Running out of Breath? Govt Inaction Puts Marathon Racers at Risk

What will it take for the government to make the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon safe for runners?

Runners are surrounded by the city’s haze. (Photo: Courtesy Airtel)

Every morning as day breaks, a thick haze covers Delhi. In these morning hours, the city’s pollution levels are at their worst, reaching more than 20 times the level deemed safe by the World Health Organisation. This is the air that thousands of runners in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon will inhale on Sunday morning – unless activists can stay the event.

During times like these, doctors recommend that people stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities. But marathon runners don’t have a choice and the pollution could have severe consequences for their health, doctors say.

In the hours it takes for participants to complete the half marathon, they could inhale as many as two tablespoons of ash, according to calculations by Jai Dhar Gupta, an activist and owner of Nirvana Being, an environmental Products company.

Also Read: Gasping Yet? Skip Your Morning Jogs If You Want to Keep Breathing

Activists called for reduced air pollution at the Delhi Half Marathon back in 2009. (Photo Courtesy: Kingfisher/Flickr)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to attend the event. His presence has been criticised by activists, who say the chief minister is promoting hazardous activities.

For weeks, air pollution has skyrocketed. Factors, including weather changes, stubble burning, construction and Diwali firecrackers, have exacerbated an already dire situation. Under these circumstances, activists have requested that the government delay the marathon until air quality improves. But neither the government nor the organisers of the half marathon have responded to these requests.

Organisers did not respond to The Quint’s request for comment.

Also Read: The Govt’s Asking What to Do About Air Pollution. Don’t They Know?

Instead, the medical director of the event recommended that people with existing heart or lung conditions refrain from participating.

This year, participants with respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD, and respiratory infections in the past 15 days are being advised to run to their trained ability and not push themselves too much or avoid participation.

Dr Tamorish Kole, Max Healthcare Director of Emergency Medicine

Organisers have also arranged for inhalers, six medical stations, 75 doctors and ambulances to be easily accessible to participants of the half marathon. Participants are encouraged to wear protective masks.

Organisers also say the event will reduce air pollution across the city since cars won’t be able to navigate 21 kilometres within Delhi.

But for activists, this is not enough. Air pollution is a recurring problem in the city and needs to be addressed. Some runners have dropped out.

When events like this are planned, it sends the message that everything is okay, but it’s not. 

Jai Dhar Gupta, Activist and Owner of Nirvana Being

(With inputs from News18)