As of Thursday, Nov. 15 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPI) forecast the Air Quality Index for race day to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. The EPI defines this as follows:
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. When AQI (Air Quality Index) values are between 101 and 150, members of sensitive groups may experience health affects, but the general public is unlikely to be affected.
• Ozone: People with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors are considered sensitive and therefore at greater risk.
• Particle pollution: People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are considered sensitive and therefore at greater risk.
1 Due to the normal aging process, older adults may experience increased health risks from exposure to unhealthy air. Studies indicate that some people become more sensitive in their mid-60s. However, the risk of heart attacks, and thus the risk from particle pollution, may begin as early as the mid-40s for men and mid-50s for women.
As a result of worsening air quality, the PAUSATF XC Championships race scheduled for Sunday November 18, 2018 has been postponed. We want to thank you for your patience as we worked through this decision.
The LDR is looking into whether this race can be held on a different date. The Race Director’s preferred date would be 11/25 (a postponement of one week). Other possible dates we are exploring are 12/30, 1/6, or 1/20. Your input is always appreciated. We will communicate our decision on postponement or cancellation as soon as possible.