Some runners had to receive medical assistance, and the heat slowed some people down, at this weekend's Mill Race Marathon in Columbus. But, the race did go on.
Last week, race organizers began taking extra precautions as temperatures were forecast to swell into the 80s.
"I was trying to finish in two hours and two minutes and I finished in two hours ten," says Joan Wills, who did the half marathon of 13.1 miles. "So the heat slowed me down a little bit, but I enjoyed the experience."
Before 10 a.m., race officials issued a red flag warning to runners know the risk of heat illness is possible. A black warning is the next level; it ends the race.
Despite the heat, thousands of runners came out to compete.
In the full marathon, Peter Kosgei of Grand Rapids, Michigan came out on top for the men's race. Lauren Jackson of Augusta, New Jersey, got top honors for the women.
Jared Campbell of Franklin, Indiana, came in first for the men running the half marathon, and Rachael Brewer of Tuscola, Illinois led the pack for the women.