TOKYO, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- The organizers of 2025 World Athletics Championships on Thursday announced the decision to start all road events on the opening three days 30 minutes earlier than scheduled, to cope with the expected hot conditions in Tokyo.

"The start time for the road events had originally been set at 8am in consideration of climate conditions, operational aspects, and maximizing spectator attendance. However, despite the World Championships being scheduled for mid-September when temperatures were expected to be lower than during the summer in Tokyo, levels this year have remained at those of mid-summer," said the organizers in the announcement.

According to the new start time, women's and men's 35 kilometers race walk races on Saturday, women's marathon on Sunday and men's marathon on Monday will all kick off at 7:30am. The start times of all the in-stadium competitions on the first three days will remain as scheduled.

"Reflecting the current environment, World Athletics and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), in consultation with the World Athletics Health & Science Department, have taken this decision that puts the highest priority on athletes' health and safety," said the organizers, adding that it has been communicated to the athletes as early as possible to allow them to prepare and adjust to the new start time.

According to the weather forecast as of Thursday evening, the maximum temperature on Saturday will be 29 degrees Celsius and rise to 34 and 33 for Sunday and Monday, respectively. ■