The organization of the TT City Run takes into account different heat protocols this weekend. Due to the warm weather, the marathon in Zwolle was already canceled last weekend and earlier not all distances could continue in Leeuwarden. Whether the TT City Run can continue is still uncertain at the moment.
“We must currently be at least based on a heat protocol,” says Stefan Zevenberg, chairman of the TT City Run. “We can’t say whether that will eventually become a heat or even heat+protocol yet.”
Together with a meteorologist it is monitored again. “The weather apps are very variable, so we consult with a meteorologist every other day. He not only looks at the temperature, but also at humidity and other important points, for example.”
The organization takes extra measures anyway. This way there are more water posts along the routes. No small cups are distributed there, but half -liter bottles, so that runners can also use the water to cool. In addition, there are additional ambulances, doctors and first aiders present.
“There are extra care providers at every water point to keep an eye on the runners,” says Zevenberg. “If they decide that a runner should stop, then it is mandatory to get out of the competition.”
If the heat nevertheless turns out more extreme than is now expected, it may be that the longer distances and possibly also to cancel the shorter distances. Due to its centenary, a marathon is being run for the first time this year. “At the moment it still looks positive, but it is not yet possible to say with certainty how it will work out. I hope for the volunteers and participants that it will play positive, but as an organization you want only one thing and that is a healthy and especially safe walking environment.”
The organization will make a final decision on Thursday and informs the participants.