Officials Warn Tulsa Tough Participants About Heat Concerns Ahead Of Day 3 Races

Day two of Tulsa Tough ended Saturday, and races will resume Sunday.

Medical personnel are reminding participants how to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses as temperatures will be in the 90’s.

Stephen Merlo and his friend came down from Chicago for the three-day event.

“We are not acclimated in this heat because it’s a lot more humid and denser here, but we came along way to do this race, so we are going to push through,” Merlo said.

The Tulsa Fire Department said seven people suffered from heat-related illnesses Friday at the event.

Janelle Whitt, an OU Health physician. said those who are racing need to be careful in the heat.

“Making sure you’re hydrating way before the event,” Whitt said. “Making sure you’re using whatever nutrients your stomach is used to.”

Whitt is working alongside the Tulsa Fire Department making sure those participating stay cool. She said heat stroke is what people need to watch out for most.

Merlo plans to race Sunday and said he’s prepared for the brutal heat.

“The ice sock is popular,” Merlo said. “You put them in the back of your jersey. You fill a sock full of ice. That keeps you cool.”

Racers will be trying Cry Baby Hill Sunday, a course that will test even the fittest racers.