“Extreme Weather Forces Marathon Cancellations: How Climate Change is Impacting Long-Distance Races”
Extreme weather conditions are wreaking havoc on marathons and long-distance races worldwide, leading to cancellations due to extreme heat and severe flooding. This trend is expected to intensify in the coming years as climate change continues to impact our planet.
In Minnesota, the Twin Cities marathon, which has a 40-year history, had to be canceled on Oct. 1, 2023, due to extreme heat. This marks the second cancellation of the event, with the previous one occurring in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the TCS New York City Marathon training series 18M was called off on Sept. 30, 2023, due to severe flooding in New York City.
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, storms, and rising temperatures. Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are driving these changes, leading to more intense heat waves in cities and worsening air pollution.
A study published in Nature Scientific Reports warns that by the late twenty-first century, there could be a 27% decline in the number of viable cities worldwide to host the Olympic marathon due to climate change. The authors suggest moving the Olympic marathon to October as an adaptation strategy.
Warm and hot temperatures pose significant risks to long-distance runners, with dehydration being a major concern. According to the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), runners can lose between six and 12 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes, putting them at risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Organizers of marathons and long-distance running events must navigate the challenges posed by climate change impacts. The RRCA’s Safe Events Guidelines recommend canceling or postponing events if the dew point exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit or if the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpasses certain thresholds to ensure the safety of participants.
Wildfires, another consequence of climate change, have also affected marathons and sporting events, leading to cancellations and postponements due to poor air quality. Air pollution can cause respiratory issues and increase the risk of clots, posing a danger to athletes and outdoor workers alike.
As climate change continues to impact our environment, the safety and well-being of athletes and participants in outdoor events become a growing concern. The cancellation of marathons and long-distance races due to extreme weather conditions serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its consequences.