More than a dozen runners were treated for heat exhaustion during the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday as temperatures soared to 23°C, with dozens of participants ending up in the hospital due to the extreme conditions. The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) reported that 16 people were transported to hospitals, while dozens more, including members of the public, received medical assistance along the route.
Heatwave Conditions Impact Marathon
The marathon, which started at Potterrow, passed through Aberlady, and concluded in Musselburgh, saw thousands of runners braving the sweltering sun. Temperatures were so intense that residents in Portobello used garden hoses to spray water on participants to help them cool down. An SAS spokesperson stated that runners were treated for a range of conditions, including heat exhaustion, throughout the route.
“Due to the higher temperatures experienced over the weekend, we responded to and treated an increased number of runners presenting with a range of conditions, including heat exhaustion throughout the route,” the spokesperson said. “We attended to 59 patients, with 14 patients transported to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and 2 patients transported to Western General Hospital.”
First Responders Praised
One marathon finisher praised the efforts of paramedics, saying, “There were hundreds of people KO’d along the route. The paramedics were run ragged, but they were excellent. All along the route, they were already at the people who needed them. 10/10, God bless our first responders.” Tens of thousands of spectators lined the streets, handing out oranges, sweets, water, and energy drinks to support the runners.
UK Heatwave Records
The UK experienced its hottest day of the year on Saturday, with the village of Frittenden in Kent reaching 30.5°C. Temperatures of 33.5°C were recorded in other parts of the country, marking the highest May temperature on record. The Met Office defines a heatwave as when conditions are hotter than normal for a region for more than three consecutive days. Eight areas in England, including Heathrow, Kew Gardens, and Northolt, have met heatwave criteria.
Stay cool during the heatwave by staying hydrated, using handheld fans, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak temperatures. For more stories like this, check our news page.
