Weather warning: Race asks runners to go slow in heat

Runners in a trail race have been told to go slowly over concerns about extreme heat.

Organisers of Saturday's Rabbit Run in Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend county, issued the advice as a safety precaution for the course, which goes over sand dunes.

An amber weather warning is in place between Sunday and Tuesday, as parts of Wales could reach 30C (86F).

The Welsh government said organisers should consider whether they needed to postpone their events.

Former Olympian and Rabbit Run Wales race director Steve Brace confirmed runners were being asked to run at "a minute per mile below your normal pace".

"People will do want they want to do, we are just being cautious," he said.

"Some at the front who are fitter will have acclimatized a bit more to the heat.

"But the vast majority do this run because it's a fun thing to do so the warning is for them mostly."

He said extra drink stations had been added to the course, with temperatures expected to be about 26C (79F).

"I've run in intense heat in the Olympics at Barcelona and Atlanta so I know what that's like and I would not put anybody in danger," he added.

"Our weather is not the same situation, [but] it's unusual for here."

Wales' deputy chief medical officer told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that people would need to "change some of their plans" in the coming days.

Prof Chris Jones said all event organisers should consider providing extra shade and water stations and "assess whether all or part of the event should be postponed".

The heatwave coincides with the Royal Welsh Show, which starts on Monday in Llanelwedd, Powys.

Prof Jones urged all visitors and exhibitors to follow the advice of organisers to "ensure the safety and well-being" of animals.

"Anyone who owns or is responsible for an animal has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure its welfare needs are met," he added.

One animal event due to take place in Wales this weekend has been postponed.

Wings of Wales at Llandegfedd Lake, Monmouthshire, which was supposed to take place on Saturday, was described as an "all-day display of exotic birds of prey".

Welsh Water, which was organising the event with falconer Lewis Phillips, said: "The risks the birds would be put under in transportation alone could be life-threatening."

The hot weather has also made things a bit sticky for performers at the Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival.

"I've performed in a heavy costume and wig before and it can be very trying," said the festival's Amy Brooks.

She said a matinee performance of Twelfth Night on Saturday afternoon at Sophia Gardens was her "primary concern".

Cast members are being urged to stay in the shade and drink lots of water before taking to the stage.

"We're doing Under Milk Wood on Sunday evening as a radio play so we won't be able to leave the stage for 90 minutes," she added.

"The director's made the call and we'll be allowed to have water on stage."

Schools are also being advised to avoid vigorous physical activity and to maximise shade and ventilation for pupils.

"We think schools can operate safely, but they need to prepare," Prof Jones said.

The advice is for children to wear loose, light-coloured clothing and hats outdoors, and drink plenty of water.

He also warned the combination of sunburn and dehydration can cause people to feel dizzy and collapse, adding to the pressure on the NHS.

The Welsh government also warned the heat could put extra pressure on the transport network, with railways potentially coming under strain and vehicles breaking down.