Published: 10:33 p.m. EDT, September 16, 2023 | Updated: 11:30 p.m. EDT, September 16, 2023
Crude video footage shows huge queues for toilets under the Harbor Bridge ahead of the iconic Sydney Marathon.
A record-breaking number of runners started the biggest marathon in Australia’s history on Sunday as the New South Wales capital was rocked by scorching heatwaves.
A short video posted on X (formerly Twitter) showed huge queues outside public toilets.
Crude video footage shows huge queues for toilets under the Harbor Bridge ahead of the iconic Sydney Marathon
A record-breaking number of runners started the biggest marathon in Australia’s history on Sunday as the New South Wales capital was rocked by scorching heatwaves
Despite concerns about the high heat and billowing smoke, the weather remained largely clear and had no impact on the athletes, organizers said.
Moroccan Othmane El Goumri emerged winner of the men’s race with a time of 2:08:20.
The long-distance runner beat Kenyan Laban Korir and Ethiopian Getaneh Molla Tamire, who came second and third respectively.
Canberra-born runner Brett Robinson finished ninth with a net time of 2:23:04.
Former Kenyan and current American runner Betsy Saina, who has plans to compete in the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials, secured victory in the women’s race with a time of 2:26:47.
Ms Saina was just a few milliseconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Rahma Chota and Kenya’s Gladys Kiptegai, who took third place with a time of 2:28:41.
Australian Sinead Diver, who is reportedly struggling with injuries, finished eighth with a time of 2:31:27.
Despite concerns about the high heat and billowing smoke, the weather remained largely clear and had no impact on the athletes, organizers said
The marathon took place despite high temperatures being forecast for Sydney due to an impending heatwave
To alleviate the smoky haze in the capital days before the major event, burns were suspended to reduce the risk
The marathon took place despite high temperatures being forecast for Sydney due to an impending heatwave.
To alleviate the smoky haze in the capital days before the major event, burns were suspended to reduce the risk.
Marathon race director Wayne Larden said organizers had placed an additional “drink station” and three ice stations in the middle of the course to help athletes struggling to cope with the rising heat.
“The safety and well-being of our participants is our top priority,” he said in a statement.
“We are working closely with key stakeholders, including the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), to ensure the highest safety standards are implemented.”
Marathon race director Wayne Larden said organizers had placed an additional “drink station” and three ice stations in the middle of the course to help athletes struggling to cope with the rising heat
NSW Health’s Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr. Jeremy McAnulty, urged people to take precautions amid the recent rise in asthma attacks
NSW Health’s Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr. Jeremy McAnulty, urged people to take precautions amid the recent rise in asthma attacks.
“Simple precautions can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.” It’s important to avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated by keeping outdoor physical activity to a minimum during the day and staying well hydrated by drinking water . “Don’t wait until you’re thirsty before drinking water,” said Dr. McAnulty.
“The best way to avoid the heat of the day is to stay indoors and close curtains and blinds early.” If you don’t have air conditioning, using a fan can help, moistening your skin with a sponge, spray can or water-soaked towel, to stay cool.
Thousands turned out for the Sydney Marathon on Sunday morning, with runners competing until lunchtime
Runners take photos while running on the pavement during the Sydney Marathon on Sunday
