Tokyo World Athletics Adjusts Marathon Start Times Amid Heat Concerns

Summary – Marathon and 35km race walks at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships will start 30 minutes earlier due to heat risks.,

Article –

The Tokyo World Athletics Championships have adjusted the start times for the marathon and 35-kilometer race walks, moving them 30 minutes earlier than originally planned. This change comes as a precaution in response to unusually high temperatures forecasted during the event, aiming to protect athlete health and safety.

Details of the Schedule Change

Due to the unseasonable heat conditions in Tokyo, organisers decided to begin the marathon and 35km race walk events earlier to avoid the hottest part of the day. This adjustment impacts both men’s and women’s events scheduled over the upcoming days of the championships.

Reasons Behind the Change

The marathon and race walks are endurance events that expose athletes to prolonged environmental conditions. The primary motivation for the schedule change is to reduce the risk of:

• Heat exhaustion
• Heat-related health complications
• General health risks due to high temperatures

Decision and Collaboration

The decision was announced after consultations with Japanese health authorities, meteorological agencies, and event officials to ensure the utmost safety of competitors. Athlete representatives were also engaged to communicate and implement the new timing.

Official Statement

A spokesperson for World Athletics stated:

“Athlete safety is our highest priority. Given the recent temperature forecasts, we have moved the start times of the marathon and 35km race walks 30 minutes earlier to help mitigate heat-related risks. We remain committed to delivering a competitive and safe championship for all participants.”

Impact and Responses

• Athletes and coaches have expressed support for the precaution.
• Training and warm-up routines will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Fans appreciate the focus on health and safety.
• Organisers will continue to monitor weather conditions and may institute further measures if necessary.

Looking Forward

The championships will proceed with the updated schedule, maintaining vigilance on weather and athlete well-being. Participants and teams are advised to stay attentive to any future announcements regarding event timings or safety protocols.

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