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Coe Warns of Heat Risks at Tokyo World Championships as Road Races Remain in City

Forecasts of 30–34°C with heavy humidity have triggered contingency planning focused on athlete welfare.

Overview

  • Japan recorded its hottest summer on record, with June–August averaging 2.36°C above the standard value, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
  • World Athletics confirmed the marathon and race walks will stay in Tokyo, with early starts set for 8am local time for the 35km walk on Saturday and the women's and men's marathons on Sunday and Monday.
  • Day-one conditions are expected to exceed 30°C with about 75% humidity, with forecasts indicating a rise to roughly 34°C on Sunday.
  • Sebastian Coe said the World Athletics Council could adjust event timetables if heat conditions require changes to protect competitors.
  • Coe signaled that international sport may revise the global calendar in response to persistent climate warming and highlighted World Athletics' health and science team readiness.