#United States #Lincoln #Crohn's Disease #Matthew Brunken #Garmin Half Marathon

Nebraska's Matthew Brunken Overcomes the Odds

In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, elite distance runner Matthew Brunken from Nebraska has achieved a remarkable feat at the Garmin Half Marathon, where he secured the second place on April 26, 2025. What makes this achievement even more inspiring is that Brunken competes while living with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that presents significant challenges.

Brunken, a native of Malcolm, Nebraska, has not only excelled in running but has also positioned himself as a strong advocate for individuals facing health hurdles in the world of sports. He has quickly risen to prominence as one of America's rare competitive endurance athletes, demonstrating that one can achieve greatness despite the debilitating effects of chronic illness.

Defying Expectations

This recent podium finish at the Garmin Half Marathon follows Brunken's previous successes in the BRIN Series, where he won consecutive overall titles in both 2023 and 2024. His performance has set him up for what could be an unprecedented three-peat in the upcoming races. The athlete states, "In business, constraints fuel innovation. You don't invent something new when everything is easy—you invent because you have to. Crohn's disease introduced several constraints into my running, such as calorie shortages and limited fueling options. However, these limitations pushed me to train smarter, rather than just harder."

Brunken's commitment to continuous improvement is complemented by a rigorous, science-driven regimen that incorporates molecular hydrogen water, Baja Gold salt, and a precise fueling strategy. As a self-described "human guinea pig," he openly shares insights into his training methods on social media, which includes metrics on his nutrient intake and hydration strategies that others might find useful.

Pioneering New Strategies

There is no established playbook for elite athletes managing Crohn's disease. Although prescription biologics can help manage flare-ups, they often come with side effects that sap one's energy levels. The lack of research pertaining to high-level athletes with Crohn's makes Brunken's journey even more remarkable. He regularly posts data on his unique strategies to assist other runners and researchers, hoping to shed light on what works for him amidst the silence from clinical trials regarding hydrogen-infused water for those afflicted with Crohn's.

Sport-medicine expert Dr. Konstantinos Papadimitriou highlights the gap in data concerning elite athletes with Crohn’s, asserting that only 0.5% of patients in international registries report maintaining high-intensity exercise levels. Brunken understands the gravity of his situation; many athletes with Crohn's have faced career-ending challenges, like Olympian sprinter Carrie Johnson and NFL quarterback David Garrard. Therefore, his podium finish is not just an achievement; it signifies hope in the endurance sports community.

Nutrition That Supports Performance

Nutrition on race day is another critical component of Brunken's strategy. Conventional energy gels can cause gastrointestinal distress for many runners, including Brunken. He has found success using Maurten hydrogel, carefully timing his intake around water stations. This, combined with a low-residue Huel base and Baja Gold electrolytes, has proven effective, enabling him to negative-split the last 10K of the Kansas race, a testament to his meticulously planned approach.

Brunken insists on a disciplined approach to running that incorporates data-driven choices rather than relying on ''magic'' products. "Hydrogen water, Baja Gold, Huel—none of this is magic. It's data, discipline, and a willingness to look foolish while experimenting," he explains.

A Voice for Change

Beyond personal accolades, Brunken has a bigger vision. He yearns to raise awareness and foster discussions surrounding chronic illness within the athletic community. As he reflects on his journey, he recalls the discouraging words from doctors who advised him to abandon his athletic ambitions. Brunken expresses, "If I never win another race, but one person gets motivated to pursue their dreams because they witnessed my perseverance, then every mile I've run, every experiment I've conducted, and every setback I've faced will have been worthwhile."

For researchers intrigued by his methods or looking to adopt his findings in studies, Brunken invites collaboration, hoping to further knowledge around athletic performance in the face of chronic health challenges.

Matthew Brunken stands as both a testimony and an inspiration to many, demonstrating that the human spirit can overcome substantial obstacles. His journey continues to resonate, proving that with hard work, creativity, and a commitment to sharing knowledge, barriers can be broken.