Glasgow’s unpredictable weather has become one of the biggest talking points of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with rain repeatedly disrupting the athletics arena and leaving spectators wondering why the events are going ahead despite the difficult conditions.Sprinters explode off wet starting blocks, jumpers approach slippery tracks and throwers compete in wet conditions, naturally raising safety concerns. However, athletics has always been an outdoor sport built around adapting to changing weather conditions.
Why doesn’t athletics stop because of the rain?
Rain alone is not considered a reason to cancel or postpone athletic events.International athletics regulations allow competitions to continue in wet conditions as long as the venue remains safe and there is no immediate danger from extreme weather. Modern athletic facilities are designed to handle such challenges, with synthetic tracks and advanced drainage systems that help prevent water build-up and maintain grip.Officials are closely monitoring conditions throughout the contest. If the rain becomes severe enough to impact the safety of the athletes, the visibility or the condition of the surface, they have the authority to delay or suspend the events.However, normal precipitation, even heavy rains, is considered part of outdoor athletics.
How are athletes safe in wet conditions?
Sprinters have to be more careful with their starts, jumpers need to adjust their approach and technique, while throwers have to deal with changes in grip and surface conditions.Elite athletes, however, train in a variety of environments and are expected to adapt. Competing in difficult times is considered part of the challenge at the highest level.The organizers also take several precautions:
- Ground staff maintain and clean important areas such as jumping tracks and throwing circles.
Officials inspect surfaces before and during events.
Athletes receive adequate warm-up opportunities.
Equipment and competition areas are checked regularly.
The priority remains the safety of the athletes, but ensuring safety does not always mean stopping the competition.
Why are the reserved days not held for athletics?
Athletics involves hundreds of athletes competing in multiple events, including heats, semi-finals and finals. A delay of even one day can create major scheduling problems.Broadcast plans will be disrupted, medal ceremonies will have to be rearranged, athletes competing in multiple disciplines may face clashes, and travel and accommodation arrangements involving thousands of athletes, officials and volunteers will be affected.The athletics schedule at a major multisport event is planned months in advance, leaving little flexibility for additional competition days.
Rain remains part of outdoor sports
Under current athletics regulations, rain is considered part of the outdoor competition. Officers intervene only when conditions create a serious threat to safety.For athletes, competing in difficult conditions is another test of preparation, adaptability and resilience.