Conference Agenda

Purpose: The climate crisis is causing more frequent and intense heat waves, posing health risks and impairing endurance performance in runners. This study examined the challenges experienced and the strategies adopted by endurance runners when running in the heat.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 303 endurance runners of varying training levels (45% male, 38.2 ± 11.3 years) completed an online questionnaire assessing heat-related symptoms, perceived limits as well as adaptation strategies for running in hot conditions.

Results: Running in hot conditions (≥25 °C) commonly induced physical symptoms such as excessive sweating (82.2%), fatigue (48.5%), headaches (22.4%), and dizziness (13.5%), and elicited predominantly neutral to negative mental effects regarding motivation, concentration, mental resilience and self-confidence. Participants perceived 26.1 ± 4.7°C as the upper temperature limit for comfortable running, and 32.7% reported being likely to cancel sessions at ≥25 °C. Most runners (74.6%) adjusted their training on hot days, typically by changing the time of day (68.3%) or reducing pace (57.4%), followed by seeking shade (45.5%) or shortening distance/duration (40.9%). Pace and duration adjustments were rated as easiest, whereas finding shade or alternative routes was more challenging. Cooling strategies were believed to improve comfort (76.3%) and performance (72.7%), but the only commonly used method was pouring water over the head (47.9%). Although 63.4% felt prepared for heat, structured acclimation practices were infrequent.

Conclusion: Runners experience diverse physical challenges when exercising in hot conditions and rely primarily on simple training adjustments rather than structured heat acclimation. Improved education on effective heat adaptation could enhance safety and performance.