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World Athletics Moves Tokyo Road Events 30 Minutes Earlier Over Extreme Heat

Organisers advanced road-race starts to 7:30 a.m. to cut heat exposure after Tokyo’s record summer.

Overview

  • The change covers all road events on the first three days, with the 35km race walks and the marathons now set for 7:30 a.m., while in-stadium schedules remain unchanged.
  • Organisers are adding 185 water points on the marathon route, installing radiative-cooling tents near venues, and equipping staff and volunteers with core-temperature monitoring devices.
  • Japan recorded its hottest summer since 1898 with average temperatures 2.36°C above the norm, and Tokyo logged more than 3,300 heat-stroke hospitalisations last month.
  • Road events will stay in Tokyo rather than relocating as in the 2021 Olympics, though officials say further timetable adjustments are possible if conditions warrant.
  • World Athletics leaders, including Sebastian Coe, describe heat risks as persistent effects of climate change and say the sport will make scheduling decisions to prioritise athlete welfare.