Lessons learned in Callum’s collapse
GOLD Coast Marathon organisers have outlined their readiness for any medical situation in the wake of Callum Hawkins’ dramatic collapse in the race at the Commonwealth Games.
The Scot’s collapse in the final stages of the race, while leading the field, was one of the most dramatic moments of the Games.
Organisers came in for massive criticism after it took several minutes to get medical help for the stricken runner, who was clearly in distress.
But Gold Coast Marathon medical director Dr Brent Richards said his team was well prepared to support runners on the course.
“We have a full medical team and that includes QAS (Queensland Ambulance Service) and St John (first aid) along the course as well as specialists from the ED (emergency department) and ICU (intensive care unit) and
medical tents and nurses, so we’re very well prepared for this,” Richards said.
“It’s an environment we’re very used to, we’ve been doing this for many years now.”
Hawkins suffered from heat stress as the temperature rose to 28C during the final stages of the marathon.
Temperature is in favour of runners this weekend, with an expected maximum of 21C.
“Be careful to make sure that you drink properly all along the way,” Richards said.
“The weather conditions can sometimes be a bit confusing, so always make sure you drink more.”
Pindara Physiotherapy’s Richard Newton said poor planning and pacing led to most issues on course.
“All the work should have been done prior and getting the pacing right is really important as well,” Newton said.
“A marathon is a long way — even a half-marathon is a long way and you need to have trained for that.”
Marathon boss Cam Hart said three-quarters of the runners in the sold out marathon were from outside the Gold Coast, with exposure from the Games giving the event a boost.