Nine runners have died so far this year in Germany (and there have been deaths abroad — at the Comrades and London Marathon), causing a public discussion to ensue. The following is the statement by the German road running organisers: GRR is concerned about the health status of runners — and recommends accompanying measures for German road races.

The interest group of Germany’s largest road racing events, German Road Races (GRR), is rightly concerned about the health status of the running community. There have already been nine deaths at running events in Germany—and deaths abroad, such as the recent deaths at the Comrades Marathon in South Africa.

The spokesmen for GRR are greatly concerned about these numbers, and due to the suggested measures that have been hastily introduced into the discussion, GRR has conducted a survey among its members.

A Sound Set of Opinions

More than 75 percent of the GRR event organisers have responded — in part with extensive statements, providing the committee of GRR spokesmen with a sound set of opinions. Following an analysis of a total of 48 GRR members who facilitate races for over 350,000 runners in Germany, a catalogue of precautionary measures has been recommended, which is to present strategies for better preparedness in emergency situations—although it is certainly not possible to entirely prevent deaths from occurring.

The German Athletics Association (DLV), which authorises the events and monitors the observance of basic event regulations, has already expressed great interest in developing appropriate precautionary measures together with GRR.

“We are astonished at the great response,” says GRR spokesman Horst Milde. “This clearly demonstrates that we are giving serious thought to the well-being of our running clientele. Together with the DLV, we have made it our business to provide our fellow event organisers with a list of appropriate measures!”

Rejection of Medical Certificate Requirements

The GRR road race organisers clearly reject the idea of requiring participants to provide medical certificates, an idea that was hastily suggested as a response to the recent deaths at a variety of different-length running events. Not only would that have legal consequences, it would also mean an administrative task that would hardly be possible to handle in the time available. Instead, German Road Races is supporting improved opportunities for health education and training assistance within the running community.

“In most cases, our event organisers already require a signed declaration that the athlete is in ‘appropriate athletic condition’ and a statement on his general health. However, that is not enough!” says GRR spokesman Wilfried Raatz with regard to the current registration procedure. In the future, German Road Races wants to require a binding declaration that a health check with a specialist has been conducted shortly before the respective event.

Catalogue of Precautionary Measures

In addition, a catalogue of precautionary measures is to include the requirement that the event organisers must provide intensive preparatory courses with expert advice on training, nutrition, and proper conduct before, during, and after the competition. We are also striving to intensify the emergency and first aid support through an exceptionally high number of support stations. That should primarily happen in close cooperation with the local medical service providers.”

However, German Road Races dismisses the fear-mongering that is being encouraged in part by the media. “That only leads to unnecessary feelings of insecurity, which does not help us out at all. We need to focus on an educational plan that is accompanied by preventive measures,” says GRR spokesman Horst Milde.

“In addition to promoting the self-responsibility of every individual runner, our main task is to encourage each runner to adequately prepare for the events. Unfortunately, despite all of the precautionary measures that are to be taken, a certain health risk will always remain.”

Wilfried Raatz
GRR Spokesman