Reykjavík Marathon runners warned to expect rain

Thousands of runners taking part in the Reykjavík Marathon on Saturday should expect to get wet on the course, mbl.is reports.

The Icelandic Met Office has slightly downgraded its forecast for the capital region and is now predicting rain, southwesterly winds of 8 to 13 metres per second and temperatures of 8 to 13 degrees Celsius.

Rain is expected to begin as the first runners set off and increase as the day progresses. There may be short breaks, however, and the rain is not expected to be heavy throughout the event.

“People clearly need to prepare for the weather, and there could be some rain and strong winds,” said Óli Þór Árnason, a meteorologist at the Icelandic Met Office. He added that runners could have relatively favourable conditions during the first part of the day.

The competitive marathon and half-marathon categories start at 8.15am, followed by the general categories at 8.45am. The 10-kilometre race begins later in the morning.