Event Alert System Update

October 10, 2008

Welcome to race week of the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! This e-mail is a reminder to all participants, volunteers and key staff that they need to be familiar with the new Event Alert System (EAS).

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon's Event Alert System is a new color-coded communication system that will communicate the status of course conditions to participants, volunteers and key staff leading up to the event, as well as on race day. The Alert Levels range from Low (green) to Moderate (yellow) to High (red) to Extreme (black) based on a variety of factors, including weather conditions. Please refer to the table below for event conditions and recommended actions.

According to the advance local weather forecast, the weather on race day is projected to be partly cloudy, with low temperatures in the low 60's (degrees F) and high temperatures in the mid 70's (degrees F).

Based on this forecast, the Event Alert Level is Yellow/Moderate, which suggests less-than-ideal conditions for marathon running. Please be aware that conditions may change prior to race day. If temperatures rise throughout race day as forecasted, the event may enter the Red/High Level at some point during the race. Be prepared for changing conditions and pay attention to course signage and P.A. announcements.

Given the current Event Alert Level, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Medical Director Dr. George Chiampas offers the following preparation tips to all participants:

• Pay attention to the most up-to-date weather forecast and dress for the appropriate weather conditions.
• Be prepared for warmer temperatures throughout the day and do not overdress. Keep in mind that you can always shed a layer as your body and the day warms up.
• Avoid heavy cotton fabrics that absorb and retain moisture; opt for lightweight technical fabrics that shed moisture and wick sweat away from the body.
• Wear sunglasses and waterproof sunscreen. With the amount of time you will be on the course, you want to protect your skin and eyes.
• Study the course and be aware of the locations of Aid Stations. Each Aid Station has water, Gatorade, toilets, medical facilities and access to runner drop-out vehicles
• Utilize both water and sports drinks (Gatorade) to stay hydrated and maintain sodium levels.*
• Move efficiently through the Aid Stations, and be aware that Aid Stations are approximately 500-feet long, and tables with water and Gatorade are located on both sides of the street.
• Start out at a conservative pace, particularly in warmer weather which requires more of your body's resources to maintain normal function. Conserve your energy for the latter stages of the race.
• Listen to your body. If at any time during the race your body gives you signals to slow down or to stop, abide by them. Be aware of your heart rate, body temperature and hydration levels.
• For participants who require such assistance after the race, the Main Medical facility is located just beyond the finish line, as is an Ice Tent and Podiatry Tent.

*Hydration: Drink enough fluids to maintain your baseline body weight, but be aware of over-hydration. If you begin to gain weight above your baseline body weight, you are drinking too much water and depleting your sodium level. (A condition known as "Hyponatremia" can occur when there is a lower than normal concentration of sodium in the blood. Sodium is a critical electrolyte that aids nerve and muscle function, and helps to maintain blood pressure.)

If the Event Alert Level changes between now and race day, all participants, volunteers and key staff will receive further communication.

The latest Event Alert Level will be communicated to all participants at the Bank of America Health & Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday of race week, as well as on race day via signage and P.A. announcements throughout Grant Park and at each Aid Station along the course.

For more information about the Event Alert System, visit chicagomarathon.com.