Four people collapsed and have been taken to hospital while taking part at a half-marathon in southwest London, police have said.
Due to the high temperatures which reached 32C in the afternoon, police officers were forced to aid the London Ambulance Service at the event in Richmond park.
“Please be careful out there folks, and stay hydrated,” Royal Parks Police urged.
The sold-out half marathon event began at 9.30am from the Sheen Gate and had 350 people take part, according to the Run Through website.
Officers have been assisting @Ldn_Ambulance after 4 people were taken to hospital after collapsing during a running event in #RichmondPark. Please be careful out there folks, and stay hydrated pic.twitter.com/kOCG005hUF
— Royal Parks Police (@MPSRoyal_Parks) August 14, 2022
The heatwave is causing London Ambulance Service to be overrun with thousands of calls, and some are abusive.
The service is currently receiving around 7000 to 8000 calls a day, but call handlers can take around 80 to 100 calls a day.
Although temperatures reached the low 30s in the capital for much of this week, it’s forecast to drop to 28C on Monday, with possible rain on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Health authorities are urging people to stay hydrated and alert for heat exhaustion, while the London Fire Brigade is warning people of how quickly grass fires can spread in current “tinder dry” conditions.
