Over 240 Medical Interventions at Madrid Marathon Due to High Temperatures

A 50-year-old runner is in serious condition after suffering heatstroke during the 48th edition of the Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid.

Generic image of a crowd of runners in an urban marathon.
IA

Generic image of a crowd of runners in an urban marathon.

The 48th edition of the Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid, held this Sunday, required medical attention for 244 people, with one runner in serious condition due to heatstroke, attributed to high temperatures.

During the event, which was marked by temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, emergency services had to intervene in numerous cases. The most severe incident involved a 50-year-old participant who collapsed.
This runner was initially treated at the advanced medical post in Colón by Samur-Protección Civil. After being stabilized and intubated, he was transferred to the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, where he remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Out of the total medical assistances, 24 individuals required transfer to various hospitals. The most common ailments included dizziness, fainting, exhaustion, and cramps, all typical pathologies in endurance events when combined with high heat.
The emergency response team comprised over 200 professionals from Samur-Protección Civil, strategically positioned along the route. Three advanced medical posts were set up at key locations such as Recoletos, Colón, and Casa de Campo, enabling a rapid response to incidents.
This year's marathon edition attracted nearly 47,000 runners across its three distances (marathon, half marathon, and 10 kilometers), setting a new participation record. This massive turnout, coupled with the heat, increased the physical demands on runners and elevated the number of medical interventions during the event.