Ironman race braces for extreme heat today

CEBU, Philippines — The disaster and medical team of Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, is doubling their efforts, not only for the athletes but also for the safety of the residents, spectators and everyone else in anticipation of the extreme heat condition on race day today.

Based on DOST-PAGASA’s two-day forecast, today’s heat index will be at 38. This falls under “extreme caution” which is from 33 to 41 degrees.

Under such conditions, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible and continuing activity could lead to heat stroke.

As prevention, officials and experts have advised the public to limit the time spent outdoors, if possible, as well as drink plenty of water, avoid tea, coffee, soda and liquor, and use umbrellas, hats and sleeved clothing outdoors.

But for the participants of the Ironman 70.3, organizers advised them to listen to one’s body and stay hydrated.

Organizers have assured that fire trucks will be on standby along the race route, while drinking water, electrolytes, cola, salty chips, ice chips, ice pops, and bananas will be available, as well as cold towels, cooling buses, misting cannons, and sprinklers.

An ample number of medical personnel will also be stationed in different locations, not only in the Mactan Island, but also at the South Road Properties.

Host Lapu-Lapu City disaster chief Nagiel Bañacia, told The Freeman that they are not only preparing for the athletes, but also for the spectators and for the rest of the residents of the city especially for areas that will be mostly affected by the full road closure.

“Ready na ta sa atong medical preparations, ang among concern is not only Ironman (participants), kay ang ERUF mao g’yuy mainly mu take care sa Ironman sa medical stations. But ang among concern is outside sa Ironman nga maka-affect sa Ironman,” Banacia said, adding this includes traffic preparations since roads will be closed.

The area in Punta Engaño for one will also be closed to traffic at dawn.

“Sayo pas buntag, sarad-an na sila so mag butang mi didtong medical station para pud diri sa taga Punta Engaño. Unya butang tag fire truck didto, not only for the Ironman,” added Bañacia.

He also said that they will be assigning fire trucks in strategic locations to be able to immediately respond to fire incidents, if any, including grass fires as this will also affect the flow of the race.

Yesterday alone, Bañacia said the city responded to at least three grass fires.

“Ang Ironman daghan nag nakatutok ana, our concern is the entire city,” Bañacia added.

The Lapu-Lapu City government is also putting into consideration that a critical facility is located in the said city, which is the airport, thus traffic flow outside the Ironman is also being put in place.

“But we are now ready…Dugay naman ning gipangandaman. Mas daghan pud tag manpower karon plus the use of technology for monitoring,” said Bañacia. — (FREEMAN)