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Paris Diamond League Cleared to Run After Police Sought Weekend Cancellation

Organisers and authorities agreed to an adapted, elite-only meeting to limit pressure on emergency services and protect vulnerable residents.

Overview

  • Paris police asked organisers to cancel the Sunday meet on Friday because the heatwave has stretched emergency services and officials warned they would enforce a shutdown if events did not comply.
  • The French Athletics Federation confirmed late Friday and again on Saturday that the Charlety Stadium meeting will go ahead under a legal exemption for professional sport after negotiations with the police prefecture.
  • Organisers restricted the programme to elite competitions only and changed operations to reduce heat exposure by delaying public gate openings, shortening the schedule to late afternoon and evening, and cancelling non‑elite activities.
  • Event safety measures include extra medical and emergency staff on site, additional drinking-water stations, shaded and misting areas for spectators, and cooling resources and recovery zones for athletes.
  • The decision follows a nationwide heatwave that pushed Meteo France warnings to an unprecedented level, left landmarks closed and caused infrastructure strain, and authorities said they may still cancel events if public‑safety conditions deteriorate.