Sunshine puts heat on runners

Sep 21 2009 by The Journal

GLORIOUS sunshine meant a perfect day for spectators for yesterday’s run – but it took its toll on runners.

The 17C degree heat and bright sun led to around 50 people being given treatment at the finish line.

Three more serious cases were transferred to South Tyneside Hospital.

Dozens of others were treated for cramps and minor tumbles. Dr Chris Vallis, Medical Director for the Run, said: “In conditions like this without a cool breeze it increases the number of heat collapses we get.”

Over 500 medical staff were spread over the route with 100 based at a field hospital on the finish line.

Dr Vallis, a consultant at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, said: “We are far better staffed here than many hospital casualty departments.”

Most collapses took place in the final three miles of the course as runners struggled to reach the race’s end.

Dr Vallis said that costumes rarely caused problems for runners, despite the heat.

He said: “People wearing teddy bear suits tend to take the race more slowly.

“We get the occasional pink fairy but runners in costumes are quite unusual to see for serious collapse.”

Volunteer staff from the British Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance and North East Ambulance were joined by doctors and nurses from across the region to provide medical coverage.

Golf buggies were used to move paramedics quickly between stations and 24 ambulances were stationed along the route.

Frank Strand, 67, of Steward Crescent in South Shields, has taken part in all 29 races since the Great North Run was started in 1981.

Mr Strand, a retired metal worker, said: “It’s one of the hottest I’ve done but it was still lovely to be out.”