The GE Irving Marathon urges all runners to consult their individual physician to educate themselves about medical issues and risks relating to running for extended periods. Only a physician who is familiar with your personal medical history, your current health, your medications, and your specific medicalcondition(s) and risk factors, can advise you as to whether you are fit to run the Irving Las Colinas Marathon Series safely and the precautions and preparations you should take.

One of the most common concerns while running in warm weather is dehydration.  Here is a great resource on dehydration and ways to avoid it.  

Preparing for warm weather

The weather in April can be warm, placing runners at risk for heat illness.

The degree of risk is determined by both heat and humidity. If it is a hot day, but the humidity is low, the dryness of the air enhances the body's ability to keep body temperature appropriately regulated by the cooling effect of sweat evaporation. However, this occurs at the expense of becoming dehydrated. If the body cannot keep in heat balance by increasing heat loss, the body often responds by decreasing the amount of body heat produced. Simply stated, runners are encouraged to slow down or stop. Failure to do so can result in a rapid rise in temperature to dangerous levels, which may damage the heat regulatory mechanism in the brain. This is heat stroke, which will result in damage to organs such as the liver, brain and kidneys. The symptoms of impending heat illness include weakness, heat sensation on the upper body, lightheadedness, confusion, blurred vision, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, a generalized sensation of tingling on the neck and shoulders which can progress to disorientation, profound weakness and collapse.

Responsibilities of every participant: 

1. Consult your physician.

2. Fill out the Emergency Information and Medical History form on the reverse of your bib number.

3. Listen to the weather forecast.  Know the risks and plan accordingly when running during the hot or cold conditions.  Heat-related injuries are life threatening conditions.  Adjust your race and hydration plan accordingly.

4. Develop and implement your individual plan for hydration.  Be prepared to adjust your plan given the weather conditions and how you are feeling during the race.  

5.  If you experience or feel you are about to experience a medical problem, ask for help immediately.  It is foolish and dangerous to abuse your body.

6.  Help your fellow participants.