Marathon in Hong Kong edited by Ben Fong and Jonathan Heung On-wai Chinese University Press, HK$160
Marathon running in Hong Kong might not be an obvious subject for a book but there's much within the covers of this volume that will interest anyone who takes exercise, whether or not that includes going the 42km distance. After the introduction explaining the history of marathons (the first runner died of exhaustion after going from Marathon to Athens in 490BC), readers are told that the risk of sudden cardiac death in such athletic endeavours is 'exceedingly small' (in the past 10 years in Hong Kong there has been only one marathon-associated sudden death). Most useful among the various essays are the tips, such as those given for carbohydrate loading and hydration during races. Also interesting are the medical case studies from the Hong Kong marathon, which outlines typical problems encountered, such as hypoglycemia, heat exhaustion and runner's diarrhea. Other medical problems runners may encounter include headaches and electrolyte disturbance. Several chapters are devoted to gender-related performance in marathons and how the race is organised here.