Abstract
Marathon race medical coverage involves coordinating many organisations, personnel and government agencies. An infrastructure of aid stations, finish-line medical tents, ambulance services, communication networks and transport vehicles support the medical professionals covering the event. Knowledge of the volume and type of medical problems that arise during a marathon allow the medical director to assemble the necessary components for a safe event. Published data and/or historical race information will assist in planning for anticipated medical utilisation. Organisers must prepare for uncommon but possible catastrophic medical events such as cardiac arrest and exertional heat stroke. Advances in point-of-care medical devices and significant increases in training and education of medical professionals providing care at these events have greatly improved the quality of on-site medical care at marathon races.

Similar content being viewed by others
References
Armstrong LE, Epstein Y, Greenleaf JE, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position statement on heat and cold illnesses during distance running. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996; 28 (12): i–vii
Herring SA, Bergfeld JA, Boyajian-Oneill LA, et al. Mass participation event management for the team physician: a consensus statement. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2004; 36 (11): 2004–7
Roberts WO. Event coverage. In: Safran MR, McKeag DB, Van Camp SP, editors. Manual of sports medicine. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Raven Publishers, 1998: 54–69
Cianca JC, Roberts WO, Horn D. Distance running: organization of the medical team. In: O’Connor FG, Wilder RP, editors. Textbook of running medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001: 489–503
Roberts WO. Part II: medical management and administration manual for long distance road racing. In Brown C, Gudjonsson B, editors. International Association of Athletics Federations Competition medical handbook for track and field and road racing: a practical guide. 3rd edition. Monaco: Imprimerie Multiprint, 2006: 45–81
Crouse B, Beattie K. Marathon medical services: strategies to reduce matter morbidity. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996; 28 (9): 1093–6
USA Track and Field Road Running Information Center [online]. Available from URL: http://www.mnningusa.org/index.shtml [Accessed 2007 Mar 28]
Acknowledgements
The author has indicated that he has no affiliation or financial interest in any organisation(s) that may have a direct interest in the subject matter of this article.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ewert, G.D. Marathon Race Medical Administration. Sports Med 37, 428–430 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737040-00040
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737040-00040