Non-stadium racewalking and marathon events were set on a looped course around the Doha Corniche – a 7-kilometre (4.3 mi) waterfront promenade.[34] Organisers set the start time around midnight local time for road events to avoid the hottest conditions, although the women's marathon still began at a temperature of 32 °C (90 °F) and humidity over 70%.[35][36] The IAAF and local organisers undertook preparation for the conditions by recruiting medical experts to inform their preparations, as well as increasing water and refreshments, ice baths, and medical support along the route. It sent advisory notices to all national federations in the six months before the competition with recommendations for athletes.[37] However, postponement of the events until after the championships was deemed a last resort. The IAAF President Sebastian Coe stated his belief that the humidity was a greater challenge for runners than the temperature itself.[5]