Tokyo Heats Up: World Athletics Championships Reschedule Amid Record Temperatures

In response to unprecedented heat and humidity in Tokyo, organizers of the 2025 World Athletics Championships have rescheduled the start times for the marathon and race walk events, moving them 30 minutes earlier to 7:30 a.m. local time. This adjustment aims to mitigate health risks for athletes and spectators amid soaring temperatures.

Despite scheduling the championships in mid-September to avoid the peak summer heat, Tokyo has experienced unusually high temperatures averaging 33°C (91.4°F) this month, resembling mid-summer conditions. Last month, over 3,300 people were hospitalized for heat stroke in the city. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that this summer was the hottest on record, with average temperatures nationwide more than 2.36 degrees Celsius higher than usual.

To further protect participants and spectators, organizers have implemented enhanced heat countermeasures. These include 185 hydration stations along the marathon course—exceeding provisions made during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics—radiative cooling fabric tents for athletes and visitors, wearable monitors for volunteers and staff to detect dangerous body temperatures, and first responder patrols in the stadium.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe acknowledged the "heat challenges" posed by Tokyo's record temperatures, noting that similar issues were encountered during the 2021 Olympics.

The 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships is scheduled to take place from September 13 to 21, 2025, at Tokyo's National Stadium. This marks the second time Tokyo has hosted the event, the first being in 1991. The championships will feature over 2,000 athletes from approximately 200 countries, competing in 49 disciplines, including track and field events, marathons, and race walking.

The extreme heat poses significant health risks to athletes, officials, and spectators. The adjustments and countermeasures reflect a growing awareness and responsiveness to climate change's impact on global sporting events. The situation also highlights the importance of adaptive strategies in event planning to ensure participant safety.

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are set against a backdrop of unprecedented heat, prompting organizers to implement significant adjustments and safety measures. This situation underscores the broader implications of climate change on global events and the necessity for adaptive planning to ensure the well-being of all participants.