It's not surprising marathon runners face an increased risk of skin cancer due to long-term sun exposure. What's surprising is that so many are not taking measures to protect themselves from the sun's damaging rays.

A team of Austrian researchers, all of them dermatologists, became interested in studying long-distance runners when they realized they had collectively treated eight ultra-marathon runners with malignant skin cancer over a period of 10 years. All researchers are themselves enthusiastic runners, and two of them participate in marathons. The topic was near and dear to their hearts.

Research was conducted on white runners, so it is unclear if the findings -- listed below -- apply to black runners.

• Only 56 percent of runners in the study reported wearing sunscreen. Most were unaware of the increased risk to their skin -- and even the running researchers report it is good to be reminded to wear the right gear and regularly use sunscreen

• Many runners race with a lot of skin exposed. And sometimes training clothing covers different areas than racing clothing. Shoulders that are covered during training may be exposed during the long hours of a marathon. During triathlons, most wear a bathing suit for the duration of the event, leaving most skin susceptible to burning. Runners can lower their risk by training during morning and evening hours and wearing water-resistant sunscreen. They can wear clothing made of new fabrics that screen harmful ultraviolet rays.

• It's possible that endurance athletes may have suppressed immune systems caused by repeated tissue damage, leaving them more vulnerable to skin cancer.

While some marathon runners take pride in a bronzed skin -- proof they are running in the elements -- researchers hope runners will consider the risk they face. In some races, volunteers offer to quickly apple sunscreen on athletes who don't want to lose precious seconds as they race for the finish line. It's a start.

The largest sprint car racing organization World of Outlaws founder Ted Johnson has lost his battle with cancer. Johnson, who is credited with bringing sprint car racing national recognition and popularity, started the World of Outlaws nearly thirty years ago. Many NASCAR and Indycar drivers began in sprint car racing, and notable World of Outlaws drivers have included Steve Kinser, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Andy Hillenburg, Danny Lasoski, Jeff Swindell, Sammy Swindell, Donny Schatz and Dave Blaney.

Growing up, Johnson watched his father race motorcycles. As a teen, Johnson drove midget racecars. He went from that to becoming a china salesman before establishing the World of Outlaws. Today, the Skoal Outlaw Series is the fourth-largest racing series in the world.

"We lost one of the most charismatic pioneers in the sport and we lost a good friend. Prior to the formation of the World of Outlaws series, sprint car racing was disorganized and confusing to fans because racers went to whatever track would pay them the most -- hence the nickname outlaws. Ted gave sprint car racing and its fans order and helped it grow to a staggering level of acceptance," stated Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage.

"It's not possible to think of Ted Johnson and not think of the World of Outlaws and sprint car racing," said son-in-law Carlton Reimers. "He dedicated a tremendous amount of time, energy and resolve to the sport, but above all else Ted was sprint car racing's biggest fan. He loved the sport and those associated with it. Our family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers we have received. The racing community has truly lost one of its friends."

Johnson is survived by his wife Stacy, son Rick, daughters Lori and Lesa, and three grandsons. Johnson was 72.

Formula One mogul Flavio Briatore is recovering from kidney cancer surgery. Originally announced that he had kidney stones, Briatore revealed in a magazine interview that he had kidney cancer surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his left kidney.

For the ex-boyfriend of Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum, cancer has made life uncertain as to the direction he will choose to go in next, although Briatore, at 54, has made it clear cancer has transformed his priorities and his life.

Briatore says he must decide if he will continue as Renault's Formula One boss. "I am responsible for 900 people, who count on me. I do not want to let them down. But I also work for my own satisfaction and for results. For me, money will never decide my future."

Briatore is quoted as saying, "Fifteen percent of my existence was superfluous. Now I want to dedicate more time to those who really need it."

During my chemotherapy for breast cancer, I received the drug Adriamycin. Adriamycin is toxic and harsh and so powerful that when it makes contact with the skin it can cause a severe burn. How this drug cycled through my body without singeing my veins, I am not sure. Somehow, I survived it and can think back on this drug that is often called The Red Dragon.  It is wicked and fierce and unkind -- yet lifesaving as well.

The word dragon conjures up various images for me. I can clearly visualize the red liquid that dripped into my body many months ago with the purpose of attacking cancer cells. I also picture toy action figures that often cover my living room floor -- my five-year-old has a current love for dragons, and we have all shapes and sizes at our house. And lately, when I think of dragons, I see women in boats -- powerful women practicing the ancient sport of dragon boating.

I know women who participate in this sport through Team Survivor -- a group that provides free opportunities for physical fitness for women with cancer. And I just learned about Hope Afloat, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania's first breast cancer survivor dragon boat racing team.  With a mission of challenging their limits and not limiting their challenges, these women strive to awaken the dragon within through hope, support, and adventure.  This floating support group has been in existence since 2001 and welcomes all women with a history of breast cancer. Weekly practice, monthly meetings, and racing keeps these women in good shape and in good spirits. Go team!