The District Prepares for the Heat and the Largest Lawyers Have Heart 10K to Date

The eighteenth Lawyers Have Heart 10K (LHH), taking place on Saturday, June 14, will host its largest race field V just shy of 6,000 registered! It is also the largest 10K in the Washington metro area. An annual DC tradition, the race brings together top law firms and their vendors, elite athletes, runners, and walkers -- of all levels of experience -- to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. During the last decade, Lawyers Have Heart has raised more than $4.3 million to benefit the American Heart Association to further its mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Runners and walkers will enjoy the flat, fast course but still need to be cautious of the heat. Temperatures are beginning to rise in the DC region as summer quickly approaches and the race staff wants participants to be prepared. Race organizers are aware of the potential for hot conditions and encourage runners to hydrate well before setting foot on the start line.

We anticipate the weather to be extreme and want our runners to know that we have taken additional precautions to run a safe race, such as increase our water supply and number of ambulances on course, commented Race Director, Patty Burke. A team of medical doctors will be on hand to assist DC EMS at the Start and Finish lines and there will be course monitors tracking the runners.

A heat advisory has been posted online. Runners are urged to check the weather forecast throughout the week and the night before the race. In the event of extreme conditions on race day, participants should be adequately hydrated and know the warning signs of overheating.

* Drink plenty of water the week before the race; especially three days preceding.

* Drink at least 8-12 ounces of water in the two hours before the race.

* Drink at least 1-2 cups of water at each of the water stops on the course (runners can pour water on themselves during the race).

* Drink plenty of water at the end of the race.

* Adjust your expectations. Run to finish, not to run your fastest. Depending upon the heat, you may need to slow your pace by as much as one minute/mile.

* Pay attention to your body. Heed the signs of heat injury. If you feel nauseated, dizzy, disoriented, have a headache, or if you stop sweating - STOP RUNNING. Find shade, seek medical attention.

Extreme Weather Plan

In the event of extreme weather conditions, the race committee reserves the right to cancel the race or run it as an untimed "Fun Run" without advance notice. If this should be necessary:

* Runners will receive shirts and packets.

* Post-race activities will be held.

* Random prizes will be announced

* Winners' prizes will be converted to random prizes

* No entry fee refunds will be made

The race runs along the Potomac, through Georgetown, and past historic sites. Race day events include the 10K run which kicks of two waves at 8:00 a.m. The Fun Walk follows immediately. There will be a Finish Line Festival at the Washington Harbour. Following the race, runners and spectators can enjoy refreshments, music, giveaways, and prizes provided by friends and sponsors of Lawyers Have Heart. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Legal Placements are this year|s presenting sponsors.

To register or for more information on the event, please visit the Lawyers Have Heart web site.

More race information from Running Historian George Banker.