Climate change is set to render marathon record-breaking increasingly difficult, according to a new study by the US-based non-profit Climate Central. The research warns that rising temperatures are making it virtually impossible for runners to break records in many races.
The study's findings indicate that optimal running conditions – defined as 4C for men and 10C for women – will be less likely in 86% of 221 global marathons by 2045. This trend is expected to affect several major marathons, including Tokyo and London, which are already experiencing extreme heat during their events.
In response to the study's predictions, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has called for a shift towards holding marathons at different times of the year to protect athletes from unsafe conditions. He believes that endurance events like the marathon must adapt to a rapidly changing climate in order to thrive.
Many elite runners share Coe's sentiments, with some warning that record-breaking performances are becoming increasingly rare due to the effects of climate change on their bodies and training routines. One female runner noted that even small variations in temperature can significantly impact performance, while another athlete emphasized the need for runners to take care of the planet if they want to enjoy a healthy and successful career.
As temperatures continue to rise, it's likely that marathon records will become even more difficult to break. In fact, some experts believe that conditions are already becoming so extreme that record-breaking performances may soon be out of reach entirely.
The study's findings indicate that optimal running conditions – defined as 4C for men and 10C for women – will be less likely in 86% of 221 global marathons by 2045. This trend is expected to affect several major marathons, including Tokyo and London, which are already experiencing extreme heat during their events.
In response to the study's predictions, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has called for a shift towards holding marathons at different times of the year to protect athletes from unsafe conditions. He believes that endurance events like the marathon must adapt to a rapidly changing climate in order to thrive.
Many elite runners share Coe's sentiments, with some warning that record-breaking performances are becoming increasingly rare due to the effects of climate change on their bodies and training routines. One female runner noted that even small variations in temperature can significantly impact performance, while another athlete emphasized the need for runners to take care of the planet if they want to enjoy a healthy and successful career.
As temperatures continue to rise, it's likely that marathon records will become even more difficult to break. In fact, some experts believe that conditions are already becoming so extreme that record-breaking performances may soon be out of reach entirely.
Like what's next? Extreme weather events become part of the sport and we just accept it as normal? I'm not saying climate change isn't real or that we should be doing more about it, but come on... shouldn't we be working to mitigate the effects rather than just adapting to them? 
It's like, what's next for sports? Holding Olympics in a world with sea levels rising? 
Let's focus on making our communities sustainable and healthy for everyone, not just finding ways to perform under extreme conditions. 
The science is clear: climate change is here and it's affecting everything, including our sports! What's next? 
. This study is really making me think about the impact climate change is having on our bodies and our sports. I mean, it's not just about breaking records anymore, it's about safety too. I love watching marathons, especially in London, but if they have to start moving to other times of the year, that's just gonna change the whole vibe of the event, you know? 
. I get why Sebastian Coe wants to adapt, but at the same time, it's not just about the runners, it's about our planet too. We need to take care of ourselves and each other if we want to thrive in this crazy world 
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. We should be supporting them, not just competing with each other 
. And honestly, it's also good for us to learn from their experiences and take care of our planet at the same time 
... no wait, I mean I'm super bummed out 
. Like, isn't it awesome that we're getting a heads up on climate change and how it's affecting our sports? But at the same time, I'm all like "ugh, records are going to be broken... or not?" 
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. But for now, let's just say I'm kinda torn about this whole marathon record-breaking thing 
just kidding, kind of. seriously though, who needs records when you can just enjoy the view from the podium? but for real, climate change is no joke. maybe world athletics should just start calling it "survival marathons" 
. on a more serious note, i hope all these elite runners are taking care of themselves and the planet. we need more people who care about their bodies (and the environment) 
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... and it's not just the heat, it's like, small variations in temperature can already mess up your performance... that's wild 
... but hey, at least world athletics is on top of it 
. anywayz, i guess thats just the reality we're living in now 
. like, can't they just do something about it instead of just talking about it? world athletics needs to step up and start finding ways to make marathons more climate-friendly, not just telling runners to adapt to the heat. what's next, are we gonna have to train for our lives in extreme weather conditions? 
I'm not surprised by this study, you know? I mean, we've been hearing about climate change for ages and how it's affecting everything from sea levels to weather patterns... 
It's all about being aware of the bigger picture and making changes before it's too late.
I'm all for adapting to climate change, but do we really need to hold marathons at different times of the year? Can't we just, like, run in air-conditioned tunnels or something? 
The thought of elite runners having to adjust their training and bodies to cope with rising temps is, honestly, kinda sad. Like, they're already pushing themselves to the limit, do we really need to throw climate change into the mix? 
climate change is real and it's affecting everything from sports to our daily lives. i mean think about it, marathons were always cool but now they're becoming more like survival challenges 
i'm all for adapting to climate change but someone needs to take action already! world athletics should be doing more to help out runners and find solutions to this problem. it's not just about the athletes, it's about the planet too 