Four good examples that Brazilian racing should copy from Buenos Aires – 08/28/2023 – Na Corrida

Shortly before the four kilometer sign, still in the first quarter of the race, a middle-aged man, apparently unconscious, is attended to by rescuers during the Buenos Aires half marathon. Ambulance sirens break the magic of one of the most beautiful street circuits in South America. Unfortunately, this is not a rare scene.

Is sport health? Yes, but with an asterisk.

Sport is healthy when it is compatible and proportionate with the physical conditions of those who practice it. Activities that lead to exhaustion can aggravate pre-existing health conditions. The case of the athlete in Buenos Aires is a reminder that, in a race, we are pushing our bodies to the limits, and this requires attention.

Therefore, I bring four good examples that I observed in the Half Marathon of Buenos Aires that could be implemented in the races in Brazil.

Need for medical certificate

Every athlete, when registering for the Buenos Aires Half Marathon, needs to complete their registration and attach a medical certificate, declaring that they are able to participate in that race. Basic, right? This is the simplest solution, and probably the most difficult one to adopt here.

Organizers are concerned about selling entries, and the best way to achieve this is to reduce friction points in the process. Requiring a certificate would make many people drop out of the race or try to circumvent the system with a fake report.

And there is the resistance of the athlete himself.

“Ahhh, but going to the doctor just for that is very expensive”, would say the runner with R$ 2,000 sneakers on his feet.

“Ahhh, I go to Largo da Batata and get a certificate in five minutes, I don’t even need to be examined”, would say the runner who protests against corruption and must not have a mirror at home.

It sucks, but it seems necessary to me. And the truth is that, once presented, the certificate can remain valid for future tests. Here in Argentina it works like this. That is, it is a cost that is diluted over time.

One way would be to start with tests with high demand. The Rio Marathon, for example, sells out months in advance. Introducing this novelty will make some athletes give up, but others will quickly appear willing to present the certificate to guarantee the vacancy.

Emergency information on the body of the hall

The Buenos Aires Half Marathon uses the back of the race number as a form to be filled in by the athlete with basic information for emergencies. It contains the full name, contact telephone number and details of the local health service. If the runner loses consciousness, for example, anyone can find a telephone number there and inform relatives or friends designated by the athlete as an emergency contact.

QR Code to ask for help

Also on the bib number there is a printed QR Code that can be scanned if the athlete feels bad and wants to ask for help. By pointing the cell phone at the QR Code, the emergency telephone number is displayed on the screen, and it is quickly possible to call the medical team to assist the runner. Simple and efficient.

skate rescuers

Throughout the course, rescuers could be seen using roller skates and communicating by radio. The idea is to allow them to move quickly to provide the first assistance in case of any occurrence.

And you? Do you have any suggestions to improve the health care of our athletes? Leave it in the comments below or write to [email protected]. If you prefer, you can send me a message on Instagram @rodrigofloresnacorrida.

* The journalist traveled at the invitation of SLS Puerto Madero, Flybondi and Visit Buenos Aires.

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