London Marathon runners advised to train indoors with record pollution levels forecast
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Updated 09/04/2015 at 18:23 GMT
Runners gearing up for the London Marathon have been advised to skip training on Friday – or exercise indoors – when air pollution is forecast to reach record levels.
Competitors run in costume for charity during the 2014 London Marathon
Image credit: Reuters
Health experts have warned that “very high” pollution levels are closing in on the capital, with even the fittest individuals at risk.
Air quality campaigner Simon Birkett said: “The general, healthy population, if they’re training for the London Marathon, should very seriously consider not training tomorrow [Friday] because the conditions will be very severe.
“They could get shortness of breath or tight chests. This is not something to take lightly and dismiss, people should definitely be looking at the health advice.”
The rise in pollution, to a maximum 10/10 rating, is a result of winds from Eastern Europe collecting industrial pollution en route to London.
“This is the biggest and most serious air pollution episode since the so-called Sahara dust cloud last year,” Birkett added. “Everyone should reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors.
“The general, healthy population, if they’re training for the London Marathon, they should very seriously consider not training tomorrow because the conditions will be very severe.”
The 2015 London Marathon takes place on Sunday 26 April.
The race will bring the curtain down on the marathon career of world record holder Paula Radcliffe.
However, the three-time champion, whose best mark of 2:15.25 came at the 2003 event, is not expected to be part of the elite race.
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