TREASURE COAST MARATHON MEDICAL POLICIES
The Treasure Coast Marathon Medical Team urges all runners to consult their individual physician and to educate themselves about medical issues and risks relating to marathon participation. Only a physician who is familiar with your personal medical history, your current health, your medications, specific medical condition(s), and risk factors, can advise you as to whether you are in proper health condition to run the Marathon of the Treasure Coast safely.
We also recommend that all runners seek information on precautions you should take in preparation for this type of endurance event. Some of this information will be provided below. The responsibilities of every participant are as follow:
- Consult your physician.
- Fill out the Emergency Information and Medical History form on the reverse of your bib number.
- Listen to the weather forecast. Know the risks and plan accordingly when running during hot or cold conditions. Both heat-related injuries and hyponatremia (abnormally low sodium condition)are life threatening conditions. Adjust your race and hydration plan accordingly. See below for more information.
- If you suffer from chronic medical conditions that may require administration of emergency medication, such as asthmatics that utilize inhalers, or diabetics who may develop hypoglycemia, it is recommended that you carry your rescue inhaler or glucose tablets (or alternative) with you during the event.
SERVICES
A medical team will be available at the finish line. Medical staff will be available to answer medical questions or concerns, and assist you in time of need, if necessary. Our medical team staff may consist of any or all of the following professionals: a medical doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, podiatrist, chiropractor, medical assistant and/or medical student.
- At least one emergency medical doctor/medical director will be stationed at the finish line at all times. Medical personnel can be identified by red volunteer shirts. If you are injured or feeling ill, please seek out a member of the medical team for assistance. Conditions that will be treated at the finish line medical station include:
- Minor injuries
- Muscle strains and dehydration. Specific treatment for dehydration will consist of oral hydration, intravenous hydration and/or medication for nausea/vomiting, if necessary.
- Treatment for minor injuries and strains will include bandages, ice and BioFreeze. For any runners who demonstrate evidence of impending circulatory or respiratory collapse, immediate transport to the nearest hospital will be available. This decision will be made by a medical doctor.
The marathon route will have medical aid stations at three locations, strategically located along the course (miles 7, 14 and 21) . Each station will be staffed with a variety of medical professionals. Basic first aid will be provided, along with oral hydration and electrolyte replacement.
Hyponatremia and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Warnings:
The Treasure Coast Marathon medical team strongly encourages each registered runner to review the online brochure, entitled The Right Way to Hydrate for a Marathon
This information was compiled by the American Medical Athletic Association, and offers important information relevant to athletes of all abilities. It is important for runners to be aware that there are many risks involved in running a marathon. Also, it must be understood that a runner’s susceptibility to a particular risk will depend on a number of different factors, including factors unique to the individual runner.
For instance, one of the risks which is receiving attention is hyponatremia. There are studies which indicate that females, and those taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs (such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, ibuprofen, naproxen etc.) may be particularly susceptible to this risk. There are also reports of increased risk of renal failure and rhabdomyolysis following use of NSAIDs during endurance events.
Unfortunately, no one study is definitive or comprehensive. Therefore, our medical team urges all participants to avoid NSAIDs for 24 hours prior to the marathon, and for 8 hours following the race. We encourage runners to seek further information and education by visiting websites such as that of the American Running Association, at www.americanrunning.org and the many “Running-Related Brochures” and “Fitness Links” referred to at this website.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Policy
In light of the growing outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, The Marathon of the Treasure Coast organization team is carefully monitoring risks and mitigation plans pertaining to the spread of infection to our athletes, spectators and community members.
Currently COVID-19 presents low level of risk in our area and to the general American public at this time according to both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are monitoring the situation closely.
At this time, the Marathon of the Treasure Coast Medical Team is recommending standard prevention measures to protect our athletes, volunteers and community. Standard prevention for the spread of infectious disease include:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
The World Health Organization has also published a printable version of these reminders.
People with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, household members, intimate partners, and caregivers in a non-healthcare setting of a person with symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection are encouraged to follow the CDC Interim Guidance for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Homes and Residential Communities.
The Marathon of the Treasure Coast continues to monitor risks pertaining to the coronavirus COVID-19 and will update our policy appropriately as it relates to our event. For additional updates from authorities please refer to these information sources: