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Climate Change Threatens Ideal Conditions for 86% of Marathons

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Climate Central's study finds climate change will reduce ideal marathon weather for 86% of 221 global marathons by 2045.
The impact affects all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, including the New York City Marathon.
Currently, ideal temperatures for elite male runners are in Tokyo, but they are projected to decline.
Athletes Mhairi Maclennan and Catherine Ndereba urge adaptation and climate action to secure marathon's future.

History

Historical Context

The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was a landmark event where 154 nations signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, aiming to address global warming and promote sustainable practices. This agreement followed earlier climate discussions, including the first World Climate Conference in 1979. Today, studies indicate that climate change could adversely affect ideal marathon conditions for 86% of global events by 2045.

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Story summary

Climate Central's study finds climate change will reduce ideal marathon weather for 86% of 221 global marathons by 2045.
The impact affects all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, including the New York City Marathon.
Currently, ideal temperatures for elite male runners are in Tokyo, but they are projected to decline.
Athletes Mhairi Maclennan and Catherine Ndereba urge adaptation and climate action to secure marathon's future.

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