RUNNER SAFETY ON THE COURSE The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon’s goal is to provide a fun and safe event for everyone. We encourage you to download the Memorial Marathon App to your Android or Apple device before race day and follow our social media and media partners to stay up to date. Medical Issues There are 15 medical aid stations on Sunday and one on Saturday staffed with some of the best medical professionals in the state along the race course. Each station will be flying a flag of the color corresponding to the heat stress at the time (see chart). Flag colors will change within 3 minutes of a modification in the heat stress level. The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon asserts that upon entering the event, each runner assumes the responsibility with the potential risks that any marathon presents. It is the runner’s responsibility to list pre-existing medical conditions and an emergency contact on their individual bibs. All runners should be discerning of their own fitness level in their decision to enter the Marathon and associated events. It is strongly advised that all participants cooperate with directives given by Marathon officials should an emergency arise and assist in ensuring the safety of their fellow participants, particularly when the conditions are not ideal. The OKC Memorial Marathon has adopted the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index as its standard. High heat and humidity, as measured in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for endurance events, could result in the cancellation of the event. WBGT was developed because the ordinary temperature alone does not provide a realistic guide to the effects of heat and does not take humidity and heat radiation into consideration. As the WBGT rises, so do sweating and fluid losses. With fluid losses come the risk of various heat injuries: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is strongly recommended that all runners slow their pace and reduce their risk of heat stress if conditions
warrant. Hydration and misting stations to cool do not prevent heat stress if your pace is not adjusted. While runners should increase their fluid intake as the WBGT rises, be careful to avoid excessive water intake and the possibility of overhydrating or hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can cause serious health consequences, including confusion, coma and death. Additionally, salt in the form of pretzels and/or pickle juice will be available along the last half of the course. Supplemental salt will help prevent cramps. From your training, you should have a general idea of the amount of fluid you need when running under various conditions of temperature and humidity. The Marathon reserves the right for medical professionals to pull runners from the course if exhibiting signs of physical stress. Water Stops The OKC Memorial Marathon, in partnership with SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, offers 22 Water Stops on Sunday and one on Saturday along the course. There are more than adequate amounts of water to ensure hydration under favorable conditions. If those conditions worsen, additional amounts will be pre-staged and deployed but it should be reasonable to assume that supplies may not be limitless due to logistical constraints entailed in such a distribution effort. Thanks to our partners at Heartland, sanitization stations will be available at water stops. Race Alteration and Weather Policy Perry Weather will provide tailored forecasts for the course that highlight any weather
concern. These forecasts help race officials plan accordingly and set up the proper contingency plans. Weather updates are available on the Marathon App. If severe weather arises, Perry Weather provides an on-site meteorologist race day to determine its impact on the race. We understand the commitment participants have made in entering the race. However, the decision regarding the cancellation and/ or alterations will be based on safety. If at any time community resources are threatened, we will act to protect them from unnecessary stress. If weather conditions or other physical conditions present a danger to the participants, the Memorial Marathon officials maintain the right to cancel the race. Less threatening conditions could cause alterations to the course or length of the race to further ensure participant, volunteer and community safety. The conditions will fall under an “Act of God” and will not result in any refunding of any race entry fee or future credits. The staging of an event of this magnitude places a large financial burden on the OKC Memorial Marathon organization prior to the event date. In the event of a forced race cancellation or alteration, it is probable the financial impact of the race would not be any different than if the race were held without compromise. The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon officials, along with city officials, will make decisions regarding the cancellation or alteration of the race. Prior to the race, participants will be informed of weather conditions and how the on-course flag system works. Race officials will describe
any changes that may be decided as a result of weather or other unsafe conditions. In the case of a course evacuation, Marathon officials, police, emergency management and course marshals will communicate throughout the course, and will direct participants to stay-in-place at shelters along the course to await transportation back to downtown Oklahoma City or away from the dangerous area along the course. All last minute and up-todate information will be pushed out on the Marathon app, and posted on the Marathon’s webpage, okcMarathon. com, Twitter @okcmarathon, Facebook.com/okcmarathon, oklahoman.com and broadcast on The Franchise 107.7, KFOR News 4 and from all public service areas along the course. On The Course If runners are not to Mile 20 by noon in the Marathon and mile 10 by noon. in the Half Marathon, they will be bused back to the Finish Line Festival. This rule was recommended by the Oklahoma City Police Department due to not being able to adequately support the runners along the course. Following Department of Homeland Security standards for outdoor events, there are no backpacks, vest hydration units, ruck packs, air tanks or anything over the shoulders allowed on runners. Hydration belts or handheld bottles – less than one liter – are allowed. Drones and scooters of any kind are prohibited. We thank you for helping us abide by these rules established for the safety of all along the Marathon course. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you at the Finish Line!
EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM Watch for Flag Colors At The Medical Aid Stations Based On The Alert Level Current risk level due to weather or other conditions
Alert Level EXTREME HIGH MODERATE
Event Condition
Recommended Actions
Event cancelled/extreme
Stop participation/Follow OKCMM Official instructions
Potentially dangerous conditions Slow Down/observe course changes/follow OKCMM Officials instructions/consider stopping Less than ideal
Slow down-be prepared for worsening conditions
LOW
Low risk-good conditions
Enjoy the Event - Be Alert
WHITE
No risk
Enjoy the event
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