A tragic incident unfolded at the Movistar Madrid Half Marathon, leading to the death of a 35-year-old runner who suffered a cardiac arrest just 500 metres away from the finish line. Alongside this heartbreaking news, a 20-year-old participant also experienced a cardiac arrest and is currently receiving intensive care. The older runner collapsed on Paseo de Recoletos and despite immediate medical attention, he was rushed to La Paz hospital without a pulse and could not be revived, as reported by Spanish news sources citing Emergencies Madrid.
A nurse from Samur-Protección Civil made efforts to resuscitate the runner at the scene of the incident. The organisers of the half marathon have expressed their deepest condolences, though specific details about the deceased have not been disclosed. This tragic turn of events comes just three weeks before the London Marathon, a significant event in the running calendar. The younger runner received prompt assistance from a doctor in the audience and two security personnel along Paseo de Recoletos. Following initial revival efforts on-site, he was quickly taken to the intensive care unit at Hospital Clínico.
As of the latest update on Monday afternoon, the condition of the 20-year-old remains uncertain. This distressing incident occurred despite the race organisers’ decision to relocate the finish line in an attempt to lessen the physical strain on participants. Previously, the Madrid Half Marathon would conclude at El Retiro Park, presenting runners with a final uphill challenge. However, after a participant’s tragic death in 2010 shortly after completing the race, the finish line was moved to Paseo de Recoletos near the National Library.
In a similar unfortunate occurrence back in 2005, a 24-year-old runner also lost his life due to a severe cardiac arrest during the 20-kilometre race. Despite medical responders’ efforts, they were unable to save his life. Approximately 27,000 individuals took part in Sunday’s half marathon, an event that has been running since 2001. Medical teams were kept busy attending to various other less severe cases throughout the day, with reports indicating around 50 people received treatment for conditions like heat stroke and sprains in Madrid on Sunday.
Although the weather in Spain’s capital was relatively mild over the weekend, with temperatures peaking at 18 degrees, humidity levels reached 100% in the morning, according to the Met Office. The tragic turn of events at the Movistar Madrid Half Marathon serves as a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges associated with endurance races. As the running community mourns the loss of a fellow athlete, thoughts and prayers are with both runners involved in this heartbreaking incident, as well as their families and loved ones during this difficult time.