The Hague debuts as a marathon city in a time of growing running craze

The first marathon in The Hague attracts nearly 10,000 participants, making it the third largest in the Netherlands. The event reflects a growing trend in marathon participation, raising concerns about increased pressure on medical services. The Red Cross reports a rise in heat-related injuries during marathons, emphasizing the importance of hydration and proper clothing. Factors like humidity and poor preparation can lead to overheating. The Red Cross has enhanced its support with cooling measures and increased volunteer presence. While it's challenging to correlate participant numbers with medical incidents, public awareness has improved, allowing for quicker responses to runners in distress.