Our biggest event of the year, Race to the Stones, is a few short days away – and the forecast is looking hot.
With highs of 33 degrees Celsius are to be expected, we’re taking extra steps to ensure the safety of everyone out on the Ridgeway, including:
- An additional water stop in between each regular pit stop
- Extra water available at pit stops for dunking hats, buffs, etc. as well as crushed ice during the hottest part of the day
- Extra sun cream at every pit stop
- If you’re running the Day Two – Ridgeline 50k on Sunday, we have widened the start window from 5am to 7am, to give you the opportunity to get going before the heat of the day arrives later on in the morning
Alongside these measures, it’s important that you, as a participant, take care to look after yourself in the hot weather.
Here are five top tips for staying cool out there.
1. Stay Hydrated
In addition to our regular pit stops, we’ll be adding extra water stops along the route – one in between each pit stop. Some of these may be unmanned, but all will have sufficient water supplies for every participant to refill their bottles. We recommend you consider carrying an extra water source on top of what you already planned to carry.
Remember, just as important as staying hydrated is not over-hydrating, which can cause hyponatraemia in extreme cases. Drink when you feel thirsty, and make sure you are taking in adequate sodium in the form of electrolyte tablets from our nutrition partner High5 (available at pitstops) or simply eating some salty food.
2. Dress Appropriately
For some people, the hot weather will mean a sleeveless vest to keep cool is ideal. For others, covering skin with a T-shirt or long sleeve is preferable. The important thing is to think carefully about what works best for you to stay comfortable as the temperature soars. Don’t just wear what you’ve been wearing in training without thinking about it – a bit of careful consideration could make all the difference.
A simple hat can be a game-changing bit of kit in tough weather, keeping your head covered and preventing sunstroke during the hottest part of the day. It’s also ideal for dunking in water at pit stops to stay cool. And whilst we’re on the subject…
3. Get Soaked
We’ll have buckets of water at every pit stop, and crushed ice at some of them during the hottest parts of the day. Buffs (worn around the head, neck, or wrist), bandanas, and hats are all ideal for dunking in the cold water to help keep you cool.
4. Ask for Help
If you’re feeling unwell or think you might need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. We’ll have medical support from Trailmed at pitstops and roaming vehicles out on the route. Just call the number on your bib or speak to a Threshold crew member.
5. Take Your Time
Whether you’re a frontrunner chasing the course record or a back-of-the-pack walker, the hot weather will mean you’ll need to move slower than you might have planned to. Expect your usual easy pace to feel a little harder, and adjust accordingly to ensure you don’t overheat. Take your time in pits stops to replenish your supplies and make sure you have everything you need before you head out onto the trail again.
