Track and field championships return to Ottawa during heat wave

A heat wave may be no sweat for athletes at the Canadian Track and Field Championships in Ottawa. But fans at the events may need a cool down.

The events, taking place at Terry Fox Stadium on Riverside Drive, are running from Tuesday to Sunday, and Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures rising to30 C or higher on each day except Friday.

Organizers predict heated competition at Canadian track championships

8 years ago

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Athletes can take the heat, but organizers have installed misting machines and water refill stations for spectators, said Mathieu Gents, the chief operating officer for Athletics Canada.

Athletics Canadathe organization responsible for organizing the championships is providing spectators with places to fill their water bottles and misting stations to cool down.

For the athletes, however, weather like this is not a major hurdle, said MathieuGents, the chief operating officer for Athletics Canada.

"These guys are training in Florida. They are training in California. They go to hot weather to train," he said.

Athletics Canadaareaware the heat may be a lot for some spectators, however, and are prepared,Gentssaid.

"We have got a medical team on site ready and willing to respond to any issues," he said.

Canadian sprinters Andre De Grasse andAaron Brown will both be at the event along with a host of other top athletes. The event last year drew record crowds andGentssaid they have brought in extra seating because they expect the same this year.

"We have got star athletes. We have great athletes that people want to watch."

Events started on Tuesdaywith the decathlon and heptathlon events for men and women in the senior, under 20 and under 18 categories. The full schedule can be seen here.