CHICAGO, Illinois, October 8, 2007 (ENS) - One man died and hundreds of other people became ill as temperatures soared into the '80s during the 30th LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

The race had nearly 36,000 starters from all 50 states and 120 countries. Temperatures were in the low 70s when the race began, but already had climbed into the 80s when the top runners were finishing. It was the hottest weather ever for the Chicago Marathon.

Due to the rising heat index and higher than expected temperatures, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski and Medical Director Dr. George Chiampas, in cooperation with city officials closed the Marathon course at the halfway point for the first time in the history of the race.

Participants who crossed the halfway point prior to the shut-down were given full support along the standard course to the finish line.

Participants were encouraged to take advantage of medical personnel, cooling buses, runner drop out buses, water, Gatorade and other means of support en route back to Grant Park.

But many racers complained that there was not enough water or Gatorade or cups to drink out of if the beverages had been available.

More than 300 people were rescued by ambulances along the route. Many were experiencing nausea, heart palpitations and dizziness from the stifling heat, fire officials said.

Forty-nine people were hospitalized for their illnesses, race officials said, and at least two remained in critical condition Monday.

The others were treated at race-sponsored aid stations and a medical tent.

In the 18th mile, a 35-year-old man collapsed and was later pronounced dead. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified him as Chad Schieber, a police officer from Midland, Michigan.

The medical examiner's office said Schieber had a heart condition known as "mitral valve prolapse" and did not die from the heat.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2007. All rights reserved.