Sports
‘Climate change shrinking window for record-breaking marathon performances’
KARACHI: A new scientific analysis has warned that climate change is rapidly shrinking the window of “cool days” that allow marathon runners to achieve their best performances, posing an increasing challenge for athletes and organisers of the world’s premier long-distance races.
The report, titled “Running out of cool days: How climate change is decreasing the odds of optimal marathon conditions”, was released by Climate Central ahead of the New York City Marathon.
It examines how rising global temperatures are affecting marathon performance conditions across 221 global races, including all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors.
According to the study, 86% of marathons analysed (190 out of 221) are projected to experience a decline in the odds of ideal running temperatures by 2045. This includes all major races in Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, London, New York, and Sydney.
Among the elite male runners, Tokyo currently offers the best odds of ideal race-day conditions, with a 69% chance of hitting the performance “sweet spot”. But that advantage won’t last: the probability is expected to fall by 12 percentage points to 57% by 2045 if emissions continue at current rates.
Elite women, who perform better in warmer temperatures than men, are somewhat more resilient to climate shifts. They currently have a 78% chance of optimal race-day temperatures at Tokyo, rising slightly to 85% by 2045. Still, researchers emphasise that even small changes in average conditions can have significant impacts on elite performance and race safety.
The analysis also found that London offers the most favourable conditions for elite women at present, with an 87% likelihood of optimal temperatures, while Berlin presents one of the least favourable outlooks. By 2045, the odds of ideal conditions for elite female runners in Berlin are expected to drop from 40% to 29%.
The report found that the exceptional heat at the 2025 Tokyo and Berlin Marathons pushed conditions far beyond the optimal range for both recreational and elite runners and that human-caused climate change made those temperatures significantly more likely.
On March 2, 2025, the day of the Tokyo Marathon, the average temperature was 15.2°C (59.4°F), about 8.2°C warmer than normal, reaching a Climate Shift Index (CSI) level of 3, meaning the unusually warm conditions were three times more likely due to climate change.
Similarly, Berlin’s race on September 21, 2025, saw an average temperature of 20.7°C, about 6.7°C warmer than normal, with a CSI level of 2, indicating the heat was twice as likely because of global warming.
“Heat waves are already rewriting race history,” said Climate Central in its release. “For many marathons, what used to be ideal race conditions are becoming the exception rather than the rule”.
Researchers identified precise “sweet spots” for marathon temperatures where runners perform their best. For elite men, that optimal average is 4°C; for elite women, it’s 10°C. Recreational runners perform best at slightly higher temperatures, around 6°C for men and 7°C for women.
The analysis draws from global temperature records, climate model projections, and Climate Central’s proprietary Climate Shift Index to estimate how the probability of ideal temperatures will evolve over time, using future climate scenarios aligned with the SSP3-7.0 pathway.
While the findings show a clear long-term decline in favourable marathon conditions, the report also notes that some adaptations could help mitigate the impacts.
One adaptation measure is to start races earlier in the morning, when daily low temperatures prevail. Researchers found that adjusting race times to sunrise could significantly increase the chances of ideal temperatures for elite men by 44 percentage points in London, 31 points in Tokyo, and 27 points in Boston by 2045.
However, this approach doesn’t benefit all groups equally. Because elite women perform better at slightly higher temperatures, earlier starts could actually reduce their odds of optimal conditions, notably in Tokyo (down 41 points) and Boston (down 18 points).
The Climate Central concludes that reducing fossil fuel pollution remains the only lasting solution to preserve the cool, comfortable race-day conditions that support peak performance and athlete safety.
Around 1.1 million people finish a marathon every year, but as the planet warms, the chances of running in optimal weather are rapidly diminishing even for races in traditionally cool climates.
Veteran marathoners and record holders are already seeing the changes firsthand.
“Climate change has altered the marathon,” said Catherine Ndereba, former marathon world record holder and two-time world champion. “Dehydration is a real risk, and simple miscalculations can end a race before it begins. Every step now carries a message that if we don’t take care of our planet, even our strongest strides will fall short”.
Mhairi Maclennan, the fastest British finisher at the 2024 London Marathon, said ideal race conditions are “slipping away”.
“At the elite level, conditions make or break a performance,” she said. “We train day in, day out for years, only for that elusive target to drift further away as ideal temperatures become rarer”.
Kenyan legend Ibrahim Kipkemboi Hussein, the first Kenyan to win both the New York City (1987) and Boston (1988) marathons, described how races have changed with the warming climate.
“The climate is part of the course now,” Hussein said. “Dehydration and exhaustion come faster; a small mistake in pacing or hydration can cost everything. If we don’t protect the planet, the records of the future and the joy of running itself are at risk”.
For Climate Central, the message is clear: marathoners and their races are on the front lines of a warming world.
While earlier starts and logistical adaptations may buy time, the only sustainable path to preserving record-breaking conditions is to curb global emissions and stabilise the planet’s temperature rise.
“The cool, comfortable race-day conditions that make history are running out,” the report warns. “If we fail to act, the world’s great marathons and the runners who define them will be racing against more than the clock”.
Sports
Where does the Dodgers-Blue Jays Game 3 thriller rank in longest World Series games of all time
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The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays didn’t just play a baseball game — they played a marathon.
The Dodgers walked off the Blue Jays 6-5 in 18 innings Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium in Game 3 of the World Series. The game lasted a whopping six hours and 39 minutes.
Dodgers star first baseman Freddie Freeman crushed a home run in the bottom of the 18th inning to send the fans home happy.
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The Dodgers-Blue Jays thriller tied the record for the longest game in World Series history.
Dodgers fans are no strangers to long World Series games, as the game they tied was their own. The Dodgers and Boston Red Sox also played 18 innings in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series. The Red Sox won the 2018 World Series four games to one.
DODGERS’ FREDDIE FREEMAN HITS WALK-OFF HOME RUN FOR WORLD SERIES GAME 3 WIN IN 18-INNING CLASSIC
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman celebrates his walk-off home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the 18th inning in Game 3 of the World Series in Los Angeles on Oct. 27, 2025. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo)
Country artist Brad Paisley, who is also a big Dodgers fan, sang the National Anthem prior to both Game 3 of the 2018 World Series and Game 3 of the 2025 World Series. Paisley sung the National Anthem prior to Game 2 of the 2017 World Series and Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, and both of those respective games went to extra-innings as well (11 and 10 innings).
Here is a list of the five longest World Series games in MLB history:
- 18 innings, 2018 World Series, Game 3, Dodgers beat the Red Sox 3-2
- 18 innings, 2025 World Series, Game 3, Dodgers beat the Blue Jays 6-5
- 14 innings, 2015 World Series, Game 1, Kansas City Royals beat the New York Mets 5-4
- 14 innings, 2005 World Series, Game 3, Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros 7-5
- 14 innings, 1916 World Series, Game 2, Red Sox beat the Brooklyn Robins (now the Dodgers) 2-1
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Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani celebrates his win against the Toronto Blue Jays during the 18th inning in Game 3 of the World Series in Los Angeles on Oct. 27, 2025. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo)
The Dodgers and Blue Jays have a quick turnaround, as Game 4 is set for 8 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast exclusively on FOX.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The first time Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw the ball to tight end Travis Kelce against the Washington Commanders on Monday night, the play resulted in a 1-yard loss. But on the next play, Mahomes put the ball in Kelce’s hands. The lone issue for the Chiefs was that the ball didn’t stay with Kelce, instead bouncing in the air and intercepted by linebacker Bobby Wagner.
From that moment on, Kelce put together a vintage performance, one that powered the Chiefs to a 28-7 victory. Kelce led the Chiefs with six receptions on eight targets for 99 yards for his best game of the season.
Kelce’s 10-yard touchdown late in the third quarter — which gave the Chiefs a 14-point lead — was also historic, as his 83rd career score tied former running back Priest Holmes for the most total touchdowns in Chiefs franchise history
The biggest highlight for Kansas City was when Kelce wasn’t Mahomes first, second or third passing option on a play-action snap early in the third quarter. Kelce leaked out after blocking for a wide-open 38-yard gain in which the tight end rumbled into the red zone.
Together, Mahomes and Kelce are just the third quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history to record 75 touchdowns, including the playoffs, joining Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski (105) and Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates (90).
Here are the most important things to know from Monday night for both teams:
Most surprising performance: Defensive end Mike Danna has struggled for much of this season, but the five-year veteran had a night to remember. Danna ended the Commanders’ opening drive with an interception, the first of his career after quarterback Marcus Mariota‘s pass bounced off the shoulder of receiver Deebo Samuel.
And just before the end of the third quarter, Danna collected his first sack of the season, a 10-yard loss on third down that pushed the Commanders out of field goal range.
Stat to know: Monday’s game was another example of the Chiefs proving to be the NFL’s best offense on fourth down. Twice against the Commanders, the Chiefs converted on fourth down, the latter occurring at a pivotal point early in the third quarter. On fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Mahomes scrambled to extend the play before finding running back Kareem Hunt in the end zone for a touchdown. With Mahomes on the field this season, the Chiefs have converted on 14-of-16 attempts on fourth down (87.5%), the highest success rate of teams who have had 10 or more attempts.
Trend to watch: The Chiefs should have all of their projected defensive starters available for Sunday’s game against the Bills, and the group of linemen around pass rusher Chris Jones — defensive ends George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu and Danna — are performing better than they did at the beginning of the season. — Nate Taylor
Next game: at Buffalo Bills (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)
The Commanders did what they could to beat the Chiefs. They moved the ball, at least in the first half, forced turnovers and were aggressive on fourth down.
It didn’t work.
Washington fell to 3-5 after Monday’s loss to Kansas City. A team that won 12 games last season is already fighting for its playoff life. Washington has upcoming home games against the Seattle Seahawks (5-2) and Detroit Lions (5-2).
Injuries have played a key role in the Commanders’ early stumbles. They played for a third game this season without quarterback Jayden Daniels, this time out because of a hamstring injury. They also lost left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a hamstring injury in the first half.
But Washington’s defense, which intercepted quarterback Patrick Mahomes twice in the first half, kept giving up big plays — often because of one player not adhering to his responsibility. It led to gains of 27, 31, 38 and 24 yards. It has been a seasonlong issue and shows no signs of abating.
After Washington outgained Kansas City 195-156 in the first half, it finished with only 260 for the game. The Chiefs took over in the second half leading to more misery and questions for Washington.
What to make of the QB performance: It’s hard to put all blame for this one on Marcus Mariota, who completed 21-of-30 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown. He played with poise and kept his eyes downfield, allowing him to make plays on the move. But key drops, two interceptions and an inability to make plays on fourth down hurt.
Turning point: The first drive of the second half for each team was the difference. After Kansas City scored on its first possession for a 14-7 lead, Washington responded with returner Jaylin Lane muffing the kickoff and having to start from its own 2-yard line. Lane then dropped a pass on third down to kill the drive — and the Chiefs rolled.
Biggest hole in the game plan: The run game continues to struggle. Of Washington’s 60 yards rushing, Mariota led with 28. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt finished with only 25 yards on nine carries. Washington needs to revive the run game in a hurry. — John Keim
Next game: vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday)
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Riley Gaines challenged Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, to a debate on Monday after the two sparred on social media.
Gaines, an OutKick contributor, appeared on Fox News Channel’s “The Ingraham Angle” after Ocasio-Cortez responded to the former NCAA swimmer’s criticism of the Democrat.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., speaks during a rally for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
“So, here is what I will say. I want to honestly challenge AOC to a debate,” Gaines said. “She can defend socialism. I will defend capitalism. She can defend removing God. I defend embracing a Biblical worldview. She can defend child sacrifice. I will defend the sanctity of life. Any of the radical, insane Democratic policies that they stand for, I will debate the opposite and I am challenging AOC to it here.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Ocasio-Cortez for comment, but the spat continued on social media.
Ocasio-Cortez later responded, “And I would like to challenge this person to get a real job.”
Gaines shot back at Ocasio-Cortez.
“This is comical given it’s coming from someone whose own party shut down the government and left you technically…jobless. And I guess I’ll take that as a no (which is to be expected when your positions are indefensible on virtually every issue),” she wrote on X.
“I have a real job. I’m a mom. It’s the most important & rewarding job in the world. I think if you had a baby girl like I do, you’d understand my positions a little better.”
Gaines posted a photo featuring Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Gaines wrote, “We’re being destroyed from within.”
The New York Post editorial board slammed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., for creating the policies that have led to New York City becoming too expensive for residents. (Tom Williams/Getty Images)
Ocasio-Cortez responded, “Maybe if you channeled all this anger into swimming faster you wouldn’t have come in fifth.”
“Her position is morally bankrupt and politically foolish. For clarity, yes, I finished fifth in the nation at the Division I national championships, tying with a 6-foot-4 man who ranked 462nd in the men’s division in the year prior,” Gaines said. “It was like a ‘South Park’ episode but real life. And whose side does AOC and the rest of the Democratic Party take? They take the 6-foot-4 man who flashed his junk at women in the locker room – that’s who’s side they take.
Riley Gaines, a former All-American University of Kentucky swimmer, speaks before Florida Governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis at the Greenville Convention Center on Friday, June 2, 2023. (MCKENZIE LANGE/ Staff / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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“They cannot help themselves but be on the wrong side of every 80/20 issue whether it’s border, whether it’s crime, whether it’s castrating children, whether it’s parental rights, whether it’s men in women’s sports.”
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