The weather/temperature conditions in Portland, Oregon and Boston, Massachusetts are FAVORABLE for such endurance running. Temperatures in the fifties.
According to average temperatures found at The University of Chicago Law School (click here), the temperatures for yesterday's "LaSalle Bank's Chicago Marathon" were far above normal than any other temperature.
Chicago
January - 32-17
March - 45-29
May - 70-50
July - 84-65
September - 76-56
November - 48-33
The sad truth is that many people seek to be 'the winner' of such events. They start at levels as is taking place in Boston, a 10 K run. While world class athletes might finish their marathons in style there are many who begin their athletic training in those shadows. It is a shame this tragedy had to be realized. I believe those that sponsor and organize these events need to evaluate the potential for 'doing good' in perspective to postponing the event to more favorable weather conditions. It's important all athletes that plan to participate have a good outcome or at least as good an outcome as can be realize for their abilities.
What occurred in Chicago yesterday was directly related to Climate Change and the sooner the USA deals with it the better off everyone will be. Postponing such an event is one way of providing success, but, in the 'postponing' endurance events should act a 'trigger' to a much larger issue as to why the postponement occurred in the first place.
I am quite 'used to' the idea of propaganda overshadowing 'the truth' regarding climate change. I just don't think it should be allowed anymore. Evidently, it costs lives while threatening others.
