GEORGE TOWN: Participants in outdoor sporting events must prioritise safety and avoid pushing beyond their physical limits, especially in demanding conditions.
Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen urged the public to minimise strenuous outdoor activities and keep track of what is happening with their bodies.
“We encourage the public to be mindful of their physical condition and not overexert themselves. It is always okay to ‘fight’ another day,” he said yesterday.
Gooi was commenting on the death of a 42-year-old man, who was believed to have been suffering heatstroke when he collapsed at the end of a 30km trail running event on April 25.
The event began at 6.30am with a route that took runners over hilly forest tracks around the city. The victim reportedly fainted near the finish line at about 4pm.
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He was confirmed dead at 2.08am the following day, with the cause of death identified as heatstroke with complications of rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and multi-organ failure.
Gooi stressed that event organisers must ensure adequate safety measures, including sufficient hydration and refuelling stations throughout the course, as well as medical teams on standby.
Participants, he added, should also take personal responsibility by staying properly hydrated before and during events.
However, he commended the trail run’s organisers for their swift response, noting that medical personnel attended to the victim promptly and ensured he was rushed to hospital.
The incident marked the state’s first heat-related fatality this year and the country’s second – previously, a two-year-old child died of heatstroke after being left in a vehicle in Seremban.
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Meanwhile, Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said participant safety remains the top priority for the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM).
Wong, who chairs the annual year-end event, said the race is structured to minimise heat-related risks, with the full marathon starting at 1.30am and the half marathon at 3.30am.
“We reduce heat exposure by scheduling the race from midnight to early morning.
“For daytime runs, participants should be mindful of the tropical heat,” he said, adding that PBIM organisers will further strengthen medical and safety preparations this year by appointing IHH Healthcare as its main medical partner and sponsor.
Hydration support will also be enhanced, with water stations placed every 2km to 3km along the route.
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Runner Krystal Khaw, 37, who has over a decade of competitive experience and finished second runner-up in the women’s 50km category of the April 25 trail run, recalled how hot it was that day.
She said the race typically takes about 10 hours to complete, exposing runners to midday heat.
“There are two aspects to managing heat – external and internal,” she said.
She advised runners to cool themselves often by pouring or spraying water on the face, head and chest, and to wear light- coloured, breathable clothing.
She also stressed the importance of balancing water and electrolyte intake, warning that excessive plain water or ice-cold drinks could cause discomfort.
“When you sweat, you lose water, salt and other minerals. What is lost must be replenished.
“While these are competitive events, participants often go ultralight. Sometimes, it is wiser to carry a little extra – especially hydration – even if it adds some weight,” she added.
Fitness trainer Jason Lee, 34, said those exercising outdoors in hot weather should watch for signs of physical stress and avoid overtraining.
“Dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps and headaches are warning signs that the body is struggling with heat and dehydration.
“Pace your exercise, take breaks and avoid peak afternoon heat. Rest and recovery are crucial, as fatigue raises the risk of heat- related complications,” he said.
