Runners in Groningen marathon treated for heat exhaustion

Two runners taking part in the Groningen marathon were taken to hospital with heat exhaustion as high temperatures took their toll on the 10,000-strong field.

Extra ambulances had to be laid on as seven people needed treatment for heat-related problems during the main race, which began at 10.30am.

The UMCG hospital said two people were admitted to the emergency department at around 2pm. The local safety council advised people not to travel to the city during the afternoon because of the pressure on emergency services.

The Drenthe running festival in Klazienaveen was cancelled on Saturday because of forecast high temperatures, but in Groningen the races went ahead. Altogether 12,000 people took part in 10K, half marathon and marathon races in the northern city.

A spokesman for the Red Cross told local news site Dagblad van het Noorden that runners had struggled with the high humidity and strong sunshine, which made conditions more taxing than the temperature of 21C suggested.

Marathons were also held on Sunday in Utrecht, where one runner was taken to hospital after collapsing, and Amersfoort, where two people were treated for heat-related conditions, RTV Utrecht reported.