Will weather be a factor at the Chicago Marathon again this year?
By
Renee Duff, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Oct 9, 2019 10:36 AM EDT
Brigid Kosgei of Kenya finishes in first place at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP / Matt Marton)
Harriers at the Chicago Marathon contended with rain and wet course conditions along with high humidity as they went the distance at last year's event. What can runners taking part in the 2019 edition of the 26.2-mile race expect and will weather be a factor again?
Chilly, blustery weather is in store in Chicago on Sunday as tens of thousands of runners take to the streets for the city's annual marathon.
Around 1.7 million spectators are expected to line the course, which weaves its way through 29 neighborhoods in downtown Chicago.
A repeat of the weather from last's year marathon is not expected, when around 0.50 of an inch of rain fell throughout the day.
During this year's event, the greatest risk of a brief shower will be north of the city, with dry weather and partial sunshine likely prevailing throughout the marathon.
The biggest story is likely to be the cool, windy conditions on tap for Sunday.
"Temperatures at the start of Sunday's Chicago Marathon will be in a range that most long-distance runners consider 'ideal', or in the 40s," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski said.
Temperatures will be near the day's high of around 54 degrees Fahrenheit by the time the last of the racers cross the finish line during the afternoon hours. Chicago's average high for Oct. 13 is 64.
Runners participate in the Chicago Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
A west-southwesterly wind of 10-20 mph will be a crosswind for the runners for a majority of the course, but also a headwind and tailwind at times during the second half of the race.
While the tall buildings in the city can act as a buffer against the winds, they can also create a wind tunnel effect, causing winds to increase in between the skyscrapers.
The wind will act to make it feel even chillier than the actual air temperature. AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures are forecast to be in the 30s F through much of the morning, which will require coats, hats and perhaps even gloves and scarves for spectators.
Light layers will be appropriate attire for race participants. This includes a long-sleeve, moisture-wicking shirt, a windproof running jacket, running pants and/or tights.
And be sure to tune into the AccuWeather TV network throughout the weekend. AccuWeather Broadcast Meteorologist Laura Velasquez is in Chicago and will preview the race for TV network coverage, and then will be running in the event on Sunday.
Download the free AccuWeather app to see the exact forecast for your area. Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
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News / Weather News
Will weather be a factor at the Chicago Marathon again this year?
By Renee Duff, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Oct 9, 2019 10:36 AM EDT
Brigid Kosgei of Kenya finishes in first place at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP / Matt Marton)
Harriers at the Chicago Marathon contended with rain and wet course conditions along with high humidity as they went the distance at last year's event. What can runners taking part in the 2019 edition of the 26.2-mile race expect and will weather be a factor again?
Chilly, blustery weather is in store in Chicago on Sunday as tens of thousands of runners take to the streets for the city's annual marathon.
Around 1.7 million spectators are expected to line the course, which weaves its way through 29 neighborhoods in downtown Chicago.
A repeat of the weather from last's year marathon is not expected, when around 0.50 of an inch of rain fell throughout the day.
During this year's event, the greatest risk of a brief shower will be north of the city, with dry weather and partial sunshine likely prevailing throughout the marathon.
The biggest story is likely to be the cool, windy conditions on tap for Sunday.
"Temperatures at the start of Sunday's Chicago Marathon will be in a range that most long-distance runners consider 'ideal', or in the 40s," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski said.
Temperatures will be near the day's high of around 54 degrees Fahrenheit by the time the last of the racers cross the finish line during the afternoon hours. Chicago's average high for Oct. 13 is 64.
Runners participate in the Chicago Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
A west-southwesterly wind of 10-20 mph will be a crosswind for the runners for a majority of the course, but also a headwind and tailwind at times during the second half of the race.
While the tall buildings in the city can act as a buffer against the winds, they can also create a wind tunnel effect, causing winds to increase in between the skyscrapers.
The wind will act to make it feel even chillier than the actual air temperature. AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures are forecast to be in the 30s F through much of the morning, which will require coats, hats and perhaps even gloves and scarves for spectators.
Light layers will be appropriate attire for race participants. This includes a long-sleeve, moisture-wicking shirt, a windproof running jacket, running pants and/or tights.
And be sure to tune into the AccuWeather TV network throughout the weekend. AccuWeather Broadcast Meteorologist Laura Velasquez is in Chicago and will preview the race for TV network coverage, and then will be running in the event on Sunday.
Related:
Download the free AccuWeather app to see the exact forecast for your area. Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo