As the 2024 Paris Olympics nears, athletes across all sports are gearing up for the big game, especially the marathon athletes. The Olympic Trials Marathon registration window had flung open on January 1, 2022, ending on December 5, 2023. Having said that, the national governing body’s decision to start the trials had raised questions. But the latest information feels like a wind of relief.

On February 3, 2024, the marathoners are all set to grace the Orlando tracks with hopeful eyes. The previous decision of the noon start time frustrated the athletes, as the weather or the rising temperature could pose a health threat. So, as the USATF came to a decision, it’s a good day for the enthusiasts.

Marathon athletes finally relieved

Citrus Mag, the popular track and field commentary’s dedicated X page posted the breaking news for the marathon lovers. The post reads, “BREAKING NEWS: USATF announces the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials will start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3 in Orlando, Florida. The previous start time was noon E.T.”?

According to the USATF, the announcement read, “The decision to bring forward the start time to 10:00 a.m. ET was made following extensive meetings to address the concerns of athletes. The USOPC, USATF and GO Sports worked closely together to consult all stakeholders to ensure the best solution for all involved.” They further added that the decision to bring the time forward was made, keeping the athletes’ comfort and safety in mind.

However, if the weather takes unexpected turns, further alterations can be possible. But for the time being, a 10am start time has been fixed. Having said that, some athletes of the AAC had reached out to the Greater Orlando Sports Commission’s CEO for a time change. The host, GO Sports, strictly disregarded their request and returned a strictly written letter resulting in fines.

GO Sports was not on board initially

The athletes requested ?a start time to optimize performance,” but GO Sports couldn’t comply with it. As far as Orlando’s weather is concerned, the temperatures can rise up to 70s and 80s. In the latter half of the day in February, it wouldn’t be possible for the runners to make it to the end. In response, GO Sports had said, ?On October 26, 2023, GO Sports delivered the shocking news of firmly standing behind a 12:00 p.m. start time, adding an impossible caveat that any deviation from the current start time would amount to a combination of unexplained projected damages, fines and waived rights fees totaling $700,000.”

AAC and USATF had faced a blow on their faces, as the hosting body was just being stubborn and non-cooperative. AAC official Jared Ward had quoted USATF saying, ?The LOC is willing to move the race earlier but they?re asking for $700,000 in damages from USATF to move it earlier.” A later statement confirmed that the idea of a “non-negotiable” noon start time was of USATF. Disappointed in USATF’s double-faced attitude, the athletes only hoped for a brighter day.

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Now, as that day arrived, every stakeholder and sponsor of the event has come on board with the new start time. Hopefully, the Olympic Trials will witness a hassle-free event on February 3, 2024.

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