Blazing Heat Hampers Marathoners

The 116th running of the famed Boston Marathon took place on Monday. And while, for the participant majority, the race was more about the goal of completion than finishing in any kind of pre-determined time, the stifling Monday heat turned out to be more than many of the 22,500 runners could handle. Among those registered for the race, about 4,300 chose to sit the race out due to the heat. An additional 2,000 runners required at least some medical attention and a tentative 120 people were hospitalized as a result of pushing too hard through the sweltering temperatures.

Race officials made sure they had plenty of extra water and rest areas set up along the course to aid the runners through the nearly record-breaking marathon Monday, and urged runners to take it nice and slow. Heat stroke due to overexertion and exhaustion were the main concerns, but pre-existing conditions among older runners were also among the potential for medical emergencies. Only one runner suffered seriously threatening complications but is expected to recover.

As for the race itself, Kenya once again reigned supreme as Wesley Korir finished first among the men, and Sharon Cherop finished first among the women’s field. Korir had the quote of the day after the race, saying, "It's hot out there, in case you didn't know."