|
Four competitors died in stiflinglt hot and humid conditions in the Great North Run yesterday.The four men who were in a field of 38,000 runners collapsed at various points along the 13 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields.All four had passed the eight mile mark and one was only two miles from the finishing line.Each was givenemergency treatment at the roadside before being taken to South Tyneside general hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Temperatures in the North East reaches 68f,four degrees higher than usual and conditions were made even tougher with 70% humidity.With little shade on te course and hardly a breath of wind,runners reported seeing competitors as 'dropping like flies'.
The race organisers ,Nova International, expressed its deepest sympathy for the families of the four men.A spokesman said "We have extensive medical facilities at the course,some of the best around.It was an extremely warm day and as it had statred cold this caused a lot of runners problems".
The Great North Run started in 1981.This year's event is expected to raise £10m for good causes.
|
