While the Boston Marathon finish line was the scene of many thrilling finishes and personal achievement, another common sight Monday was runners struggling to finish or needing immediate assistance once they did.
Temperatures in the 70s and bright sunshine made things difficult for some runners. Several were carried or assisted to the finish line, while others were visibly cramping or in pain. At least one was shown on television being taken from the Kendall Square area on a stretcher.
According to Boston Marathon medical director Chris Troyanos, 2,358 people were treated as of about 4 p.m. – 942 on the course and 1,416 in the finish line medial tents.
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Most were treated for exertional heat stroke. Several people had real medical emergencies with their core temperatures rising to 105 degrees and as high as 108. All were treated successfully.
According to The Associated Press, temperatures hit 79 degrees at the 20-kilometer mark in Natick. One of the elite runners, defending women’s champion Atsede Baysa, was seen being taken away from the finish area in a wheelchair.