Record heat for Chicago created chaos at the 2007 Chicago Marathon. It was a shame as the race attracted over 45,000 runners on its 30th Anniversary. At 7 am the City was a buzz with excitement. It was truly an international event where Chicago had the opportunity to show the world its best. As I approached the start line I noticed many groups from different countries ready to go. As I got to Corral C at 7:30 for a 8 am start, I even commented on how comfortable the temperature was. Usually we stood there freezing with clothing we would later reluctantly shed at mile 5 or so. Not this time. Everyone stood comfortably in tank tops.
I like every one else, I did not respect mother nature. As an Ironman, I thought the heat would not be a problem. I was wrong. I posted a 1:46 half marathon, but the heat quickly took its toll. Despite my preparation, and experience, I began to cramp uncontrollably and had to back down my pace walking significantly through the aid stations. At the end of it all, I ended up posting my worst time a 4:17, but quickly found out that only roughly half of the 45,000 finished the race. Things got ugly around 11:30 am as the heat peaked. Runners began to pass out and litter the roads. I quickly got used to constant sound of ambulances all around. It was clear that Chicago has a disaster on its hands.
As I finished the race, other runners were being rerouted through the finish line. I had just heard that the race had been canceled. At the finish line runners were going down all over the place. As I headed toward the exit, I heard a spotter frantically yelling runner down. With all the medics occupied, there was no one there to help but me. As the runner howled in pain and was on the verge of passing out, I knew I had to get him to the medical tent asap. This video on CNN somehow captured the scene. I'm in the blue shorts, white shirt and black visor at minute 3:32 and 2:10.
So what could have Chicago done differently? The biggest problem I observed was that water was being used to cool, not consume. While I did not experience a lack of fluids, my understanding is there was a problem behind me. Cooling mist tents could have been set up prior to the race to cool runners such that they didn't have to use water to dump on there heads. That said, we must respect the marathon. 26.2 miles is a long way and I think too many people show up that are too in experienced and unprepared. Remember, legend says the first person to ever to do a marathon in 490 BC dropped dead when he finished after delivering news on the Greek victory over the Persians. It's an endurance race against the distance and the elements. Chicago happened to get bad luck on a record hot day.
