Ahmet Arslan and Lucija Krkoc emerge against challenging weather conditions – Athletics news
While running at the 13th edition of the WMRA Grand Prix in Slovenia, the pre-favourites and winners of the event, Ahmet Arslan and Lucija Krkoc faced some of the most difficult weather conditions on their way to hitting the finishing line, which
was 2500m above sea level.
No runner had planned to encounter a thunderstorm and snowfall in the absence of any lodging facilities. Thus, it was not only difficult, but the increased chances of getting slipped would have also made it difficult for the runners to continue their struggle
for pursuing the titles.
However, realising how hazardous the situation had become with an instant change in weather, the organisers of the event did not take long before reacting responsibly and decided to alter the track a bit. However, they did not ignore the fact that the thrill
and adventurousness of the event should not be compromised.
In a result of the frantic arrangements made at the eleventh hour, the altitude of the run was reduced to 1200m, while the overall distance was set to about 6km. The finish of the race was lowered from a 2500m above sea level, to a safe 1800m landing.
Another aspect of the race which was affected by harsh weather conditions was the number of participants that showed-up on the track for the race. Shockingly, amid the fear of a mishap, the field had been reduced to half. However, those emerging from the
hilly city of Kamnik, as they had already been used to such conditions, remained undeterred by the change in scenarios and displayed their determination to hit the finishing line.
Some prominent runners that chose to remain a part of the race and who also managed to finish-off the event successfully were comprised of Turkey’s Ahmet Arslan, Romania’s Denisa Dragomir, Slovenia’s Lucija Krkoc and Robert Krupicka. Despite of a reduced
field, athletes who decided to cover the track hailed from thirteen countries across the world.
Arslan, who dominated the men’s event, remained in a leading role right from the gun, as he managed to win the title for stopping the clock one minute ahead of his Swiss rival, David Schneider. On the women’s side, Krkoc hit the finish line about one and
a half minute ahead of her closest rival, Dragomir.
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