Heat-Ready Information Ahead of Race Day 2026

Runners, race weekend is almost here! We are looking at some high temperatures this weekend, and your safety is our top priority. Please take a moment to read through this update on how to prepare and what resources we will have on the course to keep you safe.

Pre-Race Heat Prep

• Hydrate Early: Start increasing your water and electrolyte intake right now. Don’t wait until race morning to play catch-up.

• Dress Smart: Wear light-colored, breathable, and moisture-wicking gear. Visors and sunglasses are highly recommended.

• Adjust Your Goals: Prepare mentally to adapt to the conditions rather than strictly chasing a PR.

On-Course & Finish Line Resources

We are fully equipped to support you on the course. Here’s what you can expect this year:

• 23 Aid Stations: Every single station is staffed with medical volunteers and fully stocked with water and Tailwind.

• Late-Morning Cooling Measures: After 11:00 AM, as temperatures are forecast to climb, we are ramping up cooling measures across the course, including handing out cooling towels.

• Mile 22.5 A/C Station: Need a major core-temp reset? Look for the air-conditioned cooling station at the Pickle Juice stop at mile 22.5!

• The Finish Line: Once you cross, expect a wide array of re-hydration and cooling options, alongside our comprehensive medical teams ready to assist anyone who needs it.

Course Conditions

We are monitoring the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) to not only stay on top of the heat index, but to also follow the gold standard for heat stress. The WBGT reading will correspond with the course conditions and be communicated through the Event Alert System. That system will display Green (go), Yellow (caution), and Black (course closed) via flags at each aid station during the race. For updates on conditions as they happen, please download the race app – notifications will go out on the app if the WBGT reading warrants a change in status.

More about the Event Alert System and our weather policy can be found here.

Racing Strategy: Effort Over Pace

The combination of our signature elevation and the heat means your body will have to work harder than usual. If the hills or the heat are new to you, respect them. Listen to your body, walk when you need to, and pull back your effort before you overheat.

If you are running and conditions deteriorate due to heat:

• Slow down immediately and run by effort, not pace.
• Drink at every aid station and continue to consume electrolytes either through energy drink or gels/food.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, and headache
• Watch for signs of heat stroke: confusion, disorientation, hot/dry skin, loss off consciousness – this is a medical emergency, call 911.
• If you or a fellow runner experience any of these symptoms, go to the nearest aid station immediately or call 911.

Tough Enough to Start. Smart Enough to Stop.

If race day heat pushes you past the limit, be smart and stop. We’ve got your back.

To withdraw while still on the course – tell the nearest aid station captain so they can record your bib number. You can walk back to the finish, or make your way to the Somerset aid station (mile 18.5 for full and 7.7 for half) and a shuttle will return you to the finish area.

And if it looks like your going to miss the race time cut off limit, don’t stress, just walk your way back to the finish line. Folks who miss the time cut will be eligible for our Run it Back 2027 Program where we are offering discounted entry to next year’s race to those who withdraw after starting this year. This is to help prevent runners from pushing through heat stress and creating a medical emergency.

The mountains will be here next year, so should you.

See you at the start line!