Emergency Services Called as Marathon Participants Overcome Heat in Leiden

Several people overcame the heat at the marathon in Leiden. The 10 kilometer distance was later canceled in consultation with the emergency services. Before that, the start was postponed by an hour due to warm weather.

It is not known how many people have become ill and how they are doing. Several ambulances were called.

“We think it is a great shame, but in consultation with the emergency services, the 10 kilometers have been cancelled,” the group writes on its website. “Anyone still on the course for other distances is asked to start walking.”

“Everyone was already in the starting box when it was announced that the 10km race had been cancelled,” said a reporter from Western Broadcasting. “Things seem to be very wrong here. The emergency services are working everywhere.”

“It’s busy, it’s hot, so it’s not surprising that people are suffering from the heat,” organizer Tjeerd Scheffer told Omroep West earlier in the afternoon. Emergency services are based in the – everywhere on the course to help runners in an emergency.

The full marathon started at 10am and the half at 11am. “Everyone who registered for the 10 kilometers will receive a message from us next week,” said the group.