Gütersloh runs despite 37 degrees: safety measures for participants!

Gütersloh runs despite 37 degrees: safety measures for participants!

The temperatures in Gütersloh are skyrocketing today: up to 37 degrees Celsius are forecast, right in the middle of the “Gütersloh Running” running event, which is taking place as planned despite the heat. The organizer Sarah Dörmann from Impuls Event made it clear that postponing the event was not possible. “There is something going on,” she says in connection with the irreversible preliminary planning.

Participants are urged to listen to their bodies and not strive for peak performance on this hot day. Special precautionary measures have been taken. In the city park there are additional shaded areas, water points and cool sponges to pick up the athletes. In addition, extra medical personnel are on duty in case health problems arise.

The event in detail

Starting numbers will be issued from 2:30 p.m. and participants who do not feel comfortable under the extreme conditions can re-register free of charge. Cancellations are expected, especially for children's runs; Here the responsibility clearly lies with the parents, who should keep a close eye on their offspring. It is also important to note that participants are allowed to bring their own tents for shade.

If there is drinking water from the hydrants tomorrow, it is advisable to have bottles with you to refill. Don't forget: All proceeds from this series of events go to the German Stroke Aid Foundation - a good opportunity to do sports and make a social contribution at the same time.

Heat – an increasingly serious issue

Climate change plays a major role in this context because it leads to increasingly frequent heat waves with temperatures above 30 degrees. 2023 was one of the hottest years since records began in 1881, with a global average temperature of 1.45 degrees above the historical average. There were a sensational 416 heat deaths in Berlin in 2022, and the number of heat deaths has increased by around 30 percent in the last 20 years. This is alarming.

Extreme heat can have serious health effects: dehydration, difficulty sleeping and difficulty concentrating are just some of the side effects. Small children and older people are particularly at risk. The signs of heat stress such as weakness, dizziness and headaches should not be ignored either.

The IKK BB offers valuable tips for dealing with heat. Drink a lot (at least 1.5 liters daily) and take appropriate cooling measures. If you wear light, light-colored clothing and adapt your daily routine to the high temperatures, you can reduce the risk of overload. Anyone who keeps an eye on their well-being in the summer should always have a good hand when it comes to their own health.

More information about the event can be found on the website of Gütersloh is running.