APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Forecasts for unseasonably warm temperatures are affecting preparations for Sunday’s Fox Cities Marathon.
Race official Amanda Secor explains how they are preparing for Sunday’s anticipated high of 87 degrees.
“We’re adding additional water. We’re putting additional ice on the course. We’re going to be staging some cooling buses along the course and at the finish line.”
Secor notes they are also prepared if things turn more serious.
“There are lots of medical patrols out on the course, medical tents. Any course marshal at an intersection or anybody at our water stations can get them the medical attention that they need.”
During the race, Secor says a color-coated set of flags will be used. Those flags will be displayed at each water station so participants know the current status of the marathon.
She notes things will start under a yellow flag.
“It’s less than ideal conditions for people. What we’re going to ask them to do is to slow down their pace, take in more water.”
Secor expects things will move to a red flag alert as temperatures warm.
“If anyone feels that they are at risk for heat-related illnesses, they should just stop the race.”
Secor says those people can ask for either help to continue down the course or a ride to the finish line.
If a black flag comes out Sunday, that will indicate that the course needs to be shut down.
Secor notes race officials have started contacting marathon participants, offering them to go from the full-marathon to the half-marathon, if they feel that is more suited to their skill set and training regiment.
That switch can be made at no extra cost, with a discount being offered for next year’s full-marathon entry rate.
