We don’t usually mix sports and politics, but how could we not run the data after the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt released U.S. President Donald Trump’s medical records on Sunday? Although it’s unlikely a presidential marathon would ever happen, we crunched the numbers to see what he could do in his current physical state for 26.2 miles.
Last week, the 78-year-old underwent his annual medical exam and was deemed to be in “excellent” health, even earning a perfect cognitive test score. While there were a few abnormalities, the stats for someone nearing 79 are impressive and show some physical potential. So, could Trump realistically lace up and tackle 26.2 miles?
As promised on Friday, President Trump’s Annual Physical Examination Results: pic.twitter.com/skWfSRZ18N
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) April 13, 2025
Standing tall at 190 cm (6’3″) and weighing 225 lb. (102 kg), Trump’s exam revealed a few outstanding metrics, but the standout for us (runners) was his resting heart rate of 62 bpm. For a 79-year-old, this suggests the president has above-average cardiovascular health and efficient blood circulation, both of which are key components for marathon training. His active lifestyle, which he says includes frequent golf rounds and a busy schedule, appears to be paying off.
Equally noteworthy was his respiratory health, with a pulse oximeter reading of 99 per cent, a matching number to even some elite marathoners. Optimal oxygen saturation is essential for any distance runner, ensuring efficient oxygen delivery to muscles for sustained endurance. Add that efficiency with his hemoglobin (14.5 g/dL) and hematocrit (44.7 per cent) levels, which indicate Trump may have an above-average oxygen-carrying capacity for someone his age. Although there are doubters, the exam shows his respiratory and cardio systems could be well-equipped to handle the physical demands of the marathon.
But if there’s one thing that could hold the president back, it’s his height and weight. At 225 lb., he’s carrying a bit more than ideal for a marathon runner his age. Cutting 10–15 lb. (7 kg) could improve his efficiency and joint health, plus maybe an hour off an unlikely eight-hour finish time. Logging a few 100-kilometre weeks on Strava and cutting back on carbonated beverages might be the quickest fix.
So, could he finish a marathon? The internet is skeptical. While his active lifestyle and “packed schedule of meetings, public appearances and golf victories” suggest stamina, the sheer energy required for 26.2 miles might be a stretch for 45-47. Still, with grit and determination, maybe he could grind one out in 12 hours (walking). I’d still take the over.
