#BudaQuest | Extreme heat causes World Athletics to alter Wednesday's race schedule
Published:Tuesday | August 22, 2023 | 9:04 AM
Extreme heat in Budapest has forced organisers at the 2023 World Athletics Championships to change Wednesday's schedule.
The change came after the government warned people to avoid physical exertion between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
It means the 200-metre heats will start earlier on Wednesday morning.
"As you are aware the weather conditions in Budapest are becoming extreme. Our own recording system shows some very high Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) values which increases the risk of Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS)," World Athletics said in a media release Tuesday.
It said the women's 5000 metre heats on Wednesday morning will be under Black Flag WBGT Code, which "is not an acceptable level for our athletes".
WBGT is the recognised international standard for measuring heat, humidity and thermal stress conditions. WBGT Black flag level is the highest level where the WBGT is greater than 30°C in World Athletics' rules and regulations.
The women's 200-metre heats will now start earlier at 4:20 a.m. and the men's 200-metre heats at 5:15 a.m.
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