As the forecast for the weekend promises warm summer temperatures, organizers of this year's 40th annual Bellin Run 10k are taking time to plan ahead and put safety measures in place.
Ice and misting stations have also been added this year.
Each of those water stations will have medical professionals available, in addition to the extra medics throughout the course.
A color-coded Emergency Alert System is also in place to keep runners updated on how race conditions are looking. The colors are:
- Green- a low-level alert meaning conditions are good but participants should stay alert for changes
- Yellow- a moderate alert indicating less than ideal but not dangerous conditions.
-Red- a high alert, meaning potentially dangerous conditions exist
- Black- extreme alert that is only issued if conditions are dangerous enough to cancel the race
Currently, Saturday's events are starting at a yellow-level alert.
The best advice for runners ahead of the race is to be well hydrated before the gun ever goes off. They should also wear light, loose-fitting clothing, bring water with you, turn down personal listening devices, and pay attention to how you are feeling. If you have an underlying health condition, perhaps consider not running this year.
Spectators and people who live along the course are encouraged to help out by getting our their sprinklers or garden hoses to help runners cool off. Just make sure it is at a low pressure.
And for spectators, runners and anyone else involved, look out for each other and be sure to notify a volunteer or medic if you see any runner in distress.
For updates on conditions and race results, check out the Bellin Run website here.
To sign up for live tracking of the events, click here.
To fill out your medical information for the Bellin Run medical team, click here.
