FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Burch
Des Moines Marathon
515.288.2692
Des Moines Marathon Announces
Iowa Health - Des Moines
as Title Sponsor of First Aid Stations
Des Moines, Iowa (May 9, 2006) - The Des Moines Marathon announced today
that it is partnering with Iowa Health - Des Moines as title sponsor of
First Aid Stations that will be placed along the race course. Blank
Children's Hospital will also serve as title sponsor of the Kids Run. The
2006 IMT Des Moines Marathon and Kids Run take place Sunday, October 15,
2006.
Iowa Health - Des Moines is the largest private medical service provider in
the state, averaging more than 32,500 inpatient admissions and 300,000
outpatient admissions each year. It includes Iowa Methodist Medical Center,
Iowa Lutheran Hospital and Blank Children's Hospital and more than 35
primary care physician clinics throughout central Iowa.
The Des Moines Marathon, along with Iowa Health - Des Moines, have
designated three critical first aid station tents where athletes can
receive aid to either get them back on the course or determine if they
should consider discontinuing the race. Stations will be located at the
start/finish line at Nollen Plaza, Drake Stadium (approximately mile 11 of
the Marathon course) and Water Works Park (where both the Marathon and Half
Marathon will pass by).
"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with the experts at Iowa Health
-Des Moines." said Chris Burch, Director of Racing and Events. "When you
begin discussing athlete safety, first aid stations and emergency
contingency plans there is more than naming rights at stake. This is an
area of race day logistics that is crucial to the success of our event.
When we do things correctly, not only does it provide a foundation for a
smooth race, but we also have better peace of mind. We want to be prepared
for any number of circumstances that could arise."
"The Des Moines Marathon is a great event for our community and we are
proud to be a part of it," said Eric Crowell, President and CEO of Iowa
Health - Des Moines. "It is a great opportunity for us to provide
healthcare to world-class athletes visiting our community."
First Aid stations along the race course provide athletes a wide variety of
assistance. Blisters, cramps, nerves and even physical illness may
sideline an athlete temporarily. Others may need to be treated from
drinking too much water to not having enough fluids in the body, along with
low sodium levels that can lead to dehydration. Some athletes may just
need a chance to rest and regain their composure as training regiments
likely vary for each person. The first aid station can also act as an
emergency room of sorts, giving race day medics an opportunity examine
athletes to determine if a trip to the hospital for simple observation is
in order. They serve as the first step before involving ambulance,
hospital or 911 services.
The Des Moines Marathon is anticipating 5,000 athletes in all events and
over more than 4,000 spectators over the course of race weekend. Race day
October 15, 2006 includes the Marathon and Half Marathon, 5-Person Marathon
Relay Challenge, 5K Road Race and Kids Run.
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