Brazil

Infographic: the impact of temperatures on athletes at the 2016 Games in Rio

The “greatest show on Earth” is starting to hot up in Brazil, with millions of people around the globe now casting their attention towards the track and field events. A lot has been made in the media about the adequacy of various venues ahead of the competition, but most people are also guilty of overlooking the potential impact the country’s notorious climate may have on proceedings.

Although you would be correct to assume that hot weather will cause long-distance runners to complete races more slowly, many will be surprised to discover the extent to which this is true. Did you know that every 5°F rise in temperatures above 60°F can lead to the average marathon runner losing speed by as much as 30 seconds per mile? read more