The Tokyo 2020 marathon and race walk have been moved to Sapporo because of the heat, the press service of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) informs.

The competitions will be held in Odori Park.

“Athletes’ health and well-being are always at the heart of our concerns, and the decision to move the marathon and race walk events to Sapporo shows how seriously we take such concerns. The temperature in Sapporo is 5-6 degrees cooler than in Tokyo. I would like to thank the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the local authorities and World Athletics for confirming this new venue so quickly.” the Chair of the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission, Kirsty Coventry, said.

The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be held in the capital of Japan from 24 July to 9 August.