Watermelon Dash Dallas organizers take precautions to keep runners safe in the summer heat

The Summer Fun Runs continued Sunday at Bachman Lake Park. Runners have already gathered for a Lemonade Dash, a Popsicle Dash, and now, to cap it off, the Watermelon Dash. Organizers told CBS News Texas they took steps to make sure runners are safe in the summer heat.

People hit the pavement for 5K and 10K races, as well as a kids' and family 1K. 14-year-old Olivia Solbrack ran with her twin brother and won the women's 5K. 

"I didn't really expect it," Solbrack said. "I was kind of recovering from my race on Friday, so I was kind of just coming out to have fun with my team."

She did expect the need to prepare to run in the summer heat.  

"I usually just make sure I hydrate the night before. I make sure I take plenty of electrolytes, and I make sure I control my breathing because that keeps your heart rate down," Solbrack said.

16-year-old Tanner Summers won the men's 5K.

"Definitely run early. It helps so much," Summers said.

He takes steps to run in the triple-digit heat.

"Make sure that you're used to the heat. Don't go run at three o'clock in the afternoon. Work your way up from the morning," Summers said.

Race organizers took precautions to make sure runners didn't overheat. Lonestar Running Club co-founder Randi Schooley said they made sure people were hydrated with water and electrolyte stations at every mile and provided water at the finish line.

"The time of the day makes a big difference," Schooley said. "This particular race started at 7 a.m. The temperatures are obviously much lower this morning than they will be around 11:00 or 12:00."

They're ready if a heat emergency does happen.

"We've partnered with Dallas Fire...to make sure that they're taking care of our runners on the course. We have access points to everyone," Schooley said.

The Watermelon Dash benefited three local non-profits. Lonestar Running Club's next event should be after the temperatures cool down, with both benefiting non-profit organizations.

"We work with two local non-profits, Texas Oncology Foundation for their Celebrate Life 5K, and then also Life Gift Organ Donation does their Second Chance Run. Both of those take place in October," Schooley said. "We also bring a fun family event in the month of December to The Sound. It's called the Santa Hustle."

Whether it's a sip of water or cooling off in the shade, the runners know the hot weather means lots of cool ideas to stay safe.