Heat concerns force shift in US Olympic marathon trials start time

Robert Besser
19 Nov 2023, 15:33 GMT+10

Organizers of the U.S. Olympic Trials marathon, which will be held in Orlando, Florida, said that due to runners' heat concerns, the race's start time has been moved to 10:00 am local time
In October, Some leading American marathon runners met with USA Track and Field CEO Max Siegel to ask him to change the noon start time over concerns about hot temperatures in the host city
Some 100 runners signed a letter dated September 15 to USATF that expressed concerns about the risk posed to athletes' health by a noon start time

ORLANDO, Florida: This week, organizers of the U.S. Olympic Trials marathon, which will be held in Orlando, Florida, said that due to runners' heat concerns, the race's start time has been moved to 10:00 am local time from its original noon schedule.

In October, Some leading American marathon runners met with USA Track and Field (USATF) CEO Max Siegel to ask him to change the noon start time over concerns about hot temperatures in the host city.

"In collaboration and consultation with feedback from the athletes regarding concerns around weather conditions, it has been agreed that the start time for the event will be moved to 10:00 am ET," the organizers said.

"The earlier start time will help provide an improved experience for athletes, spectators, and event staff, ensuring the comfort and safety of all involved," they added.

Some 100 runners signed a letter dated September 15 to USATF that expressed concerns about the risk posed to athletes' health by a noon start time.

The race, in which leading male and female long-distance runners will compete for the opportunity to represent Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, will take place on February 3, 2024.

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