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Four runners collapse during half-marathon in London heatwave

The temperature reached a high of 34 C only 30 minutes into the half marathon

Photo by: RunThrough

On Sunday morning at the RunThrough Richmond Park Half Marathon, in London, U.K, four runners collapsed and were rushed to hospital. (Reports say the temperature was 33 C at 9 a.m.)

Twelve paramedic vehicles showed up at Richmond Park in support of the race. Photo: @MPSRoyal_Parks/Twitter

The race began at 9:30 a.m., from Richmond Park in southwest London, with the temperature reaching a high of 34 degrees by 10 a.m. The London Ambulance Service took four people to hospital, who collapsed during the race. Race officials confirmed in a Facebook post at RunThrough confirmed the four individuals who went to hospital on Sunday were doing OK. 

Four hundred runners took part in the event, and reportedly there were only a few water stations on the course.

A runner cooling himself down after finishing the race. Photo: Run Through

On Sunday morning on Twitter, the Royal Parks Police issued a warning for exercising during a heatwave. 

Several race participants took to social media questioning whether the RunThrough event should have been allowed to go ahead despite the high temperatures.

Thomas Davies, a runner who took part in the race, said on Twitter: “I don’t think the race should have gone ahead. The heat was absolutely mad!”

Many runners were seen carrying hydration packs and flasks. Photo: RunThrough

Many runners were upset that the start was not moved to an earlier time.

On Saturday, the RunThrough event posted a warning message on Instagram: “If you are competing this weekend, remember to slow down the pace and hydrate before, during and post-race. Know your fitness and stay safe.”

When running in warm temperatures, here are a few tricks you can use to keep yourself cool.

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