Higher than Average Temperatures Expected for Saturday Event
Nashville, TN -- April 23, 2009 -- As the Country Music Marathon kicks off today with the Health and Fitness Expo at the Convention Center, forecasters are predicting exceptionally high temperatures to hit the area beginning Friday morning. For runners who have trained in cooler climates, race organizers are announcing heat guidelines for race day.
Medical volunteers and staff are asking participants to be knowledgeable about heat-related problems, and to slow down or stop running if they feel faint, dizzy, disoriented or stop sweating. Volunteers will hand out salt packets at the start line and halfway through the course to help runners stay hydrated and not cramp. They recommend participants drink only when thirsty, and suggest that they consume no more than a cup (8 ounces) of fluid every 20 minutes.
Dr. Lewis Maharam, Medical Director of the Country Music Marathon & Half-Marathon, will be available to answer medical questions at the Health and Fitness Expo throughout Thursday and Friday. He'll also oversee the medical tent and volunteers on race day. "Take advantage of spray stations to cool off and don't over-hydrate," he said. "Listen to your own body -- don't try for a personal best if it doesn't feel right. Medical staff will be available at every mile to help everyone be safe, keep going and finish the race."
With forecasts predicting temperatures in the low 80s, Dr. Marharam and staff are also stressing the importance of not only keeping cool physically, but mentally as well. "Don't panic," says Dr. Maharam. "Many runners train in conditions warmer than it will be this weekend, so it's not the temperature that's the issue -- it's how it feels to you. Just listen to yourself and your body, and have fun!"
Race registration for both events will be available at the Health & Fitness Expo from 11am - 6pm Thursday, April 23 and 10 am - 7 pm Friday, April 24. For more information, please visit the Country Music Marathon, at CMMarathon.com.
About Country Music Marathon & Half-Marathon
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2009, the Country Music Marathon & Half-Marathon will attract over 30,000 runners and 100,000 spectators to Music City on Saturday, April 25. The event is a weekend celebration complete with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, YMCA Country Music Kids' Marathon and a post-race concert featuring a headliner act. For more information or to register for the race, please visit CMMarathon.com or call 800-311-1255.
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