Heart warning signs

Chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or fainting during a run are warning signs: stop at once and get medical help, do not try to finish.

• Call emergency services for chest pain or pressure (it can spread to the arm, jaw or back), fainting, or a racing, irregular heartbeat that does not settle after a few minutes of rest.
• If someone collapses: call for help, start chest compressions and use a defibrillator if there is one nearby.
• Never run with a fever or just after a flu-like illness.
• See a doctor before you start if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or diabetes, have ever fainted during exercise, have a family history of sudden death before 50, or are over 40 and inactive.