Two half-marathon runners suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest at the finish of the event on Sunday, during the 31e edition of the Beneva Montreal Marathon. The organization of the event, however, indicated that they were doing well.
“They were instantly taken care of and resuscitated by the Beneva Montreal Marathon medical team, then transported to the event’s medical clinic,” said the organization, in a written statement sent to the Duty. The two men, aged 19 and 52, were then taken to hospital when their condition was stabilized.
During the 10 km on Saturday, a 71-year-old runner also suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest on the course around 11 a.m. He was resuscitated and treated quickly by the marathon medical team, with the contribution of Urgences-santé paramedics. “His condition is considered stable today,” said the Dr François de Champlain, medical director of the Beneva Montreal Marathon.
“With the plans we have in place, we are able to react quite quickly [en cas d’urgence] », explained Alex Ratthé, executive producer of the event. Nearly 300 healthcare workers were deployed throughout the marathon route. The latter extends from Espace 67, located on Sainte-Hélène Island, to the Esplanade of the Olympic Park.
The event kicked off on Sunday at 7:45 a.m. Under bright sunshine, nearly 12,000 people started the marathon and half-marathon. Around 8,000 participants set foot on the ground the day before, for the 1 km, 5 km and 10 km races.
Kenyan Felex Cheruiyot Rop was crowned champion of this edition of the Beneva Montreal Marathon, crossing the finish line on Sunday in 2:23:20. He was followed by Canadian Simon Leblanc, in second position, who finished the event in 2:23:52.
In third place, we also find a Canadian, Ahmed Mainy, with a time of 2 h 24 min 15 s.
Among the women, Kenyan Monicah Cheruto finished first, covering the 42.2 km in 2:53:47. Behind her, Canadians Joelle White (2:58:32) and Andréanne Sansoucy (3:02:51) won second and third position respectively.
The two Kenyan marathon winners, Mr. Rop and Mme Cheruto, both leave with a $5,000 scholarship.
Optimal temperature and route
Mr. Ratthé is delighted with the “magnificent temperature” in which the event took place. He also believes that the route of this year’s race was optimal. “We have every interest in continuing to work with this route,” he underlined, adding that it passes through emblematic places in Montreal.
The day before, Saturday, upon their arrival at the Esplanade of the Olympic Park, the 5 km and 10 km runners were able to vibrate to the sound of the music of electro-pop singer Claudia Bouvette. On Sunday, those in the 42.2 km and 21.1 km races were treated to performances by singer-songwriter Pascale Picard and funk group The Brooks.
Registrations are now open for the next edition of the marathon, which will be held on September 21 and 22, 2024. “We are going to celebrate the big party end of the running season,” said Mr. Ratthé.
