On This Day | 1 runner resuscitated, more hospitalised during 2006 marathon – from the SCMP archive
Twenty years ago on February 12, 2006, amid the worst air pollution in months, multiple participants in city’s annual race sought medical attention
This article was first published on February 13, 2006.
By Andy Cheng and Alvin Sallay
Pollution takes its toll on marathon
Twenty-two people were sent to hospital yesterday, two remaining in critical condition last night (February 12, 2006), after taking part in Hong Kong’s biggest marathon amid the worst air pollution since September.
Many of the record 40,000 runners complained the “choking air affected their performance in the 10th annual Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, half-marathon and 10km events.
One competitor, surnamed Chu, 33, is in a critical condition in Ruttonjee Hospital after collapsing near the finish in Wan Chai. Chu stopped breathing and was resuscitated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
The second runner in critical condition collapsed in Tsing Yi. The man, surnamed Tsang, 53, is in Princess Margaret Hospital.