2018 New York City Marathon forecast: 'Race day looks beautiful' for world's largest marathon
The main field of runners pulls away from the starting line during the New York City Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
This Sunday morning, more than 50,000 runners will take to the streets of New York City to run the 48th edition of the New York City Marathon. The largest marathon in the world and one of the most well-respected running events in the United States will feature near-perfect conditions with a slight breeze and ideal temperatures.
“Chances of rain are nil,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek said. “Race day looks beautiful. If you’re a runner, you don’t like it to be too warm and humid or too windy, so this is almost ideal. It’ll be cool to start off, probably around mid-40s for the start of the race and then an afternoon high of near 55. You couldn’t ask for better weather if you’re a long distance runner.”
Enjoying the great conditions will be an elite field of competitors, including some of America’s best women marathoners such as 2018 Boston Marathon winner Des Linden and 2017 New York City Marathon winner Shalane Flanagan.
Shalane Flanagan of the United States poses for pictures after crossing the finish line first in the women's division of the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Also toeing the starting line in Staten Island will be men’s defending champion Geoffrey Kamworor, women’s marathon world record holder Mary Keitany and two-time Boston Marathon winner Lelisa Desisa in the men’s field.
Last year’s classic was run in foggy conditions and light rain began to fall as racers neared the finish line. Thanks to the precipitation and temperatures in the upper 50s, humidity in the afternoon topped 90 percent.
This year’s athletes should expect much more comfortable conditions throughout their 26.2-mile journey.
“It looks like the weather is almost as ideal as you can possibly get for a marathon,” Dombek said. “It looks mostly sunny and the winds are going to be light, under 10 mph and actually they could get lighter during the race itself.”
AccuWeather On-Air Meteorologist Laura Velasquez has run nine marathons and said the weather for this weekend’s marathon are her ideal conditions.
“Everybody is a little different, but for longer races, temperatures in the 40s and 50s are wonderful with a light or calm wind and low dew points,” she said. “Dry is clutch. I despise long runs in soaked shoes.”
Runners cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge during the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
Luckily for this year’s NYC Marathon runners, those exact conditions are expected for Sunday.
Dombek said that rainfall from Friday night and early Saturday could leave a few puddles on the course for Sunday’s competitors, although strong wind gusts on Saturday could dry those conditions.
Along with her many prior marathons, Velasquez has also run an Ironman in Wisconsin. She said the key to any long-distance competition is a strong mindset.
“Each has been it’s own experience, but they’ve all been a gift,” she said. “I truly feel grateful for the opportunity to participate."
Along with the advice to avoid wearing cotton socks and to stick with routine, Velasquez tells runners just to soak up the experience.
“Just keep in mind the feeling you’ll have when you see the finish… that feeling at the finish is worth it,” she said. “When I signed up for my first marathon years ago, my thought was ‘one-and-done.’ The minute I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t wait to sign up for another one.”
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