“Running on Thin Ice: Extreme Weather Forces Marathons to Cancel as Climate Crisis Intensifies”
As extreme weather conditions continue to escalate across the world, the impact on marathons and long-distance races is becoming increasingly evident. The recent cancellations of iconic races like the Twin Cities marathon in Minnesota and the TCS New York City Marathon training series due to extreme heat and severe flooding highlight the challenges that event organizers and participants are facing in the era of climate change.
The Twin Cities marathon, a longstanding event that has been running for 40 years, had to be canceled for the second time on Oct. 1, 2023, this time due to extreme heat. The previous cancellation in 2020 was 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 the severe flooding that New York was experiencing at the time.
The impact of climate change on these events is further underscored by the findings of the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which documented a trend of increased floods, droughts, storms, and a general rise in temperatures. The report highlighted that rising temperatures driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are intensifying heat waves in cities and worsening air pollution problems.
A study published in Nature Scientific Reports also revealed that there is a potential 27% decline in the number of viable cities worldwide to host the Olympic marathon by the late twenty-first century due to climate change and the expected summer weather in their regions. The authors of the study suggest holding the Olympic marathon in October as an adaptation strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the event.
The risks posed by warm and hot temperatures to long-distance runners are significant. According to the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), runners can lose between six and 12 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes, putting athletes at risk of dehydration. Dr. Sonia Tolani, an associate professor of Cardiology at Columbia University Medical Center, emphasized the importance of replenishing salt lost through sweating to prevent electrolyte imbalances that can lead to serious health complications like heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a major concern for athletes participating in marathons and long-distance races, as the body’s ability to cool itself down is compromised in extreme heat conditions. Symptoms of heat stroke include throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, dry or damp skin, and a rapid and strong pulse. Dr. Tolani highlighted that heat stroke is a non-insignificant cause of death in young athletes and emphasized the importance of taking precautions to prevent it.
In response to the growing challenges posed by climate change, organizers of marathons and long-distance running events are faced with the difficult task of navigating the impacts of extreme weather conditions on their events. The RRCA’s Safe Events Guidelines provide recommendations for event organizers, including guidelines for canceling or postponing events based on factors like dew point and Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
The increasing frequency of wildfires, driven by the impacts of climate change, has also brought attention to air quality concerns that can impact marathon events. In 2018, the Monterey Bay Half Marathon was canceled due to nearby wildfires, and other sporting events like Major League Baseball and National Women’s Soccer League games were postponed this summer due to poor air quality.
Air pollution resulting from wildfires and other sources can lead to respiratory issues and other health complications for athletes and individuals spending time outdoors. Dr. Ravi Kalhan, Deputy Division Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Northwestern University, highlighted the risks associated with breathing in polluted air while exercising and emphasized the need for precautions to protect against the negative health impacts of air pollution.
Climate scientist Dr. Kristin Aunan emphasized that the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions are not limited to endurance athletes but also impact individuals who work outdoors in industries like construction and agriculture. The cancellation of events like the TCS New York City Marathon training series can have a significant impact on participants who rely on the support and safety measures provided during these events.
As athletes and event organizers continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change on marathons and long-distance races, it is clear that proactive measures and adaptation strategies will be essential to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the challenges posed by air pollution and wildfires underscore the urgent need for action to address the impacts of climate change on the world of long-distance running.