New York City triathlon competitor in critical condition

New York - It was New York City's 10th Annual Nautica Triathlon in Central Park Sunday, but the contestants had to struggle against extreme heat and humidity. A London contestant collapsed right at the end of the race, and was rushed to hospital.

The British man, said to be 31-years old was admitted to hospital once he arrived at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, with his condition listed as critical. The New York Daily News reports that race director Bill Burke blames the heat. He told the New York Times that hospital officials said the man may have had a seizure. He was joined at the hospital by his brother, who race officials believe was also competing in the triathlon; his sister-in-law; and a family friend. And by late afternoon, the man was said to be improving, Temperatures in New York city had risen into the mid-90s by midday, and 11 other contestants had to be taken to the hospital for dehydration and cramping. There were more than 3,000 people who competed in the race this year. The triathlon course consists of a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride and then a 10-kilometer run through Central Park to the finish line. This isn't the first time tragedy has struck this triathlon race. In 2008, 32-year-old Esteban Neira, of Buenos Aires died during the swimming portion of the race. He is the only competitor to die in the competition's 10-year history.