FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2016
CONTACT: Jess Cover jess@runvermont.org, 802.863.8412
People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon Halted Due to Extreme Weather Conditions
Burlington, Vt. (May 26, 2016) – 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.
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