July 19--Several long-distance runners from a downtown Chicago race were taken to the hospital Sunday after suffering from heat-related illnesses, officials said.
At least 10 racers from the Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment, according to a hospital spokeswoman. No details on their conditions were available.
Though weather conditions throughout Sunday were considerably milder than earlier in the weekend, temperatures already were in the 70s when the race kicked off in the morning. The temperature reached 78 degrees with 73 percent relative humidity by the end of the event, according to the National Weather Service.
Dan Cruz, spokesman for the event, would not say how many people needed to be treated for heat-related ailments but said that organizers reached out to runners before the race to help them prepare to race safely in the warm conditions.
Among other precautions, Cruz said, the organizers provided misting stations along the course, air-conditioned cooling buses at 3-mile markers, ice towels, and ice and sponging stations. Runners also were able to have cold chocolate milk and Popsicles at the finish line, Cruz said.
"Everyone knew before they stepped to the line that today wasn't the day to run a personal record time," Cruz said. "It was a day to run within their limits."
cdrhodes@tribpub.com
