Comrades Marathon provides medical stats after the big race. Photo: Comrades Marathon/ Facebook
51 runners treated in hospital after Comrades Marathon
Out of the 51 runners, 20 were admitted into hospital and are all doing well, according to the Comrades Marathon Association.
Comrades Marathon provides medical stats after the big race. Photo: Comrades Marathon/ Facebook
Fifty-one Comrades Marathon runners required hospital treatment after the gruelling race this past weekend.
MEDICAL STATISTICS AFTER THE COMRADES MARATHON
Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Medical Convener, Dr Jeremy Boulter issued the medical statistics for the 2023 Comrades Marathon.
He revealed that 350 runners received medical treatment at the Finish Venue Medical Facility at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium.
Dr Boulter
“Of these, the majority of athletes were attended to at the main Medical Tent while a small percentage received R&R, rubdowns, strapping, massage and mild treatment at the St. John’s Tent.”
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RUNNERS WHO ENDED UP IN HOSPITAL
He added that 51 patients were treated in hospital; of those, 24 were referred from the Medical Tent at the Finish whilst 27 were taken directly from the route.
“20 patients were admitted into hospital and are all doing well,” Dr Boulter confirmed.
The CMA says it has over the years implemented extensive medical, emergency, first aid and physiotherapy provisions for its thousands of participants. Provided by Netcare 911 and Ampath Laboratories, these much-needed medical amenities are made available at strategic positions along the route and at the Finish Venue.
This comprises eight physiotherapy stations, a fleet of ambulances, several rapid response vehicles, a team of paramedics, a dedicated emergency helicopter, a 3-bed fully equipped ICU-type resuscitation area; a critical care emergency facility on the Finish Line and the St. John’s Ambulance Tent.
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DR BOULTER GIVES MORE INSIGHT ABOUT THE ENDURANCE EVENT
Dr Boulter further said, “The Comrades Marathon is known as one of the world’s toughest endurance events. The aim of our extensive medical provisions is to allow us to help a runner in just about any medical eventuality should the need arise.”
He added, “The majority of the runners who were attended to at the Medical Tent were dehydrated and exhausted. Although these are fairly minor symptoms, our medical staff had another busy Comrades Race Day on their hands but all within their grasp”.
IMPORTANT RACE FACTS
The 96th Comrades Marathon enjoyed an astounding 92,68% finish rate which is recorded as the highest-ever finishing rate in the race’s 102-year history. Out of the 16072 Comrades Marathon runners on the start line, 14896 runners completed the race.
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