The effects of waming temperatures

Having completed last night's run in a light snow shower and a balmy (at least compared to the last couple of weeks) 3C, with the snow still clearly visible up on the moors.  It seemed somewhat ironic  then to read an article which suggested that climate change, and particularly a general warming, is responsible for slowing down marathon times.

The article (found at www.grist.org) said that the slowing of times was not yet noticeable.  But pointed to a study carried out by Boston University which says that by 2100 there will be a 95% chance of detecting a "consistent slowing of winning marathon times".

Researchers used the Boston Marathon for their data as it is the oldest continuous annual marathon in the world, ran on the same day and more or less the same course since 1924.

Further details of the study entitled, 'Effects of Warming Temperatures on Winning Times in the Boston Marathon' can be found here

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