Some 30,000 runners braved smoggy conditions to participate in the 35th Beijing Marathon yesterday.
As the fastest runners crossed the finish line at around 10am, the US embassy’s monitoring station recorded an air quality index level of 175, which is classified as “unhealthy” and not suitable for “prolonged or heavy exertion.” The AQI climbed up to 216 by noon, when most amateur runners would be completing the course.
Eight runners were sent to hospital, according to the Beijing Times, including at least one who suffered a heart attack. The Beijing Morning Post reports that three were hospitalized for dehydration.
Initial reports said that six runners and a race official had to be rushed to hospital after suffering heart attacks. However, Quartz cautions this is probably an exaggeration – as bad as the capital’s pollution is, seven heart attacks “would be an astounding number.” Still, only one person had been discharged by Monday morning, and three remained in serious condition, according to the Beijing Times.
Despite the hazardous conditions, pollution levels at this year’s race were substantially better than they were last year, when the AQI hit 400. Runners who participated in the 2014 event – many donning masks – told That’s Beijing it was “like running on Mars.”
There were fewer masks this year, but the usual assortment of wacky costumes was on display.
This year’s competition was won by 41-year-old Kenyan Mariko Kipchumba, who finished in 2 hours 11 minutes. Berhanu Tolcha from Ethiopia came in second place in 2:11:37, followed by Wirimai Juwawo of Zimbabwe, who finished the 42.195-kilometer course in 2:14:25, reports Xinhua.
In women's competition, Ethiopian runner Betelhem Cherenet clocked a winning time of 2:27:31, followed by second-placed compatriot Abebech Bekele. North Korea’s Sin Yong Sun took third place.
[Updated: This post originally quoted a South China Morning Post article, which reported that seven people had heart attacks.]
[Images via SCMP, NetEase, Straits Times]
SEE ALSO: "Like Running on Mars" – Runners share their 2014 Beijing Marathon Stories
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