Currently, the weather for race day is calling for Green – Good Conditions with a start-time temperature of around 79° F at 7:00 PM and for temperatures to cool off slightly during the race but will remain above 72° F throughout the event. Most runners that have been training recently have been running in similar temperatures and likely have some heat acclimitization. Still, the warmer temperatures will could feel warm and create less than ideal race conditions for some runners where extra preparation and caution is warranted.

To communicate race weather conditions or any race status changes to athletes, we will be using the Event Alert System with color coded flags at the start line, water stations, and finish line. Orange flags indicate less than ideal conditions, red flags indicate potential dangerous conditions and black flags indicate event cancellation. 

Any race updates will be communicated to athletes by text message, event website, in-person announcements from race officials, Event Alert System flags and/or a combination of these channels.

Read on for more information regarding race day weather conditions and safety information.

Pink Gorilla Events uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a measurement of heat stress on the human body, to help educate runners, improve event preparedness and also to make informed event safety decisions. Above is the scale adopted by Pink Gorilla Events for 10K races which matches the Nebraska Schools Activities Association (NSAA) scale. Also above is the current forecast including anticipated race day forecast and WBGT conditions.

Given the anticipated Green – Good Conditions, we are planning to hold race as scheduled . However, we want all athletes to be as prepared as possible for the anticipated conditions of warm weather. Athletes may want to scale back their performance goals and give a safe effort in warm conditions rather than focusing on a specific goal pace. 

Virtual Race: Given the weather forecast, for those that prefer to run Harvest Moon Hustle in weather of their choosing, we have extended the deadline for transferring to the virtual race through race day. The transfer fee has been reduced to $0 and athletes may transfer to the virtual event through race day. To transfer to the virtual race, follow the instructions here.

Here are a few notes about running in warm conditions and how to best prepare for race day.

How to prepare for warm weather on race day?

• Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated in the day’s leading up to the race. Then on race day, obey your thirst and drink when your mouth is dry and when you feel the need to drink. Take advantage of the aid stations and take in water and electrolyte replacement drinks on the course and at the finish line. Consider carrying your own bottle of ice water to stay hydrated and cool yourself down. The occasional splash on the head, back of neck, and inside of wrists can help keep you cool.
• Nutrition: Nutrition plays an important role in adverse weather. Have a plan for before, during, and after the race.
• Choose Clothing: Avoid long-sleeves and pants. Select light colored, moisture-wicking and loose-fitting clothing to help cool yourself naturally. Avoid tight fitting and dark colors that absorb the sun’s heat. Consider a visor over a hat and also, sunglasses, and sunscreen as well.
• Plan Your Checked Bag: Athlete can check and claim their bags at the start line. Consider dry layers and socks for the after party.
• Slow Down, Start, Slow, Don’t push it: The projected heat and humidity mean that you may want to scale back your performance goals for race day. Every 5°F rise in temperature above 60°F can slow your pace by as much as 20 to 30 seconds per mile. Focus on appropriate effort levels rather than forcing a goal pace. This may not be the day for shooting for a PR. Slow down, take breaks when needed, and consider walking to the aid stations. Save your hard efforts for another cooler day.
• Listen to Your Body: If you are concerned about the heat prior to the race, consider not starting. There’s always another day to run and race. If you start the race and are feeling dizzy, disoriented, have stopped sweating, or your skin feels cool and clammy, then slow down and stop running. Get fluids and consider sitting down in the shade or at an aid station. Seek help if symptoms continue.
• Shade + Food: Thank fully Harvest Moon Hustle takes place in the evening so direct sun will be less of an issue than other events and there is plenyy of shade on course and at the finish line. After the race seek food, hydration, and electrolyte replacement in the race recovery area at the finish line and at the after party..
• Shelter: If emergency shelter is needed at the start line or finish line, runners will have access to their personal vehicles.  There is not really emergency shelter along the course. If emergency shelter is required along the course, the closest shelter is taking the fastest route back to personal vehicles in Elmwood.
• Course Medical Resources: In the event of an emergency, dial 911. Medical resources and assistance are available at the race’s start, finish, and roving around the course. Ask a course monitor or aid station worker for assistance. If you need assistance, please notify the nearest medical personnel or event volunteer.

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What if Harvest Moon Hustle is ever delayed or canceled due to lightning or other dangerous weather?

• Harvest Moon Hustle can be held in most weather conditions.
• That being said, in the event of dangerous or life threatening conditions, there is always the chance the event may be delayed, altered, canceled prior to starting, or canceled after starting. As always, we will make make decisions based on the safety of runners, spectators, volunteers and the community as a whole.
• Should the race be altered, delayed or canceled, we will be in communication with athletes via email, text, social media, event website, in-person announcements from race officials and/or a combination of these channels.
• See Complete Race Policies

Thank you! We know everyone has trained hard and worked hard for race day. Let’s cross your fingers and hope for a great day of running! We look forward to seeing you Friday September 8th for a 7:00 PM start time.

Best of luck to all runners,

Pink Gorilla Events