The 17th edition of the World Athletics Championships got under way in Doha here Friday with organisers vowing to protect marathon runners from sweltering heat and humidity as the 10-day extravaganza began.
A total of 1,972 athletes from 208 countries and territories will compete in the championships, which are seen as an important staging post as Qatar prepares for the challenge of hosting football's World Cup in 2022.
With the bulk of the competition taking place at the fully air-conditioned Khalifa Stadium, most athletes will be shielded from the sizzling heat in Doha, where temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
Marathon runners and endurance athletes, however, will be required to battle through the challenging climate alone, stoking safety fears and drawing criticism from athletes.
The marathon and race-walking events have been scheduled for late at night to avoid the hottest part of the day, with Friday's women's marathon -- where the first medals of the championships will be decided -- starting under floodlights at 11:59pm (2059 GMT).
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe said he is confident marathon runners will be able to cope with temperatures forecast at around 32 degrees Celsius and humidity of 80 percent.
- Nothing to chance -
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"We will have more water on the course than we've ever had in any marathon, we will have more medical support and more paramedics out there as well."
"They are making us guinea pigs."
- Coleman makes bow -
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