Runners must take precautions in the summertime

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At least eight runners were taken to the hospital with heat-related illnesses after a marathon on Sunday near South Korea's Demilitarised Zone with North Korea. This race took place in Paju, Gyeonggi, reports stated.

Authorities pointed to unseasonably warm weather as the likely cause. Emergency services were called mid-morning with reports of runners collapsing. The AFP news agency learned from officials that at least twelve runners had fallen ill, suffering convulsions, dizziness, and hyperventilation.

News reports stated that authorities said stricken runners appeared to have pushed themselves despite the rising heat. This is a sobering lesson for our running community, who may be pounding the Mumbai streets every morning. While it is heartening to see our roads, parks, and maidans filled with runners, especially early morning, when the sun is still a little forgiving, these reports show us that we need common sense to keep pace with strides.

As the mercury climbs higher, promising a bummer of a summer, runners need to be well prepared, in competition and even know just how much to push in training too.

Take care of hydration, and ensure that one has a source of good, clean drinking water while running, if not carrying a water bottle. If you experience giddiness or discomfort, take a break immediately, hydrate, and cool down. If still uncomfortable, stop running altogether and seek help. This is not alarmism, but cautionary advice.

Several runners will be preparing for various long-distance events. Today's India's running calendar has numerous races in the monsoon months. Let wisdom become your running partner.