London Marathon runners are being urged to stay sensible as Sunday looks set to be hotter than Madrid and Barcelona. Thousands of people will tackle the 26.2-mile route tomorrow (April 27), with temperatures soaring to 16C-22C in the middle of the race.
London Ambulance Service (LAS) is recommending that runners slow down to avoid exhaustion and heat stroke. The force's strategic commander Stuart Crichton, who’s also a senior paramedic, said: “This will be the year to focus on the fun rather than your finish time.
“Think about why you are taking part, the money you are raising for charity, rather than your personal best result. We know the heat affects performance and I would urge runners to adjust their goals and slow their pace.”
He is also reminding runners to drink plenty of water, put on sunscreen and wear weather-appropriate clothing. His paramedic teams will be out in force along the city-wide route, with 30 extra ambulances made available for the event.
There will also be dozens of medical response staff on foot, as well as paramedics on bicycles and motorbikes. LAS is opening 11 treatment centres in partnership with St John Ambulance too.
Among the crowds, there will be ten runners, including LAS chief executive Daniel Elkeles, taking part in the gruelling challenge to raise money for the London Ambulance Charity. They have already raised more than £20k that will go towards wellbeing initiatives for staff and volunteers out on ambulances or answering 999 calls.
The charity also trains Londoners how life-saving skills in a bid to save more lives across the capital.
Jessica Burgess, head of the London Ambulance Service Charity, said: “The London Marathon is an amazing event and the atmosphere on the day is always so vibrant and exciting. We are so proud to have our 10 amazing runners in the race and know it’ll be a real challenge for them.
“As a result of their spectacular dedication, commitment and endurance – we are better able to support paramedics and call handlers who care for Londoners every day.”
For more information about supporting London Ambulance Charity, you can visit the charity's website.
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