The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is not expected to move the marathon event which is due to take place on the final day of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in September.
IPC’s stand on the matter comes at a time when both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Olympics organising committee are at loggerheads over the venue for the marathon event at the Olympics.
Speaking in Tokyo during the IOC Co-ordination Commission, IPC President Andrew Parsons said: “It is unlikely the IPC will move the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Marathon.
“Historical weather data shows Tokyo is cooler in September than August and therefore we will continue to work with Tokyo 2020 to discuss the effective heat countermeasures for the athletes,” said Parsons.
The IOC had announced earlier this month that they were moving both the marathon events from Tokyo to Sapporo due to the projected high temperature and concerns for athletes safety. The World Athletic Championships held in Doha recently was marred by the heat with 28 of the 68 runners failing to complete the women’s marathon race. This despite the race starting at midnight.
Tokyo temperatures in July and August, when the Olympic Games are set to take place, is projected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
In Doha, the temperatures for the start was about 32.7 degrees Celsius. Eighteen runners in the men’s marathon also failed to complete the course.
“This November, Tokyo 2020 will send to the IPC this summer’s weather data which will be reviewed and analysed by the IPC Medical Committee. The recommendations of the Committee, together with the views of the athlete community, will be reported to the up-coming IPC Project Review meeting in December.
“The well-being of all athletes taking part is our top priority, and we are working closely with Tokyo 2020 and other stakeholders to provide the best and optimal conditions for the race.”
Five marathon races will take place at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics: the men’s T12, T46 and T52/53/54 races, as well as the women’s T12 and T54 events.
Earlier this year the IPC confirmed it had brought forward the start time of the first race to 06:30 as a heat countermeasure.
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