Rain or shine? What awaits GateRite Challenge runners on Sunday

Runners taking part in the GateRite Challenge in Durban on Sunday can expect a cool and cloudy start, with high humidity and a chance of light rain.

The marathon and half-marathon will get under way at 05:30 at Kingspark Athletics Stadium, while the 10km run and walk starts at 05:45.

The race offers 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km distances, with the marathon serving as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon.

Cool start for GateRite Challenge runners

According to South African Weather Service(SAWS), temperatures should sit at around 21°C during the early part of Sunday, offering relatively mild conditions as runners set off.

However, humidity will be high at around 75% early in the day. This could make conditions feel more humid for runners, particularly those tackling the longer distances.

The sun will rise at around 05:29, just before the first runners leave the start line.

Light rain possible

The forecast points to slight rain during part of the morning before conditions become mostly overcast and cloudy.

Around 3mm of rain is forecast for Durban on Sunday.

Runners should therefore prepare for the possibility of damp roads, even if persistent heavy rain does not develop.

Winds pick up later

Winds should remain very light around the start of the race before strengthening as the day progresses.

South-westerly winds are expected initially before shifting south-south-westerly and later south-easterly.

Wind speeds could increase to around 18.5km/h during the day.

For marathon runners who spend several hours on the route, conditions later in the morning could therefore feel different from those at the starting line.

Temperatures remain mild

Durban is forecast to reach a maximum of around 23°C on Sunday, with a minimum of 17°C.

Temperatures should hover between 21°C and 22°C through much of the period covered by the forecast.

Runners should continue checking the latest forecast before heading to the start, as weather conditions can change.