Normal
0
0
1
526
3003
New England Runner
25
6
3687
11.1539
0
0
0
Due to Extreme Weather Conditions
Burlington, Vt. (May 26, 2016) ÛÓ For the first time in the history of
the Vermont City Marathon, the race was discontinued about four hours into the
race. Just before noon, race conditions reached the extreme level of the
Emergency Alert System and the Vermont City Marathon was discontinued. Runners
were alerted via the RaceJoy app and by course officials, and directed to aid
stations for medical assistance and transportation back into downtown
Burlington.
This
year’s weather presented some unprecedented challenges for runners and race
organizers. While temperatures and humidity were high, the Wet Bulb Globe Temp
was the reason for discontinuation of the race. Measurement of the Wet Bulb
Globe Temp was taken prior to and over the course of the race at three
locations along the course. Once the measurement had met the threshold of 82
WBGT for three consecutive readings at all three locations, the decision was
confirmed to discontinue the race. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends
that events discontinue after a reading at this level.
“We had been
monitoring the weather for the week leading up to the event and had teams in
place for any event that could arise due to weather,” explained Peter Delaney,
Executive Director of RunVermont. “Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not
cooperate and we were left with no other option than to close the race course.
We are disappointed with having to do that, but the safety of our athletes is
our number one priority.”
Participants
in the event who crossed the finish line within four hours and thirty minutes
of the start will receive an official time. However, ALL participants of the
Marathon and 2-Person Relay will receive their medal.
RunVermont
anticipated high temperatures for the event day and put additional resources in
place prior to the start of the race. These resources included: 9 additional
misting stations, 5 additional ice stations, 4 roving ice patrols, more than
double the ice order for the entire event, increase in water and cup supplies
for all aid stations, added shuttle buses for North Ave to pick up runners who were
unable to finish, messaging to runners to slow down, hydrate, and keep an eye
on one another, and messaging to the community to support the runners with
aquatic relief.
“We
want to thank the runners, volunteers, police, emergency personnel, and
spectators who all contributed to avoiding the severe health risks we believe
we would have faced if more runners had kept going, ” Delaney said. “We will be
reviewing how our emergency plans rolled out, and we welcome feedback so that
we can continue our tradition of an event that is both safe and enjoyable.”
Anyone with questions about their participation can find
more information on runvcm.org or emailing info@runvermont.org.
RunVermont is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed
to the promotion of running as a life-long activity through complementary
programs that celebrate the athletic spirit, are recognized nationally, and embrace
the Vermont community. In addition to its premier Memorial Day weekend events;
Peoples United Bank Vermont City Marathon and the MVP Health Ready. Set. Run!
Festival. RunVermont presents the FirstRun Burlington 5k each January, Half
Marathon Unplugged in April, Island Vines 10k in September, Ready, Set, Run
spring and summer youth running programs as well as consulting, timing and race
services support for other Vermont running events.