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NEW DELHI: Top doctors have warned that elite runners are taking a huge health risk by competing in the New Delhi half marathon on Sunday (Nov 29) amid a major coronavirus outbreak and air pollution in increase.
Women’s marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya and two-time male winner of Ethiopia Andamlak Belihu are among the 49 elite athletes running the 21 km race, while thousands of fans participate virtually.
Organizers say “the highest level of safety standards, with biosecurity zones” have been set for the race that starts at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
But with New Delhi recording more than 500,000 COVID-19 cases and air quality in the world’s most polluted capital oscillating between “unhealthy” and “dangerous,” health experts said athletes should think twice.
“It will be suicidal for the runners to run the race this time. We have such high levels of contamination, we have the risk of coronavirus,” Arvind Kumar, founding trustee of the Lung Care Foundation, told AFP.
“With the presence of this twin threat if people keep running despite knowing everything, well, I have no words to express my anguish.
“Whether you are an international elite runner or a small town child, the damaging potential of a harmful agent remains the same,” said the doctor.
READ: India says final COVID-19 vaccine trials could end in two months
TOXIC MIX
Randeep Guleria, director of the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the country’s main research body, told AFP that “in an ideal situation”, the race should not be held.
“Due to high levels of air pollution, exercising outdoors in this climate can sometimes lead to exacerbating underlying lung problems,” he said.
“Even if you are an elite runner, air pollution would affect your lung.”
Normally, thousands of fans would also participate, but due to the coronavirus they have been told to travel the chosen route between Wednesday and Sunday and record their time in an application.
Delhi has been hit by a winter pollution crisis every year for the past decade when burning crop stubble from nearby states, cold temperatures, and industrial and automobile pollution produce a toxic mix.
This year, the Indian capital is also a major concern in the battle against coronavirus. India is the second most affected country in the world behind the United States, with around 9.3 million cases.
The city is considering imposing a night curfew due to the increasing number of cases, according to media reports.
Kosgei, who is visiting India for the first time, acknowledged his concern about traveling for the race.
“We have definitely been affected by COVID-19. I had to convince my parents and family at home to let me visit Delhi for the half marathon,” he said.
“The virus has affected most sporting events. But it is important for us to take care of ourselves.”
As in other countries, almost all sports in India have been canceled.
After repeated delays, Indian Premier League cricket went ahead in the UAE and Indian Super League football remains in a biosecurity “bubble” in Goa.
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