2 runners die during Philadelphia Marathon

[Prometheus Bound]

Source: CNN

2 runners die during Philadelphia Marathon
By the CNN Wire Staff
November 20, 2011 -- Updated 2227 GMT (0627 HKT)

Philadelphia (CNN) -- Two runners died while participating in Sunday's Philadelphia Marathon, the race's director said.

.....The marathon runs throughout Philadelphia, with much of the course set along the Schuylkill River. Runners go past historic sites including Betsy Ross's house and the Liberty Bell, in and out of Fairmount Park, and through districts such as Manayunk and University City.

Unlike some other marathons, the Philadelphia Marathon "is open to all competitors" as participants do not have to have a qualifying time to enter, according to the race's website. But officially, all must register in advance to participate.

Cool temperatures, light winds and mostly cloudy skies were the rule during the race, which began at 7 a.m.

"It was perfect running weather, ideal for any runner. You would expect it more if there was really high humidity and hot conditions," runner Jamie DiMeglio told CNN affiliate WPIV, expressing shock at the two runners' deaths.

Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/20/us/pennsylvania-marathon-deaths/?hpt=hp_t3

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Dear Running Doc:

Again, 2 more marathon deaths. What can we do to stop this?

Steve F. Cleveland, Ohio.

* * *

.....We believe education is the key yet the message does not seem to be getting through to runners. From interviewing runners at expos and interviewing successfully resuscitated runners, here is what we know:

Runners tend NOT to get yearly physicals and if they do they don't tell tell their primary health care provider the amount and duration of exercise they intend to do. "Superman syndrome" still is prevalent and runners think if they run they are "bullet proof." Yearly, means every year even if you feel fine!

Although we are trying to get the word out about limiting caffeine to less than 200mg race day, mixed messages are still out there. Race organizers still sell expo booths to those who sell products with caffeine in them and articles appear by writers writing about the ergogenic aid caffeine could be; it may decrease your time by a few seconds. Worth it? I think not.

Although we tell people not to sprint to the finish, we still hear announcers egging on runners to "finish strong -- if you hear my voice you can finish under four hours." Both increase adrenaline and could lead to a heart stoppage.

And how many people have heard that taking a baby aspirin in the morning could be cardioprotective? Not enough....

Lewis G. Maharam, MD

* * *

Lewis G. Maharam, better known as Running Doc™, is the author of Running Doc's Guide to Healthy Running.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/runners-die-philadelphia-marathon-sunday-marathoners-heed-experts-advice-article-1.980469#ixzz1eJPisDip

[Gore1FL]

1. I wonder how they'll link this with Occupy... n/t

[-..__...]

2. I wonder how many class action/personal injury lawyers...

are racing to the finish line with pen and paper in hand?

[elleng]

4. 'Assumption of risk,' you think?

[boppers]

3. A 21-year-old and a 40-year-old.

At least they died doing something they loved.

[Prometheus Bound]

6. I see. That wasn't in the CNN report. Very sad. One finished. One almost.

During the race two participants reportedly died of what appears to be heart attacks. According to reports from the marathon organizers, a 21-year-old Asian man collapsed at the finish line, while another man who was age 40 went down just about a quarter of a mile from the finish of the 26 mile race.

http://newstaar.com/philadelphia-marathon-tragedy-2-dead-and-10-hospitalized-during-race/354777/

[Frontop]

5. What a pity

I'm very sorry to hear that. Personally, competitors should evaluate their own body whether they are suitable to participate the marathon. Hope they are happy in paradise.