SINGAPORE: Ms. Sara Haghani has been training for at least three weeks, and on December 1 she was running also past the 30 km level of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM).  ,
But things quickly started to unravel, with the majority of the 42.2km culture being run on the large open and shelterless West Coast Highway in blistering temperature.  ,
” It was around 10.15am when I reached it, but the sun was now up”, said the 26-year-old biology expert. ” I saw many participants lying down on the side ( of the road ), most likely due to heat exhaustion” . ,
Ms. Haghani herself slowed down as she went for a move out of fear of passing out or worse. ” The moon was just too strong”, she said.  ,
For tough situations, faced by the majority of SCSM athletes, was just the latest in a series of incidents at tribes this time which have frustrated hundreds.
These included hours-long prepares for dropped bags, severe congestion at begin lines, and also athletes being led down the incorrect roads.  ,
Complaints from outdoor runners and elite athletes have been reported on social media, leading to various race organisers apologizing either publicly or privately.  ,
The institution of a contest can also have implications for member security, as , Ms Haghani’s experience demonstrated.
Mr. Eugene Beh, who was photographing runners while on the triathlon training, told CNA that he had assisted three runners who had collapsed along West Coast Highway from heat exhaustion.  ,
The 50-year-old claimed that there could have been more thought given to athletes ‘ performance on such a challenging expand.
” Perhaps organisers planned in such a way because it’s a good view, maybe they can view Sentosa, but they forgot there is no house, nothing at all, and they are generally exposed to the elements”, said Mr Beh, who’s the leader of Singapore Runner’s Club, the largest running group around.
Santoz Kumar, the general manager of SCSM organiser IRONMAN Group, responded to questions from CNA and stated that this year’s race saw a” substantial increase in the general contribution amounts compared to previous centuries, which led to a” minor increase in the number of riders requiring medical assistance during the occasion.”
About 55, 000 took part in the 2024 SCSM compared with 44, 000 last month.
Mr. Santoz added that heat prevention measures were in place, including increasing the number of aid stations that offer water, osmotic sprays, and food from 30 kilometers onward. Additionally, there was on-site medical assistance, such as bedrooms and houses.