COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- Ironman officials said Thursday they do not expect to change race distances, but are ready with a contingency plan in case temperatures do get too extreme.
Officials said they plan for the worst case scenario months in advance.
"Initial reaction to the high temperatures was a little bit of a shock," said one participant.
Organizers said they have already ordered extra fans, misting stations and air conditioning units for the race. The race start time was also moved earlier to help athletes beat the heat.
But if temperatures just get too hot, they will refer to the contingency plan created months ago. That plan includes the logistics and procedures for shortening the race.
Officials said they always consider the potential that distances will need to be reduced. They said it depends on the time of day and the type of heat athletes are experiencing.
Ironman has never had to shorten a race due to extreme heat, anywhere in the nation.
However, a half-Ironman in Indiana in 2012 was shortened due to extreme humidity the day before the race took place. Other races have been shortened or canceled due to factors like hail and thunderstorms.
Ironman officials said they will be constantly monitoring the heat before and during the race on Sunday.
They remind athletes to hydrate and douse themselves with ice and water every chance they get.
