first marathon less than a year after her kidney donation and has done an additional four full and one half marathons since.
• Chuck Miller began running for the first time in his life after donating a kidney, completing his first 5K just over two months post-surgery. He has since run two half-marathons, a full marathon, and several shorter races.
• Kristie Sue Hathaway had completed five marathons before her kidney donation, was back up to running 20 miles a week by six weeks after her donation, and has since completed several 10K and half-marathon events.

What to Expect After Surgery

While donating a kidney won’t stop you from running marathons, recovery takes time. Here’s a common timeline for recovery after kidney donation:

• Weeks 1–4: Focus on rest and gentle movement. Walking is encouraged.
• Weeks 4–6: Most donors can return to light exercise, like slow jogging or easy biking.
• Months 3–6+: You can start building up distance and intensity, depending on how your body responds.

Everyone heals differently, so always consult with your transplant team about when and how to resume training.

Tips for Marathon Training Post-Donation

1. Hydration is critical. With one kidney, your body is less tolerant of dehydration. Drink water consistently, especially before, during, and after long runs.
2. Avoid NSAIDs. Pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can stress your remaining kidney. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.
3. Monitor your recovery. If your energy levels dip or your body feels “off,” ease back. Pushing too hard too soon can backfire.
4. Check in regularly. Kidney donors are monitored for two years post-donation, but it’s wise to keep up annual checkups and kidney function tests.

You can definitely run marathons after donating a kidney—and many donors go on to do far more. With a smart recovery plan and regular medical follow-ups, you can continue to chase big goals, cross finish lines, and inspire others along the way.