A Hot Day For Racing - An Aid Station Perspective

Yesterday I worked the last aid station at the Psycho Psummer race.  It was a 3 loop race with options of 10 miles, 20 miles or 50k.  This post though, is not about me or about the aid station but about watching determined athletes overcome race day conditions to do what it takes to finish their race.

Temperature at race start was 76, by noon it was 86 and then in the afternoon it got up to 91 with a heat index of 98.  Not your normal day for your best race performance.  Runners first started coming through our aid station at about 9:10.  As usual, the front runners were looking good and running at a strong pace.  About this same time, the 10 mile race was just getting under way. 

As the balance of the 20 miler and 50k runners came through, they were looking fairly good with those at the back coming through about an hour later, but the heat was starting to take it's toll.  Anyone that signs up for a race like this has trained for the distance.  Being an ultra runner myself though, I know that race day conditions can play a huge role in your performance and even your ability to finish.  As the heat started to build, the runners ability to hold pace for the same output of energy started to gradually dwindle.  Racers would roll into our aid station with disbelief that there was still 2.3 miles to go.  But, you could see the determination on their face not to let the heat win, but to push through this race day obstacle and finish the race.  As the 10 milers came through, again the front runners were looking good but those in the back were being effected by the heat.  Since they started an hour later it was now about 11:00 by the time the back of the pack reached our aid station.  The heat index was close to 90 and wind was starting to die down.  When they reached our aid station they were getting ready to enter the 3-Hills section of the course.  Knowing how tough that section can be on a hot muddy day, we made sure that everyone left there in good shape with ice in their bottles, salt in their system and encouragement to make it the last 2.3 miles.  For many this was probably the toughest thing they've ever done and we had the privilege of helping just a little in a monumental accomplishment on a difficult day.  They were determined to make it. 

As the day continued, the racers were spread out all over the course.  The heat continued to get worse and many racers stopped at our aid station to put water on their heads and ice in their bottles, hat, bandanna or any other place they could put it.  The ice along with the fan and the breeze at the aid station was inviting to tired hot runners, but absolutely no one dropped there.  Everyone was able to continue and finish.

As I drove off that day I kept thinking to myself what amazing athletes I had just watched finish an event that 99% of people will never even attempt.  What a neat day!  Congratulations to all the finishers !!!