Comrades marathon: What weather runners can expect
For runners taking part in the Comrades marathon this Sunday, some nerves and excitement will be starting to set in, while a close eye will be kept on the weather conditions for race day.
This year, the Comrades Marathon is a down run, starting with the traditional cock's crow in Pietermaritzburg and finishing a gruelling 89.98 kilometres later outside the People's Park in Durban.
The good news is that weather conditions are looking warm and pleasant throughout the day along the route.
However, it will be chilly as runners begin to gather in Pietermaritzburg during the early hours of Sunday. Temperatures will be in the single digits, rising to around 12°C by 05:00 ahead of the start for the first groups.
Temperatures are then predicted to rise as high as 25°C by midday, with minimal cloud cover and no real wind to speak of.
A runners begin to head towards Durban, there are some partly cloudy conditions predicted from mid afternoon, but it's unlikely to provide much relief from typically warm conditions that see temperatures expected to peak at 25°C and still hover around 23°C at 17:00.
Weather-wise, Comrades Marathon Association's race doctor, Dr Jeremy Boulter, said he's hoping for a cool day without wind for the participants.
He added that the down run is often harder on the legs with people having more aches and pains the next day.
'The main concerns we usually treat on race day are exhaustion, dehydration, some over-hydration and any arising acute medical problems experienced on the route. Most musculoskeletal problems will only surface the following day and will need treatment then.'
Five tips for runners
With his extensive experience in race-day emergencies, Dr Boulter offers five points of sound advice to runners on the day. Make sure you're adequately trained and prepared.
Don't run if you are ill or have been ill with influenza in the two weeks prior to Comrades Day. 'If your symptoms were experienced above the neck, it's probably okay to run, but if they were below the neck, don't chance it. If you've had a fever with aches and pains, a chest infection or coughing, and you're still on treatment, don't attempt the race,' advises Dr Boulter.
Make sure you drink enough fluids on the route.
Eat enough food to keep you going during the race.
Don't take medication such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants while running, warns Dr Boulter. 'There is plenty of medical help along the way if you need it.'
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