The Hever Castle Triathlon, held on September 23-24, 2023, was marred by reports of widespread sickness among participants. The event, organized by Castle Race Series, saw numerous athletes fall ill with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, and fatigue after swimming in the lake at Hever Castle near Edenbridge, Kent.
The Extent of the Outbreak
According to reports, around 30 people had reported sickness by September 25, with many more sharing their experiences on social media platforms like Reddit. The symptoms experienced by the affected athletes were severe, with some requiring medical attention.
Symptoms Experienced by the Athletes
The most common symptoms reported by the affected athletes included:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Fatigue
Some athletes experienced particularly severe symptoms, which required them to seek medical assistance.
Water Quality Tests and Investigations
Castle Race Series conducted thorough water quality tests before and during the event, which indicated the water was safe for swimming. The tests checked for E. coli and Enterococci, and all results were rated “pass excellent”.
Despite the seemingly clean water, an investigation was launched by Castle Race Series in collaboration with Hever Castle, Southern Water, and the Environment Agency to determine the cause of the illnesses and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Southern Water’s Response
In a statement, Southern Water expressed regret over the participants’ illnesses and confirmed compliance with environmental regulations at their treatment works. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining bathing water quality and collaborating with stakeholders to safeguard watercourses.
Athlete Reactions and Calls for Revised Protocols
Some athletes, including a Team GB representative, have called for revised water testing protocols to ensure competitors’ safety in future events. They believe that the current testing methods may not be sufficient to detect all potential contaminants or pathogens that could cause illness.
Potential Causes of the Sickness
The investigation is still ongoing, and the exact cause of the sickness has not yet been determined. However, some potential factors that may have contributed to the outbreak include:
- Contamination of the Lake: Despite the “pass excellent” water quality tests, there may have been a localized or temporary contamination of the lake that was not detected by the testing.
- Presence of Pathogens: The water may have contained harmful pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, that were not identified by the standard water quality tests.
- Underlying Issues with the Water Treatment System: There could be underlying issues with the water treatment system or infrastructure that led to the introduction of contaminants or pathogens into the lake.
Preventing Future Incidents
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the organizers and stakeholders involved in the Hever Castle Triathlon may need to consider the following measures:
- Comprehensive Water Testing: Implement more extensive water testing protocols that go beyond the standard E. coli and Enterococci tests, including testing for a wider range of potential contaminants and pathogens.
- Improved Water Monitoring: Establish a more robust water monitoring system to detect any changes in water quality throughout the event, allowing for immediate intervention if necessary.
- Collaboration with Experts: Work closely with water quality experts, environmental agencies, and public health authorities to ensure the safety of the water for athletes.
- Contingency Planning: Develop detailed contingency plans to address any potential water quality issues or outbreaks of illness during the event, ensuring a swift and effective response.
- Communication with Participants: Enhance communication with participants, providing clear information about water quality and any potential risks, as well as instructions on what to do in case of illness.
The Hever Castle Triathlon sickness outbreak has highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes participating in such events. By addressing the issues raised and implementing robust measures to safeguard water quality, the organizers and stakeholders can work to restore confidence and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
References
- https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/competitors-castle-race-series-kent-8787387
- https://www.reddit.com/r/triathlon/comments/16rx58d/hever_castle_tri_anyone_else_feeling_ill_the_day/
- https://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/triathletes-bed-bound-with-sickness-and-diarrhoea-after-ca-294286/
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/01/competitors-report-falling-ill-after-triathlon-event-in-waters-of-river-eden
- https://www.kentonline.co.uk/weald/news/team-gb-athlete-among-swimmers-who-fell-ill-294513/