Gold Coast Marathon: The most unsavoury record of the race

SPARE a thought for the medical team based at the finish line of the Gold Coast Marathon. They were dodging projectile vomits left, right and centre.

THEY were dodging projectile vomits, left, right and centre!

This year’s Gold Coast Airport marathon runners were frequent vomiters, according to the race’s medical director.

Doctor Brent Richards said hundreds of people spewed up their breakfast at the finish line this year because of the heat.

EVERY RUNNER’S RESULT IN THE GOLD COAST AIRPORT MARATHON

SCROLL DOWN FOR AN AWESOME STORY OF SPORTSMANSHIP

“We’ve had our fair share of vomit this year,” Dr Richards said.

“We had a couple of projectiles which were pretty nasty.

“They have the adrenaline going but then they stop and that’s when they spew.”

Brian Lyons is helped across the finish line by medical officials. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

A mix of doctors, nurses and volunteers were handing out plastic bags to people at the finish line.

FULL MARATHON COVERAGE

Dr Richards said the race’s medical staff had prepared for the race like they would for a disaster zone.

“You don’t know what you’re going to get or when,” he said.

“You’re also working out of your usual environment, and under pressure.”

Scott Bundell at the finish line of the ASICS half marathon. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

Doctor Michael Aitken said staff at the medical tent had to send two people to hospital over the two-day event – one man with chest pain and a woman who collapsed on the course.

“We’ve had a lot more runners who couldn’t handle the heat this year,” he said.

SCROLL DOWN FOR AN AWESOME STORY OF SPORTSMANSHIP

“Other than that, it was the usual minor injuries like blisters and dizziness.”

Dr Aitken said the most patients came from the half and full marathon.

Chang Teck Goh is helped by medical staff at the finish line of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

Meanwhile, when a young woman collapsed 100m from the finish line, two men took it on themselves to get her to the end.

Jason Hoffman and Mario Gianoli were running in the 10km race on Saturday when they saw a fellow runner on the ground.

“I don’t know what happened – she just collapsed,” Mr Hoffman said after the race.

“We didn’t want to see her not finish, so we grabbed one arm each. “The three of us didn’t know each other but we’re all runners, so we know the dedication that goes into training for a race like this.”

Mario Gianoli and Jayson Hoffmann helping Shaunagh Cassidy across the line in the Southern Cross University 10km run. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

In the same race, Lee Troop also showed great team spirit.

The former marathon champion used his skills to get as many people as possible to finish the race in under 50 minutes.

HALF AND FULL MARATHON ACTION

10KM AND 5.7KM ACTION

2KM & 4KM KIDS DASH