Runner who competed in 2020 Austin Marathon talks about experiencing a heat stroke from lack of hydration
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the Austin Marathon kicks off Sunday, a runner who competed five years ago is telling his story on the importance of staying hydrated and how an Ascension Seton doctor at the marathon came to his rescue after he suffered a heat stroke.
This comes as the Ascension Seton medical team prepares to step in to help anyone who may need it. A doctor who was apart of that team in 2020 was able to help the runner, according to Ascension Seton.
On Thursday, organizers held an event to highlight the importance of staying hydrated while running the marathon. Dr. Hanzelka Keeli was part of the medical team and was able to quickly help Pete, the runner who competed back in 2020, according to Ascension Seton.
Pete said he did not hydrate well before the race, and while he was able to complete the marathon, he collapsed at the finish line, according to Ascension Seton. He said he was exhausted and made an attempt to get up, but he said he fell again.
Ascension Seton said the medical team then stepped in to triage Pete, and his temperature reached 106 degrees. Pete’s body was then placed in an ice bath “for rapid cooling,” as he was having a heat stroke.
“I never thought in a million years I would have ended up in the medical tent and the hospital after my marathon. It really made me understand that it’s important to be vigilant about your health while you’re running, keeping track of how much you’re drinking, your nutrition, staying hydrated. All those things can play a big role in keeping you healthy on race day,” Pete told KXAN Thursday.
Pete said he is going into the medical field and told KXAN he will help people in the community.
“Listen to your body and hydrate,” he said.
Doctors and nurses ask that those competing hydrate before, during and after the marathon. Thousands of runners will hit the street Sunday at 7 a.m.
