Health Risks and Fatalities in Kazakhstan Marathons: Understanding the Dangers of Improper Running
In Almaty's Tragic Half-Marathon, a Chilling Reality
On a chilly April morning, two participants in Almaty's half-marathon collapsed and lost their lives. Rsaliev Akkoian, an octogenarian, crashed at the starting line, with a pulmonary embolism the presumed cause. Meanwhile, Nurbol Akhmedi, a promising young runner, fell unconscious near the finishing line, battling not only a pulmonary embolism but heart failure as well.
Unfortunately, such incidents aren't anomalies in Kazakhstan's mass races. In 2022, Rustem Sadikov, a 47-year-old participant in the Almaty marathon, succummed to a pulmonary embolism after running just ten kilometers, falling unconscious immediately after crossing the finish line. In 2018, Maxim Korolev, an 18-year-old student from Astana, perished during a half-marathon in Almaty.
Earlier this year, Oleg Tereщенko, a seasoned physical education expert, spoke to our site, expressing concerns over the safety of such races. He contended that neither schools nor universities adequately equip young people with comprehensive knowledge about physical exertion. In light of recent events, we sat down with him once more to discuss running for the benefit of health.
- Oleg, given the recent tragedies, do you have any thoughts to share?
- I'm deeply saddened by these events. It's quite possible that these individuals had underlying health issues, but overtraining is undoubtedly the primary culprit. Even if they had preexisting conditions, they wouldn't have participated in the race unless they were motivated and decided to do so.
- Organizers argue that the deceased were regular participants in Almaty races.
- That doesn't necessarily mean much. Frequent participation doesn't guarantee proper recovery. A well-trained marathon runner's pulse can take at least a week to return to normal following a 42-kilometer race.
Even after a half-marathon distance of 21 kilometers, the body undergoes immense strain. One might argue that endurance athletes live long lives, but it's essential to recognize that there are individuals who never brush their teeth and yet maintain healthy gums at 70. While such instances exist, they cannot be relied upon. It's crucial to consider an individual's specific circumstances, especially when discussing someone at 84 years of age. Their bodies will naturally have degenerative changes in their joints, muscles, and internal organs, weakening their reserves.
Read also: Parents, beware: The season of children's injuries has arrived
- Some argue that participants have signed a voluntary waiver, taking responsibility for their own health.
- That's accurate. They have signed a waiver, and I'm not placing blame on the organizers. The issue, however, lies elsewhere. A person cannot objectively assess their own condition without a thorough medical examination. This is an expensive procedure that most people do not undergo. Meanwhile, marathon participants often want to prove something, running to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle to others. Instead, these runs can actually harm their health.
- So, what would you recommend for runners?
- I've been running for years, and I've observed many runners who simply don't measure their pulse while running. Of course, they lead a healthy lifestyle, but they run based on feel, risking their health. God bless them for their determination, but caution is essential for a healthy life.
Some individuals may possess a strong internal control system, enabling them to sense when they're pushing themselves too hard. However, there are also determined, goal-oriented individuals who may overlook warning signs, refusing to accept when they should slow down or stop. This stubbornness can sometimes lead to catastrophic results.
Running should be based on pulse and controlled loads. Upon waking up, measure your pulse after sitting for three to five minutes. If your pulse is 70, for example, run three kilometers and then take a cold shower. Measure your pulse again after half an hour. If it has increased by 15-17 beats, that's normal. However, if it remains high, it's a sign that you've overexerted yourself.
Given the crucial importance of understanding running, it's disconcerting that schools don't stress the importance of pulse control. By the fifth or sixth grade, schoolchildren can grasp pulse ranges, but education systems fail to teach these essential lessons. Therefore, those interested in running should educate themselves through libraries and online resources.
Running, when executed correctly and with caution, can be an efficient and enjoyable form of exercise. However, like any physical activity, it comes with inherent risks, particularly for unprepared bodies and those with improper technique.
Excessive strain on joints and ligaments, especially in the knees and ankles, is a significant concern, often stemming from poor technique or excessive loads. Running on soft ground or surfaces with cushioning is advised, but we most often live in cities and run on asphalt, which can severely affect our joints. Proper running shoes are crucial, as poor-quality footwear can lead to severe foot problems.
The running technique itself is critical. The heel-lift technique, taught to athletes, involves slightly lifting the heel at the last moment before extending the leg. Running strictly on your heels or braking with your heels is not recommended. Measuring your stride length is also vital; overextending your ankle can lead to a braking stride that damages your ankle, knee joints, hip, and lower back.
Post-run recovery is crucial. If, after running five to six kilometers, you feel any discomfort the following day, it's a sign that your body didn't recover properly. By giving your body small, rhythmic loads with rest intervals, you can prepare your joints to run further without pain. Since these lessons aren't taught in school, interested runners should educate themselves through books and online resources.
In addition to joint concerns, running can pose cardiac risks, particularly for those with chronic illnesses. Proper medical clearance is essential, especially for those planning to run a marathon in polluted cities.
Moreover, failed start attempts and the herd mentality can also lead to unnecessary risks.Many runners rush to escape the crowded pack, speeding ahead too early and exhausting themselves later in the race. Joining a group or running with a friend can enhance safety and motivation.
In light of recent events, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports may implement stricter regulations for mass races, potentially enforcing mandatory health checks and improved medical certificates for participants. However, less responsible runners may choose to bypass these checks, viewing them as unnecessary.
CBG Tips for Safer Running
- Medical Clearance: Before starting any running regime, undergo a sports physical to identify potential health issues
- Proper Gear: Invest in comfortable running shoes that offer adequate support and cushioning
- Listening to Your Body: Pay attention to any discomfort or pain, and cease running if necessary
- Gradual Progression: Begin with short walks and gradually incorporate running intervals
- Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always warm up before running and cool down afterwards to prevent injuries
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after running to avoid dehydration
- Adequate Rest: Ensure you have sufficient rest and recovery time between runs to prevent overtraining and potential injuries
- Environment Awareness: Run in familiar, well-lit areas with regular foot traffic, especially at night
- Running with a Buddy: Join a group or run with a friend to enhance safety and motivation
- In the discussion with our site, Oleg Tereщенko, a seasoned physical education expert, emphasized the importance of science in understanding running and its impact on health-and-wellness.
- Tereщенko also highlighted the need for schools and universities to equip students with comprehensive knowledge about fitness-and-exercise, particularly in terms of understanding the effects of physical exertion on mental-health.
- To further promote safety in sports, especially running, the expert recommended practices like medical clearance, proper gear, listening to one's body, gradual progression, warm-up and cool-down, staying hydrated, adequate rest, environment awareness, and running with a buddy.
