ATLANTA — With temperatures in the 90s all week, runners need to prepare for a sizzling hot 4th on Peachtree Street.
Thursday will bring the 55th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race. The annual 4th of July tradition will begin early in the morning when the weather should be tolerable, but will no doubt climb as the race progresses.
Sadia Ronoh is a Florida native who knows you can’t run from the hot weather.
“You can’t just go from running on a treadmill or running when it’s just cool to running in the heat,” said Ronoh. “It’s not going to work.”
Dr. Lekshmi Kumar is Co-medical director of the AJC Peachtree Road Race. She says preparing for physical exertion in the heat begins while you’re getting dressed. Dr. Kumar recommends light colored outfits that are breathable and made of moisture wicking fabrics that allow your sweat to evaporate and cool your body.
She also recommends getting to know the course before the 4th of July.
“Know where your resources are,” said Dr. Kumar. “Know where the aid stations are. Know where the medical tents are.”
Dr. Kumar is also an ER doctor at Emory University Hospital. When it comes to hydrating in the heat, her advice is to drink 16 to 24 ounces of water a couple of hours before your run.
“You want to continue hydration during the race with water and electrolytes,” said Dr. Kumar.
“They do have nine to ten hydration stations along the course. Part of it is you have to listen to your body.”
The race uses a color system to alert runners to weather conditions. Green indicates good conditions, yellow if runners need to be cautious, and red for potentially dangerous conditions.
If conditions change, race organizers will notify runners with signs along the race course.