Most weekends, news from the world of endurance events differs greatly from "ordinary" news. While nightly news casts are full of doom and gloom, race news is generally about people overcoming major challenges and achieving great success. Unfortunately, this weekend was somewhat different.
For the first time in its history, the Chicago Marathon was cancelled mid-race due to weather conditions. Hundreds of participants required medical attention and one runner died, apparently due to the heat. The temperature at 8 a.m. was a very unseasonable 69F, and it warmed into the 80s before the race was cancelled three and a half hours later. Though race officials planned for the higher temperatures, participants reported many aid stations were unprepared for the increased demand for fluids.
Tragedy also struck the Army 10-miler held in Arlington, Virginia. A local man died within sight of the finish line. Again, warm weather was cited as the probable cause.
My first thought is that as endurance athletes, we need to keep our competitive natures in check. Anyone knows that training on an 85F day requires we slow down, increase fluid intake, and watch for signs of heat related illness. Unfortunately, we sometimes lose sight of this when racing. The desire to finish, beat a PR, or achieve some other goal can blind us to our own safety.
There are a great many concerns when racing in the heat. Two, heat stroke and hyponatremia, have the very real potential to be fatal. Many others can turn a nice day of racing into a less exciting day in the emergency room. And just because it's the fall or winter doesn't mean these issues can be ignored.
The tragedies of the weekend are shocking reminders that the sports in which we particpate can be dangerous, even deadly. As with so many other aspects of our lives, we must be responsible for our own safety. Race officials and volunteers face tremendous limits when it comes to controlling all of the factors that can impact a racer. Participants must play an active role when it comes to ensuring they end the day in one piece.
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