Complications hit much-anticipated Sydney Marathon
The hot weather has thrown a curveball for Australians attending a huge event this weekend.
There is concern for the safety of thousands of Australians who this weekend will be subject to the hottest conditions Sydney has experienced in weeks while running the city’s famous marathon.
Athletes have expressed their anxieties ahead of the 42.195km race, particularly given its relatively late start time of 7.10am, which could see some runners not pass the finish line until after 2pm.
With the temperature expected to reach and potentially surpass 30 degrees, there are worries the late start time could have dangerous implications for non-elite entrants.
Triathlon NSW accredited coach Danny Moore said with the combination of the heat and late start time could prove risky.
“My biggest training tip would be to drop your effort by 10 per cent, but I know people aren’t going to do that and that’s where you’re going to get people having trouble,” he told news.com.au.
Sydney Marathon Race Director Wayne Larden said organisers were “committed to delivering a world-class, safe event for participants on Sunday”.
“The safety and wellbeing of our participants is our highest priority, and we are working closely with key stakeholders including the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to ensure the highest safety standards are implemented,” Mr Larden said in a statement.
Mr Moore said an added complication was the fact that conditions in the lead up to the race had not prepared athletes for what’s expected on Sunday.
“The contrast of not having any heat training at all to going really hot with no adaptation, that’s going to cause problems,” he said.
The runners who had trained less and were set to run slower times were most at risk of getting sick or injured, Mr Moore said.
“They’re going to be out in the heat for longer and without the right training, it won’t be good.”
He said while the marathon’s late start time “increases the risk”, the onus was ultimately on the runners to take responsibility for their own wellbeing on the day.
Marathon entrant Hany Yacoub has foreshadowed a difficult race for his fellow competitors.
“There is now a generous seven-hour cut-off, but I think it’s going to be painful for a lot of people,” he told news.com.au, adding he thought it was likely some of the 17,000 marathon entrants wouldn’t show up.
“It’s going to be a large field. I don’t think it’s going to be a comfortable run for the people that do show up.”
The Gold Coast Marathon, held in July, starts at 6.15am, the Perth Marathon, held in October, starts at 6.30am, and the Melbourne Marathon, also in October, starts at 7am.
The Adelaide Marathon starts at 8.45am, however it’s held in August.
Mr Yacoub said running in Sunday’s heat would be a shock to his system, having completed his training – like most competitors – throughout Sydney’s cool winter months.
“Training through winter and then going into a hot race day is not really ideal and it’s not favourable,” he said.
“There’s going to have to be a change in how I approach it. Instead of going flat stick, I’m going to try and get the first half out of the way as soon as possible and hopefully by the time I finish it’s not too hot.
“The 7am start is not ideal, there will be other runners on the road by that stage, so you will be trying to get around some of the half marathoners as well.”
Frustration has been brewing in the lead-up to the event from people perplexed by organisers’ decision to start the half marathon (21.1km) at 5.45am.
Dozens of runners flooded posts shared to the official race Facebook page with concerns about the heat and the late start time.
“What would make most sense and has for years would be to have the marathon start at 6am and the half marathon a little later, not the other way around,” one wrote.
“Personally, starting the run earlier for the marathon should have been a priority. So many competitors running in the heat will have its problems,” another said.
“The overnight low on Sat/Sun is going to be warmer than any temp I’ve run in in the lead up,” an athlete flying up from Melbourne said.
“If Sydney wishes to become a major, the planning committee should strongly consider starting the full marathon at 6am given how hot it can get,” someone else said.
“This marathon should be held in the cooler Sydney months – May, June for example and start at 6am. This should be a major factor to consider for people’s health and wellness,” another wrote.
The Sydney Marathon was recently announced as a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), meaning it must meet strict criteria over the next three years to achieve “Majors” status by 2025.
The status would place Sydney alongside iconic “Major” marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.
Sydney Marathon organisers increase aid stations
Sydney Marathon Race Director Wayne Larden said organisers were making preparations for a safe event in light of the expected weather conditions.
“The organisers of the Sydney Marathon will receive a formal brief from BOM on Wednesday to attain a more accurate prediction of the weather forecast for Sunday. Following this advice, Sydney Marathon will provide an update on expected weather conditions and detailed guidance to all participants on how to best take care of themselves before, during, and after the race.
“In the meantime, Sydney Marathon has taken several precautionary steps, including increasing the availability of hydration capacity and medical assistance points along the course. This is in addition to the existing rigorous safety protocols and medical support available on course.
“The organisers of the Sydney Marathon have been working closely with the RFS to review current burn activity and expected air quality from now until event day. The RFS are reviewing burns and are actively working to minimise the impact on the Sydney Marathon.
“Sydney Marathon has been advised that the two-hazard reduction burns north of Sydney that caused today’s haze, have now finished. We expect the air quality in Sydney to improve significantly in the coming days.
“The organisers of the Sydney Marathon will continue to work closely with the RFS and BOM and provide further updates later this week.”
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