Debilitating humidity, heat stifle women’s marathon in Doha

Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich (C) celebrates winning gold with Bahrain's Rose Chelimo (R) in silver and Namibia's Helalia Johannes in bronze after the Women's Marathon at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha on September 27, 2019. [AFP]

Women’s marathon runners were rushed for medical attention, faces contorted in pain while other competitors hobbled off the track in the inaugural road race of Doha’s World Athletics Championships.

Humidity of more than 73 percent and temperatures of almost 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) dogged the race, specially started at midnight to avoid peak heat, as it meandered along a course on Doha’s Corniche coast road.