Richmond Runfest Marathon Cancellation Sparks Apology Amid Sweltering Conditions
Organizers of a running event in Richmond have issued an apology after canceling a marathon when more than 1,000 runners were still on the course, enduring scorching 30°C conditions.
Event Cancellation Due to Depleted Water Stations
Richmond Runfest, which featured a 10k, half marathon, and full marathon, was abruptly canceled on a Sunday due to concerns about participant safety. The decision was made when two water stations along the route ran out of supplies during the intense heatwave.
Paramedic Response and Event Details
Despite no fatalities, paramedics responded to numerous calls as runners suffered from heat-related illnesses. The race started at the Old Botanic Gardens in Kew and concluded in the Old Deer Park in Richmond.
Organizer’s Acknowledgment and Regret
Race director Tom Bedford expressed regret over the decision, stating that, in hindsight, he would have canceled the marathon or even the entire event in advance. He thanked the medics for their swift response, preventing a potentially worse situation, but acknowledged that the medical provisions were insufficient for the extreme heat.
Factors Leading to the Cancellation
Bedford noted that a separate 10k race proceeded without incident on Saturday, giving organizers confidence for the following day. However, during the Sunday race, control rooms received numerous calls from marshals regarding heat-related illnesses. The high volume of calls and the necessity to safely cool down affected runners before responders could move on to other cases led to the difficult but necessary decision to cancel.
Weather Conditions and Participant Concerns
The event took place amid temperatures exceeding 30°C in the midst of a prolonged heatwave across the UK. Participants and observers raised concerns about incorrect signage, limited medical provisions, and a lack of evacuation planning.
Water Shortages and Mist Shower Inadequacy
Two water stations briefly ran out of water, and efforts to replenish them took longer than expected. Bedford admitted that they miscalculated the volume needed for cooling runners in the high humidity. Additionally, the provided mist showers and dunking buckets on the course were deemed inadequate.
Apology and Commitment to Improvement
In conclusion, Bedford acknowledged the mistakes made and pledged to do better in similar circumstances. He expressed a desire to have canceled the marathon if given another opportunity and apologized on behalf of the Runfest team.
The London Ambulance Service reported responding to multiple cases of people becoming unwell during the Richmond Half Marathon, further emphasizing the challenges posed by the extreme weather conditions.
Read the full statement from RunFest