One of the highlights of the final day of the Paris Olympics will be the women’s marathon. However, after the men had to battle through scorching heat yesterday, the women will face similar challenges today. The 26.2-mile women’s marathon in Paris will kick off today (Sunday, August 11) at 2:00 am Eastern Time, or 8:00 am in Paris.

The women will have to face yesterday’s scorching heat today as well, especially by the time the marathon nears its end. Weather forecasts predict it’ll already be 64.4 degrees F, when the race starts. However, by 11:00 am, may climb to a blistering 78.8 degrees F as they chart their course from Hôtel de Ville in Paris to Versailles. However, it’s the opposite of humidity.

Humidity is predicted to be higher earlier in the morning at 78%. However, as the heat ramps up it’s expected to fall below 60% later in the day. Thankfully, the long-distance runners will be able to take in the sights of icon venues that line the route. These include the Louvre, Grand Palais, Chteau de Versailles, Eiffel Tower, and more.

The route isn’t without its technical challenges either, as it sports a 436m ascent and 438m descent. Meanwhile, 13.5% of the marathon route is an incline. While it’s by no means the toughest route for the seasoned women’s marathon competitors, the heat and humidity will pose a significant challenge. However, there’s a special reason why the Paris Olympics committee chose this route.

The Paris Olympics Women’s Marathon route pays homage to the 1789 women’s march to Versailles. Over 6,000 women marched from Paris to Versailles on October 5, 1789. Today, 80 women will retrace their path on their quest to Olympic gold. The date also holds historical significance. The Paris Marathon will happen on the 40th anniversary of the first-ever women’s marathon. So who are the favorites to win this historic celebration of women’s sports?

The names to watch out for during the Olympic Women’s Marathon

Team USA’s fans would want to catch Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, and Dakotah Lindwurm representing the Stars and Stripe in Paris. Fiona O’Keeffe holds the fastest time among the trio with 2:22.10s at the U.S. Trails. Her teammates aren’t far behind, with Sisson posting 2:22.42s during the trials, while Lindwurm finished third with 2:25.31s in Orlando.

Team USA’s best will compete against Ethiopian world record holder Tigist Assefa. Defending Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir from Kenya would also look to join Eliud Kipchoge as a back-to-back marathon gold winner. The U.S. fans can catch the live broadcast on NBC and USA Network. You’ll have to tune into Peacock to watch the official live stream.

However, there are multiple other ways to livestream the event. So are you excited to watch the best endurance athletes go head-to-head on the grandest stage in the world? Who do you think will succeed in chasing down Olympic gold?

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