91.68% finish rate for 97th Comrades Marathon

Of the 18 884 Comrades Marathon entrants, 79 suffered difficulties along the route, with 17 313 managing to finish their race on time.

This translates to an impressive 91.68% finish rate for the 97th running of the Ultimate Human Race.

According to Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) medical convener Dr Jeremy Boulter, 555 runners received medical treatment at the Finish Venue Medical Facility at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse.

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“The majority of athletes were attended to at the main medical tent, while a small percentage received R&R, rubdowns, strapping, massage and mild treatment at the St John’s tent,” said Boulter.

“Seventy-nine runners were rushed to hospital for treatment, 31 of whom were referred by a medical tent to the hospital and 48 were taken directly from the route. Twenty-four athletes were admitted to hospital and were doing well.”

Dr Boulter said, over the years they have implemented extensive medical, emergency, first aid and physiotherapy provisions for the thousands of Comrades participants.

“We work with Netcare 911, these much-needed medical amenities are made available at strategic positions along the route and at the finish venue,” he said.

“Our medical services consist of 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.”

He added that runners who were attended to at the medical tent were dehydrated and exhausted.

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