IPC unlikely to move Tokyo 2020 marathon

Weather cooler in September as athlete welfare remains top priority 31 Oct 2019

Runners in action at a marathon in Tokio

Action at the Marathon Grand Championship in Tokyo, which served as test event for the 2020 Games

ⒸGetty Images

By IPC

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) stated on Thursday (30 October) that is it unlikely to move the marathon event which is due to take place on the final day of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games (8 September).

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.

"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.