Kiel run under great heat: Why there was no detriment!

Kiel run under great heat: Why there was no detriment!

Status: 09.09.2024 9:15 p.m.

The Kiel run turned into a health risk on Sunday: in brooding heat, numerous runners suffered circulatory problems and collapsed. In the meantime, organizers and fire brigade discussed why the event was not broken off - and appeal to the responsibility of the participants.

A shadow over the sporting event: Just one day after the fatal incident in the Kiel run, in which a 37-year-old died, a possible cancellation is vehemently discussed due to the extreme temperatures. Organizer Rainer Ziplinsky said that in view of the heat -related circulatory problems of many athletes, an interruption was actually considered. But with the aim of launching the event, it was quickly weighed and decided that this would have been the wrong step.

Why did the run stay despite danger? A delicate consideration!

According to firefighter Markus Brandau, a demolition in the last phase of the event would not only have been ineffective, but could also have triggered panic - a risk that nobody wanted to take. "A retreat could have led to chaotic scenes" - says Brandau. This explanation makes many notice: not to stick to the rules could have fatal consequences!

Risk management that was planned for months turned out to be not flexible enough for the suddenly occurring heat wave. Ziplinsky continued: "We had adjusted the catering stations in advance, but the number of drinks did not increase. Looking back, many believe that one should have done." The number of emergency services was adjusted relatively at short notice using the medical service when it became apparent that the risk blew up the framework.

Responsibility for each individual - a call to mindfulness!

The organizer made it clear that responsibility cannot only be on the shoulders of the organizers. Each participant must be aware of their own skills. Ziplinsky, even an enthusiastic athlete, Place an urgent call: "You have to know whether you are fit enough to start!" And the division into blocks, which takes place on a voluntary basis, demands even more personal responsibility from the athletes.

sports doctor Jan Eßer from the Baltic Sea sports clinic underlined the dangers that can arise from extreme heat. "By expanding the blood vessels, the body tries to regulate the temperature, which can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure and increases the risk of collapse." Eßer appeals to the sports community to react to heat warnings and to adapt its behavior accordingly - your own body must come first!

The conclusion is clear: the Kiel run not only showed sporting limits, but also health risks. The extreme heat challenges us all - be it in planning events or participation itself. It remains to be seen which teachings are drawn from this tragic day.