News Seton Family of Hospitals Sponsors Medical Staff For AT&T Austin Marathon

Austin, Texas (December 12, 2007) - The Seton Family of Hospitals is extending its relationship with the AT&T Austin Marathon as the official medical sponsor for the upcoming 2008 race. Seton, an official medical sponsor of the Austin Marathon since 2002, will provide more than 200 medical and non-medical volunteers including doctors, nurses, physical therapists and other support staff.

"Seton has been a vital, strategic partner of the Austin Marathon for many years," said John Conley, Race Director, AT&T Austin Marathon. "The Marathon would suffer without Seton's support so we are thrilled to continue this relationship for another year. The Seton team is world-class, providing top-notch medical services to our runners."

On Feb. 17, 2008, the Seton Family of Hospitals will provide support to the expected 6,000 marathoners and 7,000 half-marathoners with a fully staffed medical tent located at the start/finish line, as well as medical personnel at each of the medical mile stations located one mile apart at each of the 26 miles.

"Extreme weather conditions are our greatest fear and pose the greatest threat to the event participants other than an underlying condition," says Dr. Pierre Filardi, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas Anesthesiologist and AT&T Austin Marathon Medical Director. "Recent marathons in other parts of the country were uncharacteristically warm and humid for those venues and the number of runners needing assistance was massive and overwhelmed available help. On the other hand are conditions of severe cold in our climate where runners are not as conditioned to the cold -- as they are here for heat and humidity -- and actually can become hypothermic to the point of concern."

Seton's medical team will be on hand because Central Texas weather can change dramatically within a few hours and extreme conditions often occur throughout the year. Austin has seen temperatures as low as 14°F for this particular date (Feb. 17) and as high as 92°F. Hypothermia, a condition where the normal body temperature of 37°C (98.6°F) drops below 35° (95°F) is of particular concern with a marathon scheduled in February.

Outside of extreme weather conditions, 26.2 miles can take a toll on the human body. Most every runner, regardless of running the half-marathon or the full marathon, will experience fatiguing muscles or cramps.

"Each runner is responsible for knowing how to care for themselves on the course according to the weather," added Dr. Filardi. "They also must be aware of the hazards of any underlying health issues they may have and knowing about proper versus improper hydration and fueling strategies on the course."

The responsibilities of every participant:

• Consult your physician and inform them you are training for a marathon and plan to run the AT&T Austin Marathon in February.
• Your race bib has a form on the back that you should fill out with emergency information and medical history.
• Listen to the weather forecast. Know the risks and plan accordingly when running during hot or cold conditions. Heat-related injuries, as well as cold-related conditions, can prove life-threatening. Adjust your race and hydration plans accordingly.

"The key to a healthy and successful marathon/half-marathon is for runners to race a smart race," added Dr. Filardi. "It's important to prepare and educate yourself about health issues and know when to slow, rest, and recover before things get out of control during the run. Besides, it is fun to finish with a smile."

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of Austin to see the race and support the runners. Forty music groups will be stationed throughout the race route providing family entertainment as well as motivation for the participants.