Yes, loyal readers, I am STILL dwelling on the debacle that was the 2007 Paris Marathon. And, I think, with damn good reason! The organizers of the 2007 Paris Marathon failed miserably to provide a safe course and protect the participants. IMO. Here’s what should happen when you run a marathon in above average/expected temperatures and the course runs out of water:
THE RACE DIRECTORS STOP THE RACE!
For example:
Runner dies, 300 treated as heat ravages Chicago Marathon
CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) — Organizers shut down the course four hours after the start of Sunday’s Chicago Marathon because of 88-degree heat and sweltering humidity that left one runner dead and sent at least 49 to area hospitals. Another 250 were treated at the site.
(snip)
The Chicago race was run in record temperatures, topping the mark of 84 degrees in 1979.
(snip)
Runners were diverted to the starting area, where they were provided with medical attention and cooling misters. Shortages of water and energy drinks were reported along the 26.2-mile route.Race director Carey Pinkowski said organizers were concerned that emergency medical personnel wouldn’t be able to keep up with heat-related injuries.
“We’re seeing a lot of our participants slowing,” Pinkowski said. “It was a contingency plan we had in place and we decided to implement as a precautionary measure.“
Yeah, this is what I’m talking about…
Continue reading ‘Yeah, what was the Paris Marathon thinking?’
