How Climate Change is Impacting Marathon Race Performance

Much has been said about the impacts of global warming on the climate and ecological systems around the world. In addition to these more obvious impacts, the running community is also facing the consequences of increasingly warmer temperatures. Read on for the details of a new study that demonstrates that increasing temperatures are making it more difficult for runners to compete at an elite level.

Climate Study Signals Worrisome Trend for Elite Runners

As if dealing with running 26.2 miles is not a big enough challenge, marathon runners are now battling climate change when they toe the line. Runners understand that the consequences of running in hot weather can be more than just a nuisance. Temperatures that are too hot at race time raise the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, cramping, and other life-threatening health issues. And now runners are having to face the growing concern of global warming when they lace up their shoes.

A study released by Climate Central recently analyzed 221 races from around the world, finding that 86% of them are less likely to be able to offer optimal racing conditions for runners by the year 2045. The races analyzed include some of the largest in the world, including marathons in New York City, Boston, London, Berlin, Tokyo, Chicago, and Sydney.