Sydney Marathon runners seen vomiting and passing out in heat

Of the 17,000 runners in the 42.2km race, NSW Ambulance said it provided assistance to 40, while 26 were hospitalised and seven were left in a serious condition.

There were significant concerns leading up to the event – which had a relatively late start of 7.10am – given thousands of runners would be competing in 30 degree heat and many would not finish until after 2pm.

Athletes were promised increased access to water and medical assistance, while organisers stressed their focus on ensuring entrants were kept safe.

Following the race however, the priorities of organisers have been called into question, with runners accusing organisers of focusing so hard on the race’s candidacy to be an Abbott World Marathon Major (AbbottWMM) that the safety of athletes was compromised.

St John Ambulance NSW treated 260…