HOUSTON (January 13, 2017) - With race day temperatures expected to reach 74 degrees and humidity exceeding 90 percent, officials of the Chevron Houston Marathon advise runners to exercise caution in Sunday's races.

"Slow down, slow down, slow down," said Dr. John Cianca, medical director of the Houston Marathon Committee. "It's going to be hot and humid - not ideal weather - so run responsibly and adjust your pace to reduce the risk of overheating. This is not the year to set a personal best. It will be more difficult than you anticipated, so make adjustments."

Sunday's races will begin under the yellow caution flag. Yellow indicates a moderate risk for participants and potentially dangerous conditions. Runners should be prepared for worsening conditions and be familiar with the Event Alert System (EAS).

*Runners need to take the following steps for Sunday:

*Maintain your regular hydration plan

*Wear breathable, wicking fabrics that are light and provide venting

*Wear a hat

*Adjust your goals

*Monitor the weather and stay informed by visiting:

www.weather.gov/houston

www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com

Twitter: @houstonmarathon

Facebook: Chevron Houston Marathon

Download the event app for Apple or Android

Once on the course, stay alert for signs of distress:

*headache

*fatigue

*profuse sweating

*nausea

*clammy skin

*labored breathing

*mental confusion

*gastro-intestinal issues

In addition:

*Don't skip water stations - drink what you normally drink and use your thirst as a guide.

*Walk through water stations instead of running to make sure you are drinking water and not wearing it.

*Drinking more fluids is not the best way to control body heat. The best method of not overheating is to reduce pace, thus reducing the amount of heat generated from within.

*Pay close attention to instructions you may receive on the course from officials.

"The Houston Marathon Committee medical team and the City of Houston will do the best it can to keep everyone safe," added Dr. Cianca. "We have been planning medical and emergency response for months, but we need the help of runners. Participate responsibly and adjust your expectations."

Hourly Weather Forecast as of January 13th:

About the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc.

Established in 1972, the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc. (HMC) annually organizes the nation's premier winter marathon, half marathon, and 5K. Over 250,000 participants, volunteers and spectators make Chevron Houston Marathon Race Day the largest single-day sporting event in Houston. A founding member of Running USA, the HMC hosts the IAAF bronze labeled Aramco Houston Half Marathon and silver labeled Chevron Houston Marathon. For four consecutive years, the events have garnered Gold Certification from the Council of Responsible Sport and were awarded the 2015 AIMS Green Award for industry-leading sustainability initiatives.Race Weekend generates over $50 million in economic impact for the region annually. In 2016, the Run for a Reason Charity Program raised $2.3 million, while the Houston Marathon Foundation supported youth and community running initiatives. Televised annually by broadcast partner ABC13, 2016 was the first time that the event was syndicated live nationally and internationally on ESPN3 and the Longhorn Network. Host to 16 U.S. Half Marathon Championships since 2005 and the 1992 women's Olympic Trials Marathon, the HMC also conducted the 2012 men's and women's U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon.

For more information, visit www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com or call 713.957.3453.