Lehigh's Paul Short Run cancelled due to heat

By Chris Lotsbom of DyeStat

(07-Oct) -- Saturday's Lehigh Paul Short Run in Pennsylvania was supposed to be a showcase of teams in the northeast. Among those set to compete were the Pennsbury (PA), Suffern (NY), and Bishop Feehan (MA) girls. But, in the end, no high school races were run on the well known cross country course in Bethlehem, PA. Due to temperatures rising well into mid 80s, event organizers were forced to cancel the second half of the 40-year-old meet.

"Due to uncontrollable weather conditions and excessive heat, the Lehigh and Northhampton Counties' Emergency Services have halted the Paul Short Race," read a statement on Lehigh University's athletics website. "The Women's College White Race as well all high school races will not take place."

While most of the collegiate races were able to be completed in the morning -- including both highly regarded Gold races that featured numerous nationally ranked teams -- the increasing temperatures forced emergency personnel to stop the meet before the Women's College White Race. The high school competition was scheduled to follow the White Race.

"The race was shut down because of weather-related issues," said John Bate, captain of Dewy EMS Services, in a statement. "Many athletes were suffering heat-related illnesses due to dehydration, and we felt it was in their best interest to call the race short."

With thousands of competitors and hundreds of teams attending the meet, emergency personnel were pushed to their limit. LehighValleyLive.com reported that some athletes were treated with IV drips and ice baths, with some harriers being transported to local hospitals.

"We along with many other towns in the county have outdoor events going on in the heat today," said Lehigh Director of Facilities Greg Schulze. "Due to the weather, the emergency services have been overwhelmed and spread thin. It is in the best interest of the athletes to shut down the event."

Lehigh University reported that four emergency room physicians, six trainers from St. Luke's Hospital, Lehigh Sports Medicine staff, and county EMS personnel were present at the race.

"Lehigh Athletics and the 40th Annual Paul Short Run Committee apologize for any inconvenience that this has caused," concluded the school's statement.