byLarry EderThe LSB Chicago Marathon has been blessed with pretty good weather over the past dozen years. This year, however, heat could be the big story, with the weather man calling for unseasonable warm, 88 degrees at noon on Sunday! This writer walked at
10.30 am for an hour and saw the street temps at 80 degrees. Ever mindful of the issues heat can play the management of the La Salle Banks Chicago marathon have added these measures to keep the 45,000 marathoners as cool as possible:
The following services will be available to runners on race day:
· 15 aid stations will be located throughout the course, approximately
every 1 to 2 miles. All aid stations are being supplied with additional
fluids (water and Gatorade) and ice.
· 16 medical tents are located along the course at each aid station and
on Roosevelt Road just before the 26-mile mark.
· Cooling buses will be provided at aid stations 10 (mile 19), 12 (mile
22) and 14 (mile 24).
· Water-soaked sponges will be available at aid station 11 (mile 20).
· Mist will be available at aid stations 11 (mile 20), 13 (mile 23), 14
(mile 24) and 15 (mile 25) as well as the finish line.
· An air conditioned medical tent and ICU are located at the finish
line.
· Cooling buses and a cooling center will be located adjacent to the
medical tent at the finish line.
· Dropout buses are available throughout the course for runners unable
to finish the race.
· You may see local businesses and residents providing water hoses and
sprinklers as additional cooling options.
The race is also encouraging runners to prepare individually for higher
temperatures and humidity. Medical Director Dr. George Chiampas
recommends the following:
· Pay special attention to hydration. Drink enough fluids to maintain
your baseline body weight, but be aware of overhydration. If you begin
to gain weight above your baseline, you are drinking too much water and
depleting your sodium level which is important to maintain.
· Be sure to stay hydrated during the race. Make note of the aid
stations and cooling stations and prepare to utilize them. You may need
to drink more to compensate for the rapid depletion of your body’s
fluids in the heat.
· Plan to adjust your pace for the weather. The humidity and heat will
require more of your body so a slower pace than planned is recommended
in order to get you to the finish line without overheating.
· Dress appropriately – avoid cotton fabrics, long sleeves and long
pants. Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics that will help to keep you
· Wear sunglasses and waterproof sunscreen. With the amount of time you
will be on the course, you want to be sure to protect your skin and
eyes.
· Most importantly: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY DURING THE RACE. If at
ANY time your body gives you signals to slow down or stop, abide by
them. Be aware of your heart rate, body temperature and hydration. If
you feel light-headed, dizzy or overheated or experience chest pain,
visual disturbances, cramping, vomiting or headache, slow down or stop
and consult the medical personnel on the course immediately.
For more information on La Salle Banks Chicago marathon, please click:
http://www.runningnetwork.com/features/chicago07list.html
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