Athletic training students to work Chicago Marathon

by Mark McGowan

Sunday’s LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, pitting 40,000 runners against a 26.2-mile course, is not only a testament to the capability of the human body but a “medical undertaking” of grand proportions.

Race organizers will erect two medical tents, one more than 300 feet long with 170 cots and another that houses 75 cots. The 17 course aid stations are found every mile or mile-and-a-half. The number of medical volunteers, from physicians, nurses and paramedics to athletic trainers and college students, exceeds 500.

And, for the first year, the marathon’s medical brigade includes students in NIU’s athletic training program.

Gina Delmont, academic coordinator of clinical education for the program housed in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, said she will escort between 12 and 20 of her students to the race that starts and ends in Grant Park.

“They’re pumped,” said Delmont, a certified athletic trainer. “There are some who are actually supposed to be traveling with the NIU football team to Central Florida the day before and actually want to cancel that obligation. Another has a family wedding and would rather skip that for the marathon. It’s a big deal. It’s an honor to be asked.”

NIU’s students will join others from Aurora University, North Central College and Trinity International University on the marathon’s sidelines.

The students will arrive at the course by 6:30 a.m. and work until 4 p.m. Most of the runners will finish by 2:30 p.m.

Responsibilities include everything from tending to pre-race preventative measures, such as techniques for stretching, hydrating and taping, to performing basic first aid during and after the race, which could include everything from twisted ankles, torn muscles and bee stings to heart attacks and organ and system failure.

“They’ll be working with very elite athletes from all over the world,” said Delmont, an NIU alumna who also holds master’s degrees from New York’s Cornell University and Marist College.

“I’ve worked the World Cup, both men’s and women’s, and a number of other events as a volunteer. When I was a student here, I had the opportunity to work the NCAA men’s swimming and diving championships in Indianapolis. It was a great experience for a student to be able to provide that kind of coverage,” she added. “I like to keep my hands involved so I can give our students those kinds of opportunities.”

NIU’s three-year program enrolls about 70 students.

First-year students learn professional ethics and basic injury preventative techniques while second- and third-year students gain clinical experience at one of eight partnership sites. Those chosen for Sunday’s marathon duty are top students with at least an 80 percent accuracy in clinical proficiencies, Delmont said.

Commemorative T-shirts and photos are among the day’s rewards, which include intangibles such as boosting resumes and finding professional connections.

“I’m excited about it as a representative of Northern bringing a group of students,” Delmont said. “We have excellent students here in athletic training, and I finally get to show them off.”

10-4-04