NT Administrator Hugh Heggie ‘well’ after fall at Darwin City2Surf race

A witness described the scene as ‘scary’, fearing the 74-year-old former CHO was seriously hurt as he stumbled over the finish line, hitting the ground ‘pretty hard’.

His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM fell as he crossed the finish line of Sunday’s City2Surf race. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Administrator Hugh Heggie says he is ‘well’ after a fall at the Darwin City2Surf race at the weekend.

A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, described the scene as “scary”, fearing the 74-year-old former chief health officer was seriously hurt.

Professor Heggie competed in the 4km running race at Nightcliff on Sunday morning, collapsing as he crossed the finish line.

“He was stumbling to the line – someone saw he was stumbling and tried to help, they were holding him up – he made it one step over the line then collapsed,” the witness said.

“He hit the asphalt pretty hard, it was a bit scary to be honest, I didn’t know if he was having a heart attack or heat stroke, and he banged his head on the ground.”

NT Administrator Hugh Heggie with St John volunteers who helped him after a fall at the 2024 City2Surf.

The witness said bystanders and officials helped to shelter Professor Heggie from other runners, sectioning off part of the finish line before he could be taken to the side for treatment.

“He spent a good couple of minutes on the ground, when he got up he was a bit doddery, there was blood under one of his eyes and his cheek, his elbows were gashed, and his knees – he looked like he’d fallen off a skateboard … he looked exhausted.”

Presenting awards after the fall.

After the event’s MC called for help over the loudspeaker, volunteer paramedics helped patch the wounds.

A second witness said he did not see the fall, but was nearby as Professor Heggie received treatment.

“He was sitting on a chair, not talking as he had blood dripping down his face, and a race organiser was asking if he had tripped on someone’s legs,” he said.

“It wasn’t very hot at that time, I think he tripped.”

A spokesman from the Administrator’s office said “His Honour is well”.

“The Administrator tripped while running in the City2Surf event on the weekend, resulting in superficial abrasions,” he said.

“He is grateful for the care of the St John Ambulance volunteers who provided support to all competitors at what was a great community event.”

A post on the Administrator’s Facebook page said he was “thrilled” to participate in the race, despite “taking a small tumble”.

“Thank you St John NT volunteers for your care ensuring His Honour was swiftly back on his feet for medal presenting duties,” the post said.