Early French heatwave triggers runner collapses across Paris suburbs and cities

An unusually early heatwave pushed temperatures above 30°C across France on Sunday, triggering multiple medical emergencies during running events, France 24 reported.

Dozens of participants collapsed in the suburbs of Paris and in other cities as the intense heat struck runners mid-race. Several were hospitalised in serious condition, and emergency services were overwhelmed by the volume of heat-related incidents they were called to manage throughout the day.

France 24 described the heatwave as arriving earlier in the season than typical, a factor that compounded the strain on runners who had not trained or prepared for such extreme conditions. The combination of physical exertion and soaring temperatures proved dangerous for large numbers of participants across multiple events held simultaneously around the country.

The incidents have raised fresh questions about the responsibility of race organisers to monitor weather forecasts and, where necessary, postpone or cancel outdoor sporting events when dangerous heat is forecast.