Medical Advisory

Before applying for the race and coming on race day, please review these medical scenarios based on the 2020 PAR-Q+:

1. Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition or high blood pressure?
2. Do you feel pain in your chest at rest, during your daily activities of living, or when you do physical activity?
3. Do you lose balance because of dizziness, or have you lost consciousness in the last 12 months?
4. Have you ever been diagnosed with another chronic medical condition (other than heart disease or high blood pressure)?
5. Are you currently taking prescribed medications for a chronic medical condition?
6. Do you have a bone, joint, or soft tissue (muscle, ligament, or tendon) problem that could be made worse by becoming more physically active?
7. Has your doctor ever said that you should only do medically supervised physical activity?

The above questionnaire helps identify any potential health risks associated with physical activity. You are strongly advised to consult your personal physician before embarking on training and participating in the long-distance race. If you have answered ‘YES’ to any of the above 2020 PAR-Q+ questions, it is even more reason for you to seek medical advice before you commence training and participate on race day. While long-distance running has its health benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge the reality of your body, mind, and the inherent risks associated with negotiating such extended distances. Train responsibly and ensure you are fit to participate safely.

Only a doctor who is familiar with your unique medical history, current health status, medications, and pre-existing risk factors can provide guidance on your suitability for training and participation in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024. By following these straightforward steps and heeding the counsel of your personal physician, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about participating in the race.

1. Before you reach the venue, we recommend taking a moment to complete the emergency contact information on the back of your bib. This information should include details such as allergies, medical conditions, and the contact’s name and mobile number of the person we can call in case of any emergency. Such a person should be easily reachable on race day and should ideally not be a participant in the 2024 Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. You agree, represent, and undertake that the information shared is true and legal. You agree that the Company shall not be held liable in any manner whatsoever for any wrong/invalid/half information/details submitted.
2. Rest and Nutrition: Ensure you’ve had adequate rest before the race, have a balanced meal the night before, and a light meal a few hours before the start.
3. Clothing: Dress appropriately in lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing to manage sweat and prevent overheating.
4. Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen (subject to your doctor’s advice in case of skin allergies) before the race and consider wearing a cap or visor to shield yourself from the sun.
5. Warm-up: Forecasted weather on race day Sunday, 20th October 2024 is High: 34° C and Low: 21° C. Engage in a light warm -up consisting of dynamic stretches and a brief jog for 5-10 minutes to prepare muscles and increase blood flow without overheating. Given the warm conditions, keep the warm-up short and efficient.
6. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and fatigue. Seek help if experiencing these symptoms while performing physical activities, training in sports, or running.
7. Temperature Watch: Given that the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is taking place on the 20th October, participants may experience a wide range of temperatures. Early morning temperatures may be around 20-25°C (68-77°F), but as the morning progresses, it could get warmer, potentially reaching up to 30°C (86°F) or higher.
8. Hydration: Begin hydrating well in advance and continue throughout the race. Utilize the hydration and electrolyte stations along the route. Sip small amount of water frequently rather than large amounts at once. Include electrolyte drinks when available to replenish lost salts, especially with the temperature reaching 34◦C. Water and energy drink stations will be readily available along the route. Nevertheless, understanding your body, its specific requirements, and your judgment and decision to be adequately hydrated from time to time will help you complete the race. However, do not unnecessarily stop at every station to avoid overhydration. Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid excessive rehydration immediately after the race. Rehydration should be a gradual process over the next 24 hours. Runners can monitor their fluid status in training through two methods: (i) measuring weight before and after a run while lightly dressed, aiming to maintain or lose no more than 2% of body weight, and (ii) monitoring urine colour to ensure it stays yellow, indicating adequate hydration, as overly clear urine could indicate overhydration, while dark urine could signal dehydration. As each body is unique, the above are just indicators/pointers. Medical and professional advice is recommended at all stages during training, during the race, and after the race.
9. Cooling Strategies: Use water stations to splash water on your face and body to cool down. Wet sponges or misting stations can also help reduce body temperature. You could consider wearing a damp neck scarf or headband for additional cooling. If feeling overheated, slow your pace or take brief walking breaks to prevent heat-related issues.
10. Pacing: Start at a manageable pace and avoid overexertion, especially considering the gradual rise in temperature as the morning progresses. Run at your own comfortable pace. As soon as you feel overexerted or feel dizziness, gasping for breath, palpitations, or a sinking feeling, chest pain, stop right there and seek help at the nearest medical camp.
11. Medical Support: Familiarize yourself with the locations of medical aid stations along the route and know whom to contact in case of any medical concerns.
12. Post-Race Recovery:
    • Cool Down: After finishing, as you cross the finish line, do not suddenly come to a halt. Keep walking ahead – this is a medical need. During any prolonged physical activity, the body’s blood supply tends to shift towards the extremities and away from internal organs. Therefore, it’s advisable for runners to continue walking and try breathing normally after completing the race. Standing still or abruptly stopping can induce feelings of nausea, dizziness, and weakness, often leading to fainting. Walking will help redistribute blood flow to vital organs, so it is recommended to stay in motion. This is particularly important given the high daytime temperature. If at any point you feel the need for assistance, please reach out to one of our medical personnel.
    • Rehydration and Nutrition: Continue to hydrate post-race with water and electrolyte solutions. Consume a balanced meal with carbohydrates and protein within 30-60 minutes to aid muscle recovery.
    • Monitoring for Heat-Related Illnesses: Be vigilant for symptoms of heat related illnesses, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive fatigue, or confusion. Given the forecasted temperature, the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke is heightened. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.

Responsibilities of Every Participant

1. It would be the sole discretion and responsibility of the participant to decide whether to participate on the race day if it coincides with a religious and/or cultural festivity wherein he/she follows a choice to fast.
2. Consult your physician before starting any exercise program. If you have diabetes, low/high BP, known personal or family history of cardiac diseases or any other health concerns/ diseases for which your doctor has recommended ongoing treatment, or have recently undergone major surgeries, recovered from post-COVID or any respiratory viral infection or you experience exercise-induced symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, seeking medical advice is essential. This ensures you are well-prepared and aware of potential health risks associated with distance running, promoting a safe and enjoyable experience on race day.
3. Fill out the emergency information on the reverse of your bib number, including allergies, medical history, medications taken.
4. Understand the local weather forecasts and risks associated with changes in temperatures during the run.
5. Develop a suitable hydration plan for race day.
6. If you experience medical issues, seek help immediately.
7. Aid fellow participants in distress and seek medical assistance if required and obtain assistance from our course medical groups or the event helpline number which is +91 85272 76694.