Experts say the reason behind runners collapsing or dying during races could be linked to a number of issues including underlying illness or conditions.
Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Newspapers
The death of a runner during the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon on Sunday has sparked a wave of concern. Taryn Armour, aged 48, collapsed shortly after passing the 11-kilometre medical point.
IOL reported that a medical team attended to Armour but she passed away.
Armour, aged 48, was a beloved wife, mother and friend.
In April last year, Siraaj Toefy suffered a fatal stroke.
Cape Argus reported that Toefy from Schaapkraal, completed the Totalsports Two Oceans ultra-marathon before succumbing to a stroke. Toefy was 60-years-old.
Two runners, Phakamile Nthiza and Mzamo Mthembu, also died after taking part in last year's Comrades Marathon.
While questions are raised about runner preparedness and fitness, the cause of death could be linked to several factors.
Taryn Armour collapsed just past the 11km medical point. The TTOM 2025 medical team attended to her, but she sadly passed away.
Image: TTOM/IOL
Baylor University Medical Center cardiologist Peter McCullough said when someone in their 20s or 30s dies suddenly after a run, the cause is likely to be a thickening of a section of the heart wall that does not develop during puberty years, according to runsociety.com.
Another cause could be ventricular tachycardia, a condition where the heart beats too fast, leading to a heart attack.
Last year, the Comrades Marathon Association organisers revealed that more than 550 runners received medical treatment at the Finish Venue Medical Facility at the HollywoodBets Scottsville Racecourse.
CMA chief medic, Dr Jeremy Boulter, said the majority of the runners who were attended to at the Medical Tent were dehydrated and exhausted.
According to the CMA general race information page, runners who collapse or faint during a race, may have a history of underlying acute pre-race conditions or chronic health disorders especially those that are cardiovascular in nature.
"Collapsing or fainting that occurs during running, a training session or a race, is usually more serious. Causes can include exertional heatstroke, acute cardiac (heart) disease which can be related to a history of underlying chronic health disorders, acute lung conditions, complications of an acute pre-race infection or other acute pre-race illness, certain types of medication including the use of medication during a race that affect kidney function and electrolytes in the blood, muscle breakdown, serious blood electrolyte disturbances, and even rare kidney or gastrointestinal disorders," the CMA explained.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson, Garrith Jamieson, added that in the case of older runners, the exact cause could not be pinpointed.
He said it could be an imbalance with electrolytes.
"We do find that in the older age group, the ones who are more likely to take part in these marathons, could have underlying causes," he said.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL