Running is one of the most effective and popular physical activities for improving overall health, and participating in a halfmarathon or marathon is always preceded by months of training to prepare the body for the challenge of covering 42 km and 195 m.
We must remember that any intense physical effort carries some health risks. More and more often, marathon organizers collect ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact information during participant registration. This practice, widely adopted in the triathlon community, helps organizers to ensure the safety of participants in sporting events. Below, we will explain why runners registering for this year’s Silesia Marathon will be required to provide this information.
Why is it important to provide emergency contact details?
When filling out the registration form, we ask participants to provide the name and phone number of a contact person whom emergency services and organizers could reach in case of an unexpected situation. For years, runners have also had the option of manually writing these details on the back of their race bibs.
Why is this so important?
1. Enables a quick response in emergencies – If a runner collapses, suffers heatstroke, faints, or experiences cardiac arrest, the organizer can immediately contact the designated ICE person to obtain critical medical information and inform them about where the participant has been transported.
2. Provides faster access to medical history – Some runners may have pre-existing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or hypertension. An ICE contact person can provide essential details about medications or allergies, helping medical staff deliver appropriate care.
For years, we have warned against unauthorized transfers of race bibs to other runners, which is against the rules. If a participant loses consciousness on the course, the organizer may not be able to contact their family. In extreme cases, identifying the runner can be impossible if they do not have ID, pasport or a phone. In such cases, incorrect ICE details may further complicate efforts to verify the runner’s identity.
Road races are growing in popularity, with increasing numbers of participants. However, medical emergencies occur more often than people think. For example, during the 2023 Boston Marathon, over 1,600 runners required medical assistance, and in 2024, interventions increased to nearly 3,000. Serious medical incidents have also occurred at major marathons in Berlin, London, and Poznań.
In endurance sports like long-distance running, participants push their physical limits, and factors such as high temperatures, rain, or wind can lead to unexpected health issues. Even the best-prepared runners can encounter difficulties.
We are not invincible—we must take care of our health and our loved ones. That’s why regular health check-ups are crucial, ensuring that emergency contact details never have to be used.
