In a tragic news update, eight runners were taken to hospital with heat-related illnesses after a marathon near South Korea’s demilitarized zone with North Korea took place in record temperatures, local authorities said.
Temperatures approached 30 degrees Celsius for Sunday’s race as much of the Korean Peninsula was under a warm front that resembled summer more than typical mild spring weather.
During the DMZ Peace Marathon in the city of Paju, participants can test their mettle on a course that runs close to the highly sensitive area separating South and North Korea.
Emergency services received reports that participants collapsed along the race track in Munsan, a town in Paju, fire officials said, according to local reports.
Twelve runners fell ill, including convulsions, dizziness and hyperventilation, officials told the AFP news agency on Monday.
While eight were taken to hospital, requiring intensive care.
Authorities said the affected runners appeared to have pushed themselves despite the increasing heat.
As reported by AFP, a fire official has urged people to look out for signs of heat stroke and “immediately stop exercising and cool down” if they occur.
In the capital Seoul, about 30 km from Paju, temperatures reached 29.4 degrees Celsius this weekend, the highest level in mid-April since modern records began in 1907.
Notably, the Korea Meteorological Administration said the heat spike was likely caused by a temporary weather system that moved warm air north, a pattern sometimes observed in spring.
