Records set to tumble at marathon

Organizers are confident a change in the weather will help a recordbreaking field of runners competing in Sunday’s Edmonton Marathon produce record times.

Concerns swirling earlier in the week about how much Edmonton’s post-apocalyptic smoke haze could impact the 26th edition of the event were put to bed Thursday at the official event launch.

John Stanton, CEO and founder of Running Room, said a shift in wind direction, some localized rain and a drop in temperatures should improve air quality and put the minds of runners at ease.

He said organizers are monitoring the air quality health index and the weather charts almost hourly.

That should be welcome news for what could be as many as 5,000 runners participating in races over the weekend and for the estimated 10,000 spectators who will line the course through the city.

Included in that field are former Olympians, as well as those using the race as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Because of that quality field, elite athlete co-ordinator Brian Torrance said he expects records to fall in the women’s and men’s half marathons.

ROAD CLOSURES

Motorists will face a series of road closures. Drivers needing to cross the race route can do so at Jasper Avenue, from 95 Street to 109 Street, 102 Avenue from 112 Street to 138 Street and Buena Vista Road at 140 Street.

The city is suggesting motorists use 104 Avenue, 107 Avenue, River Valley Road, Groat Road, or 75 Street/Wayne Gretzky Drive as alternate routes of travel.

One person who isn’t concerned about the weather conditions is 73-year-old Ken Davison, who will mark a 100-marathon milestone when he crosses the finish line Sunday.

“It’s unbelievable. I’m just going to take it easy and enjoy it.”

MARATHON MILESTONE