US News
Chicago Marathon Marred By Unseasonable Heat, One Dead
By Karyn Chenoweth Oct 8, 2007, 14:30 GMT
Berhane Adere from Ethiopia, the winner of women\'s competition in the 30th Chicago Marathon, is being escorted by a volunteer after crossing the finish line, 07 October 2007 in Chicago, Illinois, the United States. Adere finished with time of 2:33:49 hours. Some 45.000 runners from 120 countries tok part in the 30th Chicago Marathon. EPA/KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI
As record heat gripped the midwest, the scheduled Chicago Marathon was shut down on Sunday after sweltering temperatures left one runner dead and sent at least 49 to a nearby hospital. Another 250 people were treated at the site of the event, officials said.
Chad Schieber of Midland, Michigan, 35, a father of three, was pronounced dead upon arrival at a Veteran's Affairs hospital.
Schieber collapsed while running on the South side of the Marathon site. His autopsy was scheduled on Monday, reports CNN.
Not enough water and power drinks were supplied, reported by CNN. Many runners ignored official warnings and continued even as the temperature and humidity continued to rise.
Chicago is the location of one of the world's five 'major' marathons, alongside Berlin, London, New York and Boston.
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Older Talkback
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I was there yesterday, a lot of people did stop running, And.... FYI I have done numerous runs, I thought the marathon crew did a great job, there was never an Aid station that was empty, they performed their max, they added extra aid stations, provided extras due to the heat, it is unfair to the marathon support team to blame them for not being prepared. As a runner yesterday, it was difficult at best, the only people to blame is yourself, for not listening to what your body is telling you.
and the spectators of Chicago- you guys are awesome!! The water sprinklers were a hit!
I also ran yesterday....but there were stations that were empty. The tables were flipped over and leaned up against trees and the workers were standing there telling us sorry....but there was no water or gatorade. Some of the following stations had water, but no gatorade. I passed atleast three aid stations without any liquids at all. It was really smart to cancel the race. People were dropping everywhere and there weren't enough ambulances to handle everyone. Personally I think it is horrible that the officials are telling the news that there was water at every station. Some of the water was hard to get to at some of the stations, but there were definitely water stations that had No water at all.
Thanks Jack for your well thought out response. I ran yesterday and thought that all the aid stations were well staffed. However, I finished before the race was cancelled. It was extremely hot and I was not prepared for how difficult it would be to finish. We should learn from this situation, but we don't need new restrictions on marathons. Sometimes, things happen that are out of our control. My heart goes out to the family of the police officer who died. We need to keep his family in our prayers.
The Chicago Marathon is a great international event, much preparation by runners themselves and event organizers, much anticipation before the big day. I have been a runner all my life and have done the Chicago 3 times, I have enjoyed this great experience. Even though I didn't run this year, it's still fun to be a part of the event, knowing what runners are feeling. As I exited my hotel that morning to see the runners come by, I was hit by the warm air and thought about the runners who were participating that morning. I knew instantly that it was going to be a difficult time for many runners. So when runners did come by it was so exciting to see the mass of people, I was more concerned about runners that were at the end, different body types, knowing that they probably didn't train on a regular basis. So we cheered everyone that went by and hoping the best for them.
As a runner, I am responsible for my training and well being, I should know my limitation. As a race director, he/ she must think of all the runners in that event. Sometimes difficult decisions have to be made for the sake of the runner. Yesterday's decision to stop the event was a good decision. Many will learn from this day and many will be back to run this Chicago marathon again..........Sincerely, Raul
While it makes sense to me (a non-runner) to quit running when one feels overheated; my cousin does the Marathon Man (?) & he trains like a machine! These guys who train so hard to run have built such resiliance (mental just as much as physical), that 'just stopping' when one feels overheated would bring an end to every single practice run & definately wouldn't get them in the marathon. Do I think there are some athletes that are obsessive & fanatical? Yes, and I admire them and are inspired by them in so many ways, as long as they're not intentionally doing harm to themselves.
I live in Lincoln Park & actually had so much fun when I couldn't cross-over to get back to my apartment on Sunday. I was at Fullerton & Stockton, and got to see incredible musicians playing for the runners, a Yoda -runner, a Guy Riding a Chicken -runner, ballet tutu-runners, 2 gentlemen wearing pink feathers & holding hands (cute); and how inspiring it was when the runners would turn the corner & light-up when they saw the band, who were also hot & sweaty, each giving eachother a 'thumbs-up', and singing together when U2's 'Where the Streets Have No Name' was being played.
I DID see that there was not enough water when an older runner got on the microphone announcing that water is desperately needed; and again saw how desperately thirsty people were when one mom and daughter were trying to bring-out small trays of water from Caribou (Clark & Arlington/Fullerton), and runners were so appreciative, but it was gone within 1 SECOND, and was never enough!
Sometimes these kinds of events bring out both the best and the worst in people (and sometimes myself), and that I get to choose which one that is. I am so so so blessed to have been among it. Thanks to everyone who participated. K.J. kharney@yahoo.com
My husband and me attended our first marathon to watch our son, a first-timer in the marathon! It was an overwhelmingly great and moving experience, good and bad. But the good definitely overcame the bad. Yes,there was a lack of planned and efficient water distribution, stopping the race and huge mass confusion at Grant Park, but I have to say, I hope next year Bank of America can learn from mistakes and capture the heart of this race. To see all the dedicated runners (we don't come from a running family), filled me with pride and excitement at the dedication of everyone who participated! My son listend to his body (stomach cramps at 10mile mark) and walked a lot of the course. He was told to stop at 20 mile mark and he walked back to Grant Park finish line. But we stressed to him that it was the goal-setting, committment and discipline experience that he gained AND to listen to his body when it says stop.We are so very proud of him. Friends have called all day to check on him!
Our compassion and thoughts go to the family of Chad and to all the runners that are ill.....here's to next year and we plan to be there cheering for all of you!
It's the Marathon a kick you in the butt race. Remember the first guy who ran the marathon, he did not finish in the most ideal condition. Note the seriously trained athletes completed the race running. For those of us including myself more caution is required. Yes, its difficult to not finish the race after months of training, but then again that's what it is all about man/woman at their basics with nature. Sometimes people and nature flow as one and other times nature is an opponent. Sunday nature won.
I was one of the 11,000 people forced to quit by the police. YES... water was gone. I am a slower runner (13min/mile), and the very first water stop was empty! The very first one! It was then that I knew we were not going have enough water, since the faster runners had already thrown all of it on themselves (which I would have done too... they did not know that there wasnt enough). What makes me furious is that everyone is blaming the weather.
I started training in April
I ran through all of the summer months.
So... I trained in 90 degree weather... alot... as did the majority of the runners.
It was poor planning. Admit it. The race committee had the weather report days and days in advance.
it wasnt the weather, it was the water!
oh, and Thank You to the hundreds and hundreds of Chicagoans who were out there with pitchers of water and ice from your own houses, and hoses from your yards. You guys were great! Many more people whould have succumbed to dehydration if not for all of you!
the guy from midland had a bad heart.
You cant blame the planners. They have done this race for years and never experienced this type of weather. Maybe they did have more water then they have had in the past but who would have thought that would not have been enough.
Hindsight is always better
Another thing, what are we to do from now on, have every city in the country have EVERY preperations needed for any kind of natural disaster that MAY strike their area?
It is just impossilbe to do that. You just have to prepare as well as you can.
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jackOct 8th, 2007 - 17:25:50
should have stoped running,don't ya think
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