Will Tokyo's Heat Impact Road Race Start Times?

The marathon and race walk events at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will start 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled due to expected high temperatures. Safety remains the top priority as temperatures in Tokyo are forecasted to exceed 30°C during the championships.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The marathon and race walks will begin at 07:30 local time (23:30 BST).
• World Athletics prioritises athlete safety amid extreme heat conditions.
• Tokyo experiences its hottest summer on record, averaging 2.36°C above normal.
• Logistical constraints limit earlier start times for certain events.
• Similar scheduling issues were encountered during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.

Changes to Event Start Times

The upcoming World Athletics Championships, set to commence on 13 September, will see the marathon and 35km race walk events begin at 07:30 local time instead of the previously scheduled start. This decision comes in light of rising temperatures in Tokyo, which are anticipated to remain above 30°C throughout the competition period.

Safety First: The Rationale Behind the Change

World Athletics has taken this step to ensure the health and safety of all athletes participating in the events. As Jon Ridgeon, the chief executive of World Athletics, stated, the health and science team advised that shifting the start times would significantly benefit athletes faced with challenging weather conditions. The organisation is committed to prioritising athlete welfare under these circumstances.

Logistical Challenges of Earlier Starts

Despite the decision to start events earlier, Ridgeon indicated that further adjustments were not feasible due to logistical constraints. Factors such as venue preparation, athlete warm-up requirements, and event logistics limit how much earlier events can be scheduled. Thus, the start time of 07:30 is considered the earliest viable option.

Historical Context: Lessons from the Olympics

This isn't the first time that Tokyo has faced significant heat challenges during major sporting events. During the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics, the marathon and race walking events were relocated to Sapporo, approximately 800km north of Tokyo, due to similar concerns regarding extreme heat. The change was made to provide a safer environment for athletes, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding climate and athletic performance.

Current Weather Patterns in Tokyo

Japan has been experiencing its hottest summer since weather records began in 1898, with average temperatures exceeding norms by 2.36°C. These high temperatures pose not only a challenge for athletes but also reflect broader climate concerns affecting sporting events globally. Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, acknowledged the inevitability of "heat challenges" faced by competitors during the championships.

Event Schedule Overview

The revised schedule for the marathon and race walk events is as follows:

• Women's and Men's 35km Race Walk: 13 September at 07:30 local time (23:30 BST)
• Women's Marathon: 14 September at 07:30 local time (23:30 BST)
• Men's Marathon: 15 September at 07:30 local time (23:30 BST)
• Women's 20km Race Walk: 20 September at 07:30 local time (23:30 BST)
• Men's 20km Race Walk: 20 September at 09:50 local time (01:50 BST)

Potential Impact on Athletes

The early start times are designed to help mitigate the effects of heat on athletes, potentially improving performance and reducing health risks. However, the adjustment may still require athletes to adapt their preparation strategies, including hydration and nutrition, to cope with the early morning conditions.

What Comes Next?

As the championships approach, it is crucial for athletes, coaches, and officials to remain vigilant regarding weather conditions and their potential impacts on performance. The decisions made by World Athletics underscore the importance of adaptability in the face of climate challenges, reinforcing the need for continuous evaluation of athlete safety protocols.

FAQs

Why were the start times moved for the marathon and race walk events?

The start times were moved earlier to prioritise athlete safety due to expected high temperatures exceeding 30°C during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

What are the new start times for the events?

The marathon and 35km race walk events will now start at 07:30 local time (23:30 BST) on their respective dates.

How does the heat affect athletic performance?

High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and reduced physical performance. Early start times aim to mitigate these risks by avoiding peak heat hours.

Is Tokyo experiencing unusual weather patterns?

Yes, Tokyo is undergoing its hottest summer on record, with temperatures averaging 2.36°C above normal, which affects event scheduling and athlete performance.

What lessons were learned from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics regarding heat?

The relocation of marathon and race walking events to Sapporo during the Olympics highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure athlete safety in extreme heat conditions.

Conclusion

As the World Athletics Championships unfold in Tokyo, the adjustments made in response to the extreme heat reflect a growing awareness of climate impacts on sporting events. The safety of athletes must always be a priority, and the proactive measures taken may set a precedent for future competitions in hot climates. How will these changes influence athlete performance and overall event success? #WorldAthletics #Tokyo2023 #AthleteSafety