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Oct 6, 2007 10:22 pm US/Central
Weather Will Be A Factor In Chicago Marathon
COMING SUNDAY: Watch The Race Live On CBS2CHICAGO.COM
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Many Chicagoans may be enjoying this unseasonably warm weather, but the heat wave could pose some dangerous problems for those running the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Sunday.
Organizers say with temperatures to be in the 80's Sunday, extra precautions had to be taken to try to keep everyone safe.
The Chicago Marathon has long been the marathon of choice for thousands of runners. The big draw is the fast course and the normally ideal Chicago weather this time of year.
But this year, the weather is anything but ideal with temperatures expected to be in the 70's at the start of the race and climbing well into the 80's. Race organizers and runners are regrouping.
Race organizers are also doing their best to help runners to beat the heat. Fifteen aid stations will be located along the course to provide runners with water, Gatorade, and ice. But the race's medical director is warning runners not to overhydrate. In 1998, a woman running the marathon died after drinking too much water.
"We stress hydration however we want to make sure that they are not just drinking water," said marathon medical director Dr. George Chaimpas. "They need to basically maintain their body weight."
In addition to keeping runners hydrated, 16 medical tents are scattered along the course to help runners who might have trouble dealing with the heat. Five cooling buses will also be available, along with misting stations and water-soaked sponges. But race organizers stress the best thing runners can do is listen to their bodies.
"If they at all feel any sort of symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pains, cramping, abdominal pain, vomiting, they need to stop and seek medical advice," Chaimpas said.
Race organizers say "drop-out" buses will be an option for any runners who cannot finish the race.
Tune into CBS 2 Sunday morning to see the marathon live. Coverage starts at 7:30 a.m.
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