BRUSSELS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The President of the European Council Donald Tusk, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Minister of Education of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation Marie-Martine Schynsall participated in a 20 km half-marathon race in Brussels, which took place on Sunday in conditions of extreme heat.
Numerous other political personalities were present including Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel who appeared on the scene early on Sunday to help launch the start of the race. Victims of the Brussels terrorist attacks were also featured in the background.
This year’s podium was shared by French and Belgian runners, with the French marathon runner Hassan Chahdi in first place (1h 2min 56sec), followed by Belgians Arnaud Dely (1h 4min 16sec) and Lander Van Droogenbroeck (1h 5min 5sec).
Belgian Red Cross spokeswoman Nancy Ferroni said more than 550 treatments were provided throughout the race. On average, 400 to 700 treatments are provided at this event each year, which equals one intervention every 32 seconds.
This year, approximately 330 interventions took place throughout the race and 220 at the arrival aid station.
The Red Cross mobilized a total of 430 volunteers under the medical supervision of the Saint-Luc University Clinic in Brussels, which also brought medical teams and supplies.
The first edition, held in 1980, saw 4,659 participants at the start of the race. This year’s 39th edition saw nearly 38,000 participants from 128 countries and regions, according to the Tourist Office in Brussels, which co-organized the race.?