KUALA LUMPUR – The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon took a sombre turn after one runner lost his life and 34 others found themselves hospitalised following this morning’s event, reported The Standard, a Hong Kong-based news outlet.
At approximately 12.12pm, a 30-year-old male runner collapsed on the platform of a metro station – Tin Hau MTR Station, alerting the platform staff.
The victim, identified as Zhang, was urgently transported to Ruttonjee Hospital via ambulance for emergency treatment but was later confirmed dead.
Sources suggest that Zhang may have succumbed to ill health after completing the half-marathon.
Throughout the race, several athletes experienced physical distress, with some requiring assistance for ailments such as sprains.
By noon, a total of 842 individuals had received treatment for various injuries, predominantly bruises and sprains.
As of 1.30pm, the number of those sent to the hospital reached 34, including a male runner who collapsed near the finishing line in Victoria Park during the 10-km race.
The race committee responded promptly, administering immediate treatment. Despite a temporary cessation of his heart, the runner’s condition improved significantly after receiving emergency care.
Of those hospitalised, one man remained in critical condition, while four others were classified as being in serious condition, as per the hospital authority.
It was reported that about 74,000 runners participated in the event, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels. – January 21, 2024