Check out all the requirements runners must submit to marathoning at
this race...not necessarily a bad thing i suppose.....anyone know of
any marathons or ultras in the West that hold such requirements? I
just can't see US RD's requiring 2 physical exams....great way to take
money out of their pockets....but who knows...maybe to get these event
underwritten and bonded....it may just soon come to this in America...
Health top concern for marathon (map)
Fu Yingqing
2005-11-25 Beijing Time
HEALTH issues have taken over as the major concern prior to the 2005
Toray Cup Shanghai International Marathon tomorrow after two runners
died during the Beijing International Marathon last year.
All participants were required to take two physical examinations before
the marathon.
The first check was prior to signing up. Possible participants had
their blood pressure and heart rates recorded, which will then be
reported back to the marathon committee. The second check was performed
while signing up to confirm the validity of the first test.
"We are not taking in anyone with a history of diabetes, heart or lung
problems," says Zhang Yimen, an official with the marathon committee.
Zhang also said individuals above 70 were advised not to participate.
Several other safety measures have been introduced. Paramedic teams
will be stationed around the course every 5 kilometers. Each runner
will be provided with a bottle of Shexiang Baoxin pills - Chinese
medicine made from musk and ginseng to prevent coronary heart disease.
Four ambulances will also circulate the course, and workers will have
walkie-talkies to report any problems.
In case of an emergency, hospitals will open "green channels," which
mean registration and prepayment will not be required for any
marathoner needing hospitalization. Each runner's number tag will be
printed with name, emergency contacts, address, and blood type. The
tags will be pasted on both their chests and backs for the race.
The race is divided into three categories: the health run (4.5km), half
marathon (21km), and marathon (42km). The estimated running time of the
entire marathon is about six hours. All runners will start at the Peace
Hotel tomorrow and the marathon finishes at Minghang Stadium.
Certain sections along the marathon route will be blocked tomorrow
morning to make way for the event.