BERLIN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Known for its speedy course and the birthplace of numerous world records, the 51st edition of the Berlin Marathon taking place on Sunday could be affected by rising temperatures.
Traditionally, the late-September climate offers runners ideal conditions to chase history. However, forecasts suggest that race day temperatures may climb as high as 23 degrees Celsius.
World Athletics noted in its preview that the anticipated range of 19 to 21 degrees may adversely impact elite men's performances while the optimal marathon temperature for elite runners lies between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius.
When Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge set world records in 2018 and 2022 in Berlin, the maximum daily temperatures were 18 and 12 degrees, respectively.
In light of the forecast, the Berlin Marathon organizers issued a heat advisory on their website four days before the race, urging runners to adjust expectations and focus on the unique atmosphere rather than personal bests.
"High temperatures make it harder to achieve personal bests. That's why the key is: shift your focus away from chasing records and instead soak up the unique atmosphere along the course, which will carry you safely to the finish line. With the right preparation and an awareness of the conditions, you can still enjoy the marathon experience to the fullest - even in the heat," the statement read.
The organizers also offered five golden rules for running in heat: hydrate frequently in small amounts, use ice or on-course shower stations for cooling, opt for lightweight and breathable gear, avoid pushing for personal records, and continue walking while replenishing minerals after the finish.
The ongoing World Championships in Tokyo have drawn away some top marathoners. Combined with the weather outlook, prospects for another record-breaking race appear slim.
At 40 years old, Kipchoge will not be on the Berlin start line.
Instead, fellow Kenyan Sebastian Sawe is seen as the favorite for the men's title. The 29-year-old produced the world-leading time of 2:02:05 in his marathon debut in Valencia in 2024, making him the fifth-fastest man in history. He followed that up with victory in London, finishing in 2:02:27. Berlin will mark just his third career marathon.
The men's field also features 2024 Berlin champion Meleset Mengesha, Tanzania's national record holder Gabriel Geay, and Japan's record holder Kengo Suzuki, all vying for podium places.
In the women's race, Rosemary Wanjiru and Mestawot Fikir are the leading contenders. The former ran 2:16:14 at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon, while the latter finished second in Berlin with a time of 2:18:48.
The current men's marathon world record is held by the late Kelvin Kiptum, who ran 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. The Berlin course record remains at 2:01:09, set by Kipchoge in 2022. ■
微信扫描下方的二维码阅读本文
