by Abigail Brandwein
For runners around the world, late April is more than the beginning of summer – it’s marathon season.
Major races like the London Marathon have broken record participation numbers, while others like Boston and Madrid all happened within days of each other. These massive athletic events have inspired smaller, local races across the US and beyond. But what drives this massive influx of racers?
Late April is ideal for marathons due to “goldilocks”, or just-right, weather conditions. Throughout the month, temperatures are typically cooler with low humidity, offering a more consistent climate that is optimal for personal bests. Such good weather also drives increased crowd support, and encourages higher numbers of spectators to cheer athletes on.
“April has to be the best weather for running. It’s not too hot that you can’t catch a breath, but it’s not too cold where your muscles are tightening as you run. It’s the perfect temperature,” said Jelena Herceg, a captain of the IHS Track and Field team.
Furthermore, the month of April falls right outside of a winter training window, allowing athletes to do high-volume training indoors through colder months and taper their intensity for the spring. According to Women’s Running, a distance running newsletter, “In the colder months, snow often limits access to certain trails and ice makes roads dangerous. But come spring, you can safely run anywhere your heart desires”.
In recent years, due to an influx in running-based social media content, the sport has become widely successful in gaining participation and influence. Because of apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and even Strava, running is not only a sport, but a gateway to a supported, community-driven lifestyle.
The major race calendar strategically harnesses the advantages of spring races, driving high numbers of participants and fueling races worldwide.
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