Running is good for the body and soul but be aware of the risks
- The Hong Kong marathon is a wonderful event. But competitors must, as I know from personal experience, ensure they are free from health concerns
One night, during a cold spell in Hong Kong in 2016, I woke up with agonising back pain. I had never experienced anything like it before.
After what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only 10 or 15 minutes, the pain eased and I fell asleep. But it returned a few days later.
Worried, I went to see a doctor. It was not my normal GP, as this was a Sunday. I was referred to a physiotherapist for treatment to my back and assured the problem had nothing to do with my heart. Then, with the benefit of hindsight, I did something stupid. I went for a run. The back pain returned immediately and I stopped running for a while. But then it went away and I continued for a few kilometres without any problem. I soon discovered I had been dicing with death.
When the pains later returned, I visited my GP. He advised me to get my heart checked out and might have saved my life. An MRI scan revealed one of the main arteries to my heart was 85 per cent blocked.
Marathon runners should get heart checks before races, Hong Kong experts say
The diagnosis was heart disease. This came as a shock. I have always been quite slim and sporty. I have never smoked. An annual health check, which included an exercise electrocardiogram, had not revealed any problem. But I should have been aware there was a family history of heart disease.
A stent was inserted during surgery, unblocking the artery. I will always remember the words of my cardiologist as I lay on the operating table at the end of the procedure. “I don’t know how you did that run,” he said, “but we will have you running again soon.”
I was quickly back in training, proceeding cautiously, monitoring my heart rate and listening to my body. I competed in the Discovery Bay 10km race the following November and was thrilled to run in the 10km challenge at the Hong Kong marathon in February 2017. Two years later I recorded a personal best in that race.
Tens of thousands of fellow runners experienced the joy of running in the Hong Kong marathon last Sunday. I am delighted to see this wonderful event back to pre-pandemic participation levels. Tragically, however, a 30-year-old engineer collapsed and died soon after finishing the half-marathon.
I do not know the full circumstances of his case, so make no comment on it other than to express my great sadness and to extend condolences to his family and friends.
There have been six deaths among runners in the event since 2006. They have occurred among competitors in their 20s and their 50s and in different races, including 10km contests.
Fatalities in such races are rare. But they serve as a warning to runners. It is imperative that competitors do their best to ensure they are fit, well-trained and free from health risks before they take part in a race. Hidden heart conditions are the biggest problem.
A 2014 study found a third of competitors in the 10km race did not do a single day’s training. I hope that position has now improved. The Hong Kong marathon, like similar events, attracts runners with different levels of experience and ability. That is part of its appeal. But all competitors, whether running for fun, charity, or in pursuit of medal-winning feats need to be aware of the dangers.
Runners are required to fill in a health conditions form in advance, inquiring about chest pain, high blood pressure and heart problems. Those who tick any of the boxes are warned they may not be suitable and are strongly advised to seek approval from a doctor before competing. A marathon clinic, including a fitness assessment, was available for HK$500 to HK$700.
Ultimately the responsibility lies with the runners to ensure, as best they can, they are fit to compete.
I had a lucky escape. I am eternally grateful to my doctors for finding the heart condition and fixing it – and to my cardiologist in Hong Kong for encouraging me to keep on running. I am still pounding the streets.
Running is, for me, one of life’s highlights. Generally, it is good for body and soul. May we run free but with safety and awareness of the risks.
