Tokyo 2020 Olympic organisers have moved the marathon and race-walking events 800km north to cooler climates.

The IOC have announced that the events will take place in Sapporo where temperatures are expected to be at least five degrees cooler on an average day.

Almost half the field were forced to pull out of the women's marathon at the World Championships in Doha due to excessive temperatures and humidity levels and Olympic organisers are keen to avoid a repeat.

Thomas Bach, IOC President said: "Athletes' health and well-being are always at the heart of our concerns.

"The new far-reaching proposals to move the marathon and race walking events show how seriously we take such concerns," he added.

He finished by saying: "The Olympic Games are the platform where athletes can give 'once-in-a-lifetime' performances and these measures ensure they have the conditions to give their best."

Event organisers are taking no risks with athletes' health and have made changes in more than just the marathon and race walking events.

The current list of event changes for Tokyo 2020 are:

Athletics - All long distance events will take place in the evening sessions only; race walk and marathon start-times will be earlier.

Cycling - Start time for mountain bike delayed to 15:00.

Rugby sevens - All morning games to finish before midday.