Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon to collaborate on heat exertion research
This year the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon will be participating in a UK wide piece of research on exertional heat illness at road races.
The event will be joining the research group, led by UCL (University College London), alongside the AJ Bell Great North Run and TCS London Marathon.
Exertional heat illness (EHI) is a life-threatening condition that can happen when someone exercises or works in the heat. It can range from heat exhaustion to heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is less severe but if left untreated it can progress to heat stroke. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps and sweating. When heat exhaustion occurs it’s important that the body temperature is lowered and the patient takes on plenty of fluids.
Heat stroke is more severe and can even prove fatal. Symptoms include central nervous system dysfunction, high body temperature and seizures.
It’s really important that in these instances the body is effectively cooled and action is taken quickly to minimise the risks.
Currently, the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon uses cold water immersion to effectively cool down participants who have shown symptoms of EHI. However, it recognises that more knowledge can be obtained in this area which is why it’s decided to participate in the study.
Oysho Cardiff Half Medical Director Dr Katy Guy, MBBCh, FRCEM, DFSEM (U.K.) Dip SEM, said: “Currently there is little evidence for the management and follow up of exertional heat illness, despite the temperate climate of the UK is increasing in occurrence even in October. This is why we’ve decided to participate in this research project so we can better understand how to tackle EHI and remain at the forefront of findings.
“Any runner who attends the medical tent at the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon 2025 with heat illness will be asked if they would like to participate in the study. There will be no change to your treatment – we use the gold standard cold water immersion as recommended by World Athletics, but details on your temperature and cooling will be taken and anonymously analysed.”
The research is being led by Dr Dan Fitzpatrick, a final year Sports and Exercise Medicine Trainee in London Deanery, and Prof Courtney Kipps, Deputy Medical Director TCS London Marathon; Honorary Consultant Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, UCL. It will be looking at data surrounding incidence, weather, mitigation measures, treatment and long-term patient outcomes.
A voluntary group of trained researchers will be present on the day, meaning there will be no interference with the event’s medical team.
