Medical considerations and planning for short distance road races

Short distance road races are popular in most communities, and athletic trainers are often asked to coordinate the medical coverage for such events. The medical support needed to successfully cover marathons, triathlons, and other endurance events has been well documented. However, little information has been presented regarding medical considerations for shorter distance races. Heat illness is often seen in short distance races, especially when the environmental conditions are extreme. Successful coverage of races of any length includes thorough planning and preparation, adequate supplies, and competent personnel. Medical coverage includes organizing the medical tent at the finish line, selecting appropriate protocols for treatment, and identifying a physician who will act as the race's medical director. It may also be necessary to provide medical coverage on the race course, at other areas, and at the finish line. The purpose of this paper is to inform the medical community, and athletic trainers in particular, of some of the details that should be considered when planning race coverage. The information detailed within may also be applied to other sports-related medical coverage provided by athletic trainers.