Marathon organizers reshape dates and routes to combat rising heat risks

Rising temperatures tied to climate change are prompting marathon organizers nationwide to revise race logistics. The Twin Cities Marathon will push its October date later in the month after a 2023 cancellation caused by record heat, while the Sioux Falls Marathon shifted from August to September following a hot-weather cancellation. Other events such as the Air Force Marathon, Little Rock Marathon and Long Beach Marathon have moved start times to earlier in the morning, and Los Angeles offered an 18-mile cut-off with a finisher’s medal.

Recent races recorded few hospitalizations, yet officials stress that safety outweighs tradition. Climate researchers project that by 2045, most U.S. marathons will seldom see the cool 40-degree conditions considered optimal. Experts suggest athletes may need to acclimate or turn to indoor activities as outdoor exercise grows riskier.