Sports

Boston Marathon Issues Heat Advisory, Offers Deferment

Inexperienced marathoners are warned not to run on Monday.

Runners scheduled to run the Boston Marathon on Monday were advised to do so with caution. Because of the expected high temperatures of nearly 90 degrees on Monday, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) issued an email statement on Saturday morning which offered a deferment to any official runner who would like to postpone his or her participation until 2013.

“This applies to official entrants only who either have claimed or will claim their bib number packet at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo through Sunday evening at the Seaport World Trade Center in South Boston,” the statement read. "Runners must claim their bib number for deferment to be an option.”

The medical co-directors of the marathon, Dr. Pierre d’Hemecourt and Dr. Sophia Dyer, also issued a statement, saying, “If the temperatures reach certain levels, running will put even the most fit athletes at risk for heat injury. We are now making the recommendation that if you are not highly fit or if you have any underlying medical conditions (for example-cardiac disease, pulmonary disease or any of a number of medical problems), you should not run this race."

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The caution goes on to say that inexperienced marathoners should not run. It also recommends that very fit athletes run at a slower pace and maintain hydration and take frequent breaks from running by walking instead.

“This will not be a day to run a personal best. If you choose to run, run safely above all else. Speed can kill,” they said. “Recognizing symptoms of heat illness in yourself and others is critical, this may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these, stop running immediately and if symptoms persist seek medical attention.”

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The BAA announced that it will extend the finish systems by one hour on Monday, to 6 p.m.

More information can be found at www.baa.org or www.bostonmarathon.org


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