Three runners experienced cardiac arrest at a single event during the 2026 Buriram Marathon. Cardiologists and sports medicine experts recommend health screening before participating in sports competitions.
On 28 January 2026 GMT+7, it was reported that at the world-class "Buriram Marathon 2026" held on 24 January, three runners suffered sudden cardiac arrest during the race. The patients stopped breathing while running, prompting medical and public health personnel to perform CPR and quickly transfer them to Buriram Hospital, resulting in their survival.
Later, Dr. AkeNith Srisukwattana (Dr. Air), a cardiologist and sports medicine specialist, analyzed the incident on his personal page, stating this event is a warning sign that society must take seriously because three cases in a single event far exceed the normal average.
"Normally, the risk of cardiac arrest in running events is about 1 in 80,000 to 100,000 participants, but in this event, the rate rose to 1 in 10,000, which is many times higher than usual."
Two key risk factors runners need to know
External factors: High temperature, relative humidity, and air pollution (PM2.5) increase the heart’s workload, potentially causing acute ischemia.
Internal factors (the silent threat): 85% of deaths during running events in people aged 40 and over are due to "coronary artery disease," especially high blood lipid levels that show no warning signs but whose plaques can "rupture" under physiological stress from competition.
Safety advice: "Screening is a responsibility"
Dr. Air emphasized that whether running fast or slow, the body works at an athlete’s level, so proper preparation is very important.
Pre-race screening: Runners aged 35-40 and above, or those with chronic illnesses or high cholesterol, should undergo electrocardiogram (EKG) or treadmill stress tests.
Managing cholesterol is like wearing a seatbelt: While treatment may not prevent all incidents, it significantly reduces severity and the risk of death.
Listen to your body: Do not push through abnormal symptoms because the greatest risk is running without knowing if your heart is ready.