The weekend of October 5 saw exceptionally high temperatures across Quebec, prompting record-breaking heat that posed significant risks for marathon runners. Medical interventions during races surged dramatically, almost forcing the cancellation of one event due to heat-related incidents.
Record Temperatures Impacting Runners in Quebec
On October 5, Montreal recorded a historic temperature of 29.6 degrees Celsius, as reported by Environment Canada. This unprecedented warmth for early October created challenging conditions for athletes participating in various races.
Medical Emergencies Surge
Jean-François Millette, head of the medical team for the races, noted a staggering increase in heat-related medical calls. At the P’tit Train du Nord marathon in Saint-Jérôme, temperatures soared to nearly 35 degrees with high humidity. This extreme heat resulted in over 14 medical interventions during the race, a number significantly higher than typical.
- 14 potential heat-related interventions at P’tit Train du Nord marathon
- 9 individuals transported to hospitals
- 25 total interventions during the Granby marathon with 5 ambulance transports
Due to the overwhelming number of medical issues, organizers temporarily halted the event to ensure safety. Millette stated, “It was overwhelming; we had to take immediate action.”
Challenges Faced by Participants
In another incident during the half-marathon in Lachine, a runner suffered a cardiac arrest but was successfully revived on site before being rushed to the hospital. The intense heat also led to a higher-than-usual number of runners dropping out.
Adjustments Made for Safety
For the first time, race organizers extended the time limit for participants to allow them to run at a slower pace. Preparations included mobilizing extra medical staff in anticipation of the heat. The race regulations, established by the Quebec Athletics Federation, recommend canceling events when temperatures exceed 27 degrees.
Despite the challenging conditions, the Granby marathon benefited from a shaded route, which helped mitigate some heat effects. Émilie Fournier, an event organizer, expressed relief, saying, “We were fortunate to have shaded areas on the course.”
Community Response to Unseasonable Heat
Across Montreal, residents took advantage of the warm weather. Parks and terraces were filled with people enjoying the sun, while ice cream shops saw long lines. The unusual warmth for October led many to wear lighter clothing, with some shedding layers entirely.
Overall, the record temperatures on October 5 posed serious challenges for runners and organizers alike, highlighting the need for caution and effective planning in future events. The heat may have pushed the limits of safety, but it also brought the community together to embrace the moment.
