Race Day Cancellation / Alteration Policy
The primary goal of the Walkway Marathon in partnership with Dutchess County Government is to put on a fun and safe event for all involved . We will not expose the runners , spectators or the community as a whole to undue risk as a result of staging this event . There may be times when we feel it is unsafe to proceed with the race such as a thunderstorm while runners are crossing the Walkway Over the Hudson . While we recognize the goals and commitment of all that have entered the race , the Marathon Committee will make sound decisions about the race based on the runner population as a whole . Furthermore , if the community resources are threatened , we will act accordingly to protect them from unnecessary strain .
The Walkway Over the Hudson reserves the right to cancel or postpone an event if , in its sole discretion , the event might pose a threat to participant , spectator or community safety . In the event of cancellation , all or some of the race entry fee will not be refunded . Less threatening conditions could result in an alteration of the course or race length to promote a more safe result for the participants . These conditions will be recognized as an “ Act of God ” and will not result in the refunding of race entry fees or future race credits . The staging of a race of this scale results in substantial expense prior to the actual race itself . Thus , in the event of a mandatory cancellation or modification of the event , it is very likely that the financial impact on the race would not be any different than if the race was held without compromise .
The Marathon team will make sound decisions regarding the cancellation or alteration of the race . Prior to the race , participants should be aware of weather conditions of the day . The Race Directors will describe any course changes as directed . If a course evacuation is necessary , the marathon race committee , volunteers , and the police agencies in the cities on the race route will direct participants to specific designated areas to await transport back to Marist College . Although unlikely , the threat of a tornado , hurricane or other natural disaster could prompt the cancellation of the event for all participants . Severe thunderstorms with the threat of lightning that are threatening the course and are forecasted to continue throughout the day of the event may also result in cancellation of the event for all participants . High heat and humidity , as measured in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine ’ s recommendations for participation in endurance events , could result in cancellation or alteration of the race . The measurement system is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ( WBGT ), which has been used for many years by many marathons to determine heat risk to runners . It is calculated by an equation that includes ambient temperature ( 20 %), relative humidity ( 70 %), and radiant heat ( 10 %).
Conditions that entail high risk place an affliction on our community health care system , including emergency medical transportation and emergency room capacity . This burden encroaches on non-participants ’ safety and must be recognized as an unnecessary and ill-advised situation . The Walkway Marathon Committee will not knowingly place the community in such a position of danger .
In the event of warm conditions , participants must realize that the single most influential behavior in preventing heat stress is to slow pace . Hydrating and using water to cool does not prevent heat stress if pace is not adjusted . The Walkway Marathon has fluid at every 1.5 miles on the course . There will be adequate amounts of water on the race course to ensure proper hydration for normal June weather conditions . Additional fluids and ice will be deployed if necessary , but it should not be assumed that fluid availability would be unlimited due to logistical limitations entailed in such distribution .
All runners and walkers should be aware of their own fitness level and their choice to enter the Walkway Marathon races . Participants should be thoughtful of those behind them who will also require additional fluids . It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that all participants slow their pace and reduce their risk of heat stroke when conditions warrant . Each participant assumes this responsibility when entering an event with the potential risks that this running event presents . Furthermore , the Walkway Marathon Committee encourages all participants to cooperate fully with instructions given during the race by event personnel and to help in ensuring the safety of all competitors , particularly at times when conditions may be less than ideal .
Volunteer Team Captains at the water tables and bike leads and sweeps on the course will be ready to notify you about conditions that may affect your safety . Please pay attention to these conditions and make sure to change your pace and fluid replacement according .
The Walkway Marathon Committee is committed to the safety of all participants and will not jeopardize the safety of any one . Notifications about weather conditions , cancellations , and other race information will be communicated via the Walkwaymarathon . org website , Dutchess County Government website , through e-blasts , social media ( Facebook and Twitter ) and through radio ( iHeart Media ). All registration fees and all associated costs are non-refundable .