More than 25 people have been taken to hospital, with several in a critical condition, after running the Sydney Marathon in unusually warm weather for early spring.
More than 17,000 runners took part in the 42km race, with NSW Ambulance paramedics providing treatment to 40 people.
“Twenty-six patients were transported to hospital via ambulance, with seven people in a serious condition,” a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said. “Private medical responders also provided support during the event.”
Temperatures reached 32C in parts of Sydney on Sunday afternoon, and peaked at 29.6C at the Bureau of Meteorology’s Sydney Harbour observation site.
At 7.30am, just after the marathon began, temperatures were already 20C and had risen to 24.3C by 9am.
“A deep, deep column of warm air” has built up over Australia, Karl Braganza, national manager of climate services at the Bureau of Meteorology, told Guardian Australia. “You typically see that occurring in January.”
The number of runners in the Sydney Marathon was more than double those who took part in Australia’s previous biggest marathon, held in Melbourne in 2019 with 8,100 runners.
Moroccan long-distance runner Othmane El Goumri, 31, claimed the men’s marathon title with a time of 2:08:20.
Race organisers were contacted for comment.
Last week, race director, Wayne Larden, said organisers had consulted “extensively” with key stakeholders, including NSW Health, the BoM and the RFS to ensure the safety of runners.
“Sydney Marathon is committed to delivering a world-class, safe event for participants on Sunday,” he said.
