Medical planning for mass-participation running events: a 3-year review of a half-marathon in Singapore

Abstract

BackgroundSystematically planning appropriate medical coverage for mass-participation running events is a challenge that has received relatively little attention in the medical literature, despite its potentially severe consequences. In particular, the literature lacks quantitative information on running events that medical planners can utilize for decisions on medical resource allocation and deployment.MethodsUsing a case-study approach, this study provides a detailed quantitative medical services utilization profile for the Singapore Army Half-Marathon, constructed from participant and casualty data spanning three years and comprising over 80,000 data points. Casualty rates for participants of varying age and sex in different running events were also estimated using a multivariate logistic regression model. Qualitatively, planning processes and practices were described and discussed.ResultsThe quantitative profile yielded three main findings. Firstly, the analysis reveals that the gross Medical Usage Rate had remained fairly stable at between 16.9 and 26.0 casualties per 10,000 participants over the three years. Secondly, comparing injury types, musculoskeletal and soft-tissue injuries were the most commonly-presented injuries. Thirdly, more casualties presented at the race end-point as compared to the along the race routes. The regression analysis showed that, of the four modeled variables, the longer event distance (21 km vs. 10 km) had the largest effect on the likelihood that a participant would become a casualty. Conversely, being of an older age, being male, and running in a non-competitive event were each associated with lower casualty risk.ConclusionsThe stable and intuitive casualty patterns detailed in this study provide a strong basis for further quantitative research on the medical aspects of running events, as well as for mass-participation sporting events in general. The qualitative aspects of this report may serve as a useful resource to medical planners for running events.

Incidence and characteristics of severe exercise-associated collapse at the world’s largest half-marathon

“…However, given that there is also a 2:1 ration male/female of starting runners, the risk of severe collapse was similar between males and females. This is in contrast to previous studies that have reported higher overall incidence of medical complications for female runners [16, 17]. However, it should be noted that whilst there is an overall 2:1 male/female ratio at Gothenburg half-marathon, this ratio varies considerably between different age groups.…”

“…In terms of risk factors for medical complications, inexperienced runners in long distance races [14, 15] and older female runners in half-marathons have been shown to be at highest risk [16]. In a study from Singapore half-marathon, Tan et al showed that young runners as well as female runners were at a higher risk of needing medical care [17]. The risk of the sudden cardiac arrests during marathon running, however, is generally low (approximated 1/50 000 participants) [18].…”

Medical support during an Ironman 70.3 triathlon race

“…While mass participation sporting events are increasingly held in many parts of the world, there have been few reports of casualty data and medical support plans. Medical planners could utilize data from similar events as a useful guide for training and equipping their staff 3 . Moreover, lessons learned can significantly reduce casualties in subsequent events by enabling preventive measures and improving preparedness 4 , 5 .…”

“…While the number of mass participation sporting events is on the rise, injury data and availability of medical support plans for such events remain underreported 3 . An understanding of the temporal and spatial characteristics of injuries sustained during triathlon races would facilitate appropriate medical support planning 1 .…”

Developing Information media as Dehydration Prevention Strategy In Indonesia Recreational Futsal Players

“…Prevention of dehydration through increasing awareness to drink required cooperation from all related stakeholders such as athletes, coaches, training center managers, and sport competition organizers. 14,24,25 This study also showed that majority of the subjects received information about hydration from television(52%, n = 11) and internet (43%, n = 9). This phenomenon was easily understood, since some TV commercials showed products for hydration and access of internet are easily get nowadays and commonly used.In the developed countries, the number of internet users reaches 86% of youth and 72% of themuse the internet to get the information about health.…”