Due to record-breaking heat in Tokyo, organizers of the World Athletics Championships are adjusting the schedule to protect athletes.
Start times for the men’s and women’s 35km race walks and both marathons have been moved to 7:30 a.m. to avoid the worst of the heat, which is expected to feel like 40°C on some days.
Japan is experiencing its hottest summer since 1898, with temperatures averaging 33°C this month. Over 3,300 people in Tokyo were hospitalized for heatstroke in the last month alone.
World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon stated the change was made to ensure athlete safety. Additional measures, including 185 water spots along the marathon route and cooling tents, have also been implemented.
Further changes to the schedule are possible.
