FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2016
CONTACT: Jess Cover jess@runvermont.org, 802.863.8412
Burlington, Vermont (May 26, 2016) – RUNVERMONT ADDS ADDITIONAL RELIEF EFFORTS AND ASKS COMMUNITY TO “PITCH IN & HOSE DOWN” FOR THE VERMONT CITY MARATHON
With Sunday’s weather forecast calling for temperatures to reach the low 80s during the course of the 28th running of the People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon, race officials are adding additional relief effort and calling for assistance from the local community.
“With weather reports forecasting very warm race conditions, RunVermont is taking steps to further ensure the safety and comfort of our runners,” said RunVermont Executive Director Peter Delaney.
Close monitoring of weather forecasts and daily conversations with the National Weather Service suggest race conditions will be warmer than the norm this year.” The RunVermont team will be adding additional relief efforts along the course, including numerous misting stations, ice drops and roving ice patrols. Between mile 10 and mile 26, runners will encounter some form of aid at least every mile.
RunVermont also is reminding runners to look out for themselves and one another. According to the race’s Medical Coordinator, Denise Alosa, “the best defenses against heat-related issues will be to hydrate prior to race day and frequently during the race in modest quantities, and to adjust race-day expectations by slowing down and monitoring sweat output. If runners aren’t sweating, they should immediately seek aid.”
Further, RunVermont encourages all spectators to assist our community of runners. The Vermont City Marathon has earned a well-deserved reputation for having some of the most enthusiastic spectators of any race in the country and race officials hope to leverage that enthusiasm. “We ask everyone along the course to ‘pitch in and hose down’ the runners. Every little bit will help,” added Delaney. “When the going gets tough, we’re confident that our community will step forward and show our runners why Burlington, Vermont is such a special place.”
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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