With 13 213 Comrades Marathon runners on the start line on Sunday, August 28, and 11 709 finishers, the Comrades Marathon’s Medical portfolio had another busy day on their hands.

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According to Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) race doctor, Dr Jeremy Boulter a total of 341 runners received medical treatment at the Finish Venue Medical Facility at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Of these, 221 were attended to at the main Medical Facility while 120 runners received R&R, rubdowns, strapping, massage and mild treatment at the St John’s Tent.

A total of 82 patients were treated in hospital; of those, 28 were referred from the Medical Facility at the Finish whilst the rest were taken directly from the route. A total of 19 patients were admitted to hospital; seven into ICU. By August 30 the few remaining in hospital were all fine and stable and are soon to be discharged.

Sadly, two athletes, Phakamile Ntshiza (Race No. 53126) and Mzameleni Mthembu (Race No. 56904) died at two different points along the route.

While details are still unknown, Mr Ntshiza had reportedly passed away before he could be transported to hospital while running close to the halfway mark. Mr Mthembu had suffered a heart attack whilst running along the Pinetown stretch of the Comrades route. He was taken to the Westville Hospital, where he later passed away.”

CMA chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo said, “We share our sympathy and condolences with the family, friends and running mates of these two athletes. We will continue to have them in our thoughts and offer them our support as they deal with their loss.”

Dr Boulter said that over the years, the CMA has implemented extensive medical, emergency, first aid and physiotherapy provisions for its thousands of participants. Provided by Netcare 911 and Ampath Laboratories, these much-needed medical amenities are made available at strategic positions along the route and at the Finish Venue.

This comprises eight physiotherapy stations, a fleet of ambulances, several rapid response vehicles, a team of paramedics, a dedicated emergency helicopter, a three-bed fully equipped ICU-type resuscitation area; a critical care emergency facility on the Finish Line and the St John’s Ambulance Tent.

The Comrades Marathon is a tough race. The aim of our extensive medical provisions is to allow us to help a runner in just about any medical eventuality should the need arise. The majority of the runners who were attended to at the Medical Facility were dehydrated and exhausted. Although these are fairly minor symptoms, our medical staff had another busy Comrades Race Day on their hands but all within their grasp.”