Health & Safety
MANAGING THE HEAT & HUMIDITY BY FOLLOWING OUR WARM WEATHER RUNNING ADVICE
Please do your part and help us make this event safe. Slow down, hydrate, stay safe, and take care of yourself. Look out for any runners who may be in distress by alerting race personnel.
EARLY EXIT AVAILABLE ON COURSE
An early exit will be available if participants want to finish early. While not considered an official finisher or listed among results, those taking the early exit will receive a medal at Boston Common. We suggest you consider taking this option if impacted by the conditions.
In addition to hydration stations and an early exit, participants can expect:
- Two cooling buses on course
- Two misting stations on course and one at Boston Common
- Medical support on course
- Popsicles post-race
WARM WEATHER RUNNING ADVICE
The B.A.A. advises all athletes to take some very basic steps to ensure your safety while running during warm or hot days. Hot and humid days are not the time to over-push for a personal best. Slow down and stay safe.
Remember: high humidity levels decrease your ability to evaporate sweat, which is how your body cools.
If you have a history of exertional heat illness, significant prior medical conditions (including heart or blood pressure problems or known seizure disorder), or have not trained to run this distance in hot conditions we advise that you do not run.
1. Reduce your normal race pace: slow down! If the temperatures are warmer than normal, don’t worry about running a personal best or running at a pace faster than your training. Run at a slower pace, run in the shade when possible, walk if you are feeling too warm, and seek medical attention if you are feeling the effects of heat Illness.
2. Keep in mind that the harder you work/run, the more heat your body will produce. If you are starting to feel the effects of the heat, slow down, stop if needed, and rest. Listen to your body!
3. Know when to stop and recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness. General warning signs include headache, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, fainting, or loss of coordination. If you feel disoriented, confused, dizzy, or nauseous, stop immediately, find a cool place and seek help immediately from medical staff or course marshals.
4. Recognize early warning signs of dehydration. Dark yellow urine, loss of energy, dizziness, loss of coordination, muscle cramps, and headaches are all common warnings.
5. Rehydrate as needed. How much you drink depends on your size and how hot it is during the run. A normal rule of thumb is to drink six to eight ounces of fluid (water or sports drink) every 15 minutes of exercise in the heat. By weighing in before and after a workout or run, you can determine exactly how much fluid is lost during your run. Remember: approximately a pint of fluid will replace one pound of weight loss during exercise. On a very hot day, you can increase your fluid intake as much as 25% from this formula. Pre-hydrate, drink to thirst, and again when you complete the race.
6. If you have heart or respiratory condition, or you are on any medications, we encourage you to not run. Know your body and limitations.
7. If you have a history of heatstroke/heat illness, significant prior medical conditions, or have not trained to run this distance in hot conditions, consider not running or run with extreme caution. Consult your physician if you have a history of heat illness.
8. If you have had the COVID-19 virus in the past and are still experiencing fatigue and other post COVID-19 symptoms, evaluate your pace and effort in this type of climate.
9. Drink your fluids. Pouring water over your head feels great, but it does not necessarily help reduce your body temperature or prevent heat illness.
10. Wear light clothing and sweat-wicking clothing. If you need to wear a hat, use a sun visor to protect your face from the sun.
11. Use sunscreen to protect your skin. SPF 50 or higher is recommended.
12. Avoid drinking coffee or any drinks with caffeine prior to the race.