The UniversalCare Strides for Seniors event and organizers urge all runners/participants to consult their individual physicians when educating themselves about medical issues and risks relating to participation running an event such as a 5 km run or 2.5 km walk. Only a physician, who is familiar with your personal medical history, your current health, your medications, and your specific medical condition and risk factors, can advise you as to whether you are fit to run/walk/participate the UniversalCare Strides for Seniors event safely. All runners/participants should seek their physician’s recommendations on precautions and pre-race preparations you should take before training and running/participating in the event.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols
- All participants must be pre-registered in order to participate in the event and must be wearing a registered bib for the duration of the event. This requirement will allow for proper contract tracing (if required).
- All participants will be sent a self-screening assessment form to fill out before attending the event.
- Sanitizer and masks will be available for all participants if wanted.
- All participants will be asked to keep 6 ft of distance between themselves and other participants/volunteers.
On-Course
Toronto EMS will staff a medical aid station at North Maple Regional Park. At the midpoint of the 5K route there will be volunteers at a water station that will have a first aid kit if a participant requires such items. They will also be able to contact staff if additional medical attention is needed
Preparing for cold weather
Toronto weather conditions in October can be cold and rainy, so runners must dress properly. Approximately 60% of a runner’s body heat can be lost from the head. Change out of wet gear as soon as possible. Seek out family and friends to assist you. A plan to find a post-race support group should be an important part of every runner’s pre-race checklist.
Preparing for warm weather
Occasionally, the weather in October can be warmer than normal, placing runners at risk for heat illness. The degree of risk to runners 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, light-headedness, confusion, blurred vision, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, a generalized sensation of tingling in the neck and shoulders which can progress to disorientation, profound weakness and collapse.
Inclement Weather
In the case of inclement weather during the event (thunder/lightning), an announcement will be made to participants asking them to vacate the premises and head to their vehicles or shelter.
The responsibilities of every participant:
- Consult your physician before starting any exercise program.
- Listen and understand the meaning of local weather forecasts. Know the risks of participating in extreme temperatures of either range and plan accordingly. Both heat-related injuries and hyponatremia are life threatening conditions. Adjust your race and hydration plans.
- 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.
- 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.
- Help your fellow participants – if you see a runner in distress ask someone to call 911.
How the Strides for Seniors Medical Team may assist you:
- Public address announcements stating the risk of heat illness or hypothermia may be made at both the warm up session and at the starting line.
- Fluids are available before, during and after the race. Note: medical problems can arise from excessive (hyponatremia), as well as insufficient, intake of fluids. If you feel ill along the course, we strongly recommend that you seek medical attention at one of the First Aid Stations.
- A first aid station will be located at North Maple Regional Park and will be available to assist participants in need of attention.
- If you are feeling ill, and experiencing medical problems, runners are strongly suggested to withdraw from the race and seek medical attention. In some cases, you may be transported to a local hospital for follow up care.
