Monday, October 28, 2024
| Updated 10/29/2024 4:26 p.m.
Although these are usually exceptional circumstances, the truth is that there are times when the deaths of participants in popular races must be regretted. On Sunday, Donibane Lohizune-Hondarribia was tinged with mourning. A 31-year-old runner from Iparralde died shortly after reaching the finish line in this half marathon. The medical services could do nothing. There are many reasons why a runner, no matter how prepared they are, can suffer cardiac arrest or other health problems. And, sometimes, no matter how many prevention measures organizations put in place, it is not a controllable issue.
In Donibane, since the start is in French territory, it is essential that participants attach a medical certificate when completing registration. Either that or they are federated, for which they will also have to have previously carried out controls by qualified personnel.
In fact, the organization of the Donibane, which had 3,000 registered, makes it clear on its website and in the regulations of the event: “It is remembered that all runners and according to the regulations of the French Athletics Federation, have the obligation to to present an updated medical certificate (made no earlier than October 27, 2023) or a sports license valid at the time of registration.
This is not something that happens with the popular ones in Gipuzkoa or in any territory at the state level. Here it is not necessary to present a medical certificate to be able to run, whatever the distance. Of course, for a few years now, it has been necessary to pass a medical examination to become federated in athletics. “Remember that a medical examination is mandatory to obtain a license,” warns the Basque Athletics Federation. These tests are different depending on the discipline practiced and the age, being more demanding for those over 40 years of age and for medifondo, long-distance and 400 meter hurdles athletes. A long-distance specialist who is 41 years old, for example, will have to undergo “maximum stress tests, a baseline electrocardiogram and a physical examination-anthropometry” annually.
«Attention in seconds»
The organization, led by Hondarribia Kirol Taldea and Ur Joko Arraun Taldea Club Aviron, issued a statement explaining what happened: “With great regret, the organization of the Donibane-Hondarribia Half Marathon announces the death of a participant in what was supposed to be today. a celebration of sports and personal improvement. In this 25th edition, a 31-year-old runner fainted at the moment of crossing the finish line, after having completed the route of the race that connects Donibane Lohizune and Hondarribia.
«The medical services made available to runners located in the finish area and equipped for this type of emergency, attended to the athlete in just a few seconds, acting as quickly as possible and with the necessary resources to try to stabilize him. Despite all the efforts made by health personnel, unfortunately, the fatal outcome was not avoided,” the note continues.
«This half marathon, as in all previous editions, is carried out under a strict health and safety protocol, which is reviewed and adapted each year to ensure the well-being of the participants at all times. However, events like these remind us of the complexity and intensity of sporting events. The “Donibane” not only represents a race, but a tradition of effort and dedication shared by thousands of people, and today we have to deeply mourn the loss of one of our own. Likewise, during the development of the test, two other people experienced health problems, so they were quickly evacuated: one of them to the Bidasoa regional hospital and the other to the San Sebastián Polyclinic, where they are being treated and their diagnosis is reserved”.
La Behobia – San Sebastián asks for caution
To participate in races such as the Behobia – San Sebastián it is not necessary to present any type of medical certificate. It is not required by law, at least at this time. However, the Fortuna CD, which has also had to mourn on occasion the death of one of the participants in the twenty kilometer race, has been asking the runners for caution for years and trying to avoid misfortunes through different programs.
This year, without going any further, the organization of the popular Gipuzkoa is insisting through its social networks on the importance of knowing how to act in situations such as high temperatures. «In heat, the marks on Behobia worsen. Don’t look for a brand,” they insist. Likewise, they offer on their official website a section called ‘Health’, with training, nutrition guidelines, signs and symptoms questionnaires prepared by a medical committee…
