30+ Marathon Runners Taken To Hospitals

Los Angeles - At least one runner in today's Los Angeles Marathon collapsed and was hospitalized in critical condition, while at least 31 were taken to hospitals with aliments including fatigue, dehydration and chest pain, authorities said.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics made 115 medical assessments during the 26-mile, 385-yard race, with 31 runners taken to hospitals, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Seven runners were taken to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, while the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital received 10 patients as of 6:30 p.m., according to Elaine Schmidt, a senior public information representative with the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.

The course ended near the Santa Monica Pier and went through Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, the first time the Los Angeles Marathon extended outside the Los Angeles city limits. The Los Angeles Fire Department assigned 10 two-person paramedic teams on bicycles to patrol the marathon.

They rode along the course both in Los Angeles and areas normally covered by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics and the Beverly Hills and Santa Monica fire departments.

Those agencies reported a handful of aches, cramps, dehydration and shortness-of-breath complaints, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

"It's important for people running a marathon to stretch, eat properly and stay hydrated tonight and in the days following the race," said Dr. Wally Ghurabi, medical director of the emergency department at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital.

"Running a marathon is stressful on the body, no matter how one prepares. Taking it easy and allowing your body to recuperate afterwards is the key to a healthy recovery."