‘Climate change impacting marathon records’

New research claims that the likelihood of runners breaking marathon records is decreasing due to climate change.

According to a study from Climate Central, a non-profit organization based in the US, record-breaking runs in some races are nearly impossible due to rising temperatures.

Additionally, it predicted that 86% of the 221 global marathons, which it defines as 4C for men and 10C for women, will be less likely to take place in optimal running conditions by 2045.

The fastest British woman finisher at the 2024 London Marathon, Mhairi Maclennan, said: “At the elite level, conditions can make or break a performance.

We practice our best every day and manage every aspect of our lives until the ideal temperature drops below zero.

Knowing that record-breaking performances could soon be out of reach if the weather keeps getting hotter is not just about making races harder, it’s about knowing that climate change is about more than just making races harder.

According to the study, Tokyo is projected to experience the steepest decline by 2045, but it also has the highest chance of achieving ideal temperatures for elite male runners (69%).

The late Kelvin Kiptum set the men’s marathon world record for two hours, 35 seconds in Chicago in 2023.

Ruth Chepngetich broke the women’s world record for 2024 in Chicago, but she was banned from doing so for three years after admitting to breaking the anti-doping laws.

Over the past seven years, the men’s record has decreased by two minutes 22 seconds, with improvements largely attributable to improved shoe technology.

Catherine Ndereba, a former world record-holder for women, said: “The marathon has changed due to climate change.”

A race can be ended before it even begins with simple errors, and dehydration is a real risk. Every step now conveys the message that even the most noble efforts will fail if we neglect our planet.

The weather is currently on its way, according to Ibrahim Hussein, who has won the New York and Boston Marathons.