The warming climate is forcing marathons to consider changes to keep runners cool

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Marathon organizers in the United States are considering schedule changes and various adaptations to keep runners safe as rising temperatures from climate change pose health risks during races. The warming climate, largely driven by fossil fuel combustion, is impacting marathon conditions nationwide.

Paul Grinvalds has completed 114 marathons in all 50 states, but he still wilts when he races in temperatures beyond 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 Celsius). “One thing about marathoners is typically we're kind of stubborn,” said Grinvalds, 68, from West Des Moines, Iowa, who finds even temperatures in the 50s F (10 C) a bit warm. Such an experience can also be dangerous, a reality that marathon organizers are having to confront as climate change, caused mostly by the burning of fuels like coal and gasoline, pushes temperatures up. To improve the chances of having the 26.2-mile (42-kilometer) race in cooler weather, organizers are shifting race dates, starting earlier and even giving options for participants to cut their runs short.