Before coming on race day, do review these medical scenarios.
- Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor? – Yes / No
- Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity? – Yes / No
- In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity? – Yes / No
- Do you lose your balance because of dizziness, or do you ever lose consciousness? – Yes / No
- Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity? – Yes / No
- Have you been suffering from any sort of virus or fever in the 2 weeks prior to race day? – Yes / No
- Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs for your blood pressure or heart condition? – Yes / No
- Do have any difficulty in breathing, especially in cold and dry conditions? – Yes / No
- Are you pregnant? – Yes / No
- Are you diabetic? – Yes / No
- Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity? – Yes / No
You are strongly advised to consult their personal physicians before embarking on training and participating in the long-distance race. If you have answered YES to any of the above questions, even more reasons for you to seek advice from your doctor before you participate on race day. While long-distance running has traditionally been considered a safe and beneficial form of exercise, it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent risks associated with covering such extended distances, especially if you have underlying medical conditions. Only a doctor who is familiar with your unique medical history, current health status, medications, and pre-existing risk factors can provide guidance on your suitability for participation in the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata. By following these straightforward steps and heeding the counsel of your personal physician, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and enjoy a healthy race.
Runners need to take responsibility for their own health by adopting right practices regarding training, eating and hydration.
Before you reach the venue, we recommend taking a moment to complete the emergency contact information on the back of your bib. This information should include details such as allergies, medical conditions, and the contact’s name and mobile number of the person we can call in case of any emergency. Such person should be easily reachable on race day and must not be also participating at 2024 Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata.
Medical Services on Race Day
Fortis Hospitals have the following medical facilities at the event venue/s and on route, strategically staffed with a variety of healthcare professionals to provide basic first aid to those in need. Medical personnel can be identified by their medical volunteer t-shirts. In case of injury or feeling unwell, please don't hesitate to approach a member of the medical team for support.
Please refer to your respective race route maps for medical facilities deployed for your race category and indicative locations thereof.
- 1 Medical base camp post finish
- 1 medical station in holding area
- 1 medical station near the tents of Senior Citizens Run
- 1 medical station near Champions With Disability
- 1 medical station near Post Refreshment Area
- 1 medical station near Elite Tent
- 8 medical stations on route
- 13 ACLS ambulances
- 9 Paramedics on Bikes along the race route to ensure help is made available at all times.
- Various medical personnel on the race route and at the base camp
- 20 to 25 Medical Spotters placed every 100m during the last 2 km of the race to identify participants in need of medical attention
When running in cold weather, here are a few medical advisories:
1. Layering: Dress in layers to maintain body heat. Start with moisture-wicking clothing as a base layer, insulating layers, and a windproof outer layer.
2. Hydration: Even in cold weather, staying hydrated is important. Cold air can be drying, so drink fluids regularly. Water and energy drink stations, courtesy Bisleri (Hydration Partner) and Fast & Up (Energy Drink Partner), are readily available along the 25K and Open 10K courses. Nevertheless, it is unnecessary to stop at every station to avoid overhydration. Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid excessive rehydration immediately after the race. Rehydration should be a gradual process over the next 24 hours. Runners can monitor their fluid status in training through two methods: measuring weight before and after a run while lightly dressed, aiming to maintain or lose no more than 2% of body weight; and monitoring urine colour to ensure it stays yellow, indicating adequate hydration, as overly clear urine could indicate overhydration, while dark urine could signal dehydration.
3. Warm-up: Spend extra time warming up before the race in cold weather to prevent muscle strain or injury.
4. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and fatigue. Seek help if experiencing these symptoms.
5. Post-Race: After finishing, as you cross the finish line, do not suddenly come to a halt. Keep walking ahead - this is a medical need. During any prolonged physical activity, the body's blood supply tends to shift towards the extremities and away from internal organs. Therefore, it's advisable for runners to continue walking after completing the race. Standing still or abruptly stopping can induce feelings of nausea, dizziness, and weakness, often leading to fainting. Walking will help redistribute blood flow to vital organs, so it is recommended to stay in motion.
If at any point you feel the need for assistance, please reach out to one of our medical personnel.
Post race change into dry clothes to prevent post-race chill and consider keeping yourself warm.
Responsibilities of every participant
- Consult your physician before starting any exercise program. If you have a known personal or family history of heart problems regardless of how insignificant you feel this is, you should obtain a medical consultation from a physician trained in exercise and related heart conditions. If you suffer from exercise induced chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or passing out, you should also consult such a physician before running at #TSW25K 2024.
- Fill out the emergency information on the reverse of your bib number, including medical history and your pre-race weight.
- Understand the local weather forecasts and risks associated with cold temperatures.
- Develop a hydration plan suitable for cold conditions, adjusting it as needed.
- If you experience medical issues, seek help immediately.
- Aid fellow participants in distress and seek medical assistance if required and obtain assistance from our course medical groups or the event helpline number which is +91 98677 22855.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Race!