2012 Boston Marathon weather forecast

High: 86      Low: 59

Sunday Evening Update:

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Updated Discussion: You should now know what exactly to expect. Warm temperatures and breezy winds. For the start, temps will be around the 70 degree mark under partly sunny skies. Skies will clear in the late morning hours and temperatures will approach the 80 degree mark around Noon. Highs should top out in the mid to upper 80s by the late afternoon hours with southwesterly winds around 10 to 20 mph.

Humidity levels should be on the low end as dew points will only be in the low to mid 50s. The lack of humidity is a great thing but be sure to be aware of the heat as your body will not be accustomed to it. Try to stick to shady parts of the course if possible and think about wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Another good idea is some suntan lotion as I was outside all day in D.C. and managed to get a little more sun than I bargained for.

It appears the Boston Marathon is actually encouraging runners to NOT RUN if they aren’t prepared for it. I’m really sorry the weather panned out like this but good luck tomorrow and be safe out there!

Reminiscent of the Chicago Marathon in 2007:

Back in 2007, temperatures reached the upper 80s for the Chicago Marathon which killed one person and sent 49 others to the hospital. Of the 45,000 expected runners, over 10,000 of them didn’t even show up to the race because of the conditions. The event was eventually cancelled in the middle of the race because the conditions were so dangerous.

Even the Boston Marathon Website has a page dedicated to the weather and focuses on proper hydration and signs of heat exhaustion and other heat illnesses. Be sure you know the signs if you are going to run. The humidity will not be nearly as bad for this race compared to Chicago but with the high temperatures your body will not be acclimated to the heat so early in the year so be sure to listen it while you’re tearing through the city. If only the race started at 7am like a normal marathon…

Recommendations:

Shorts and a t-shirt will be the way to go for the race. You may also want a hat and sunglasses. Remember to wear light colored clothes for maximum reflection and lightweight material for ample ventilation. Don’t forget that all important body glide and it might also be good to put on a little SPF 15.

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2012 RACE DAY SCHEDULE (subject to adjustments)

9:00 a.m. Mobility Impaired Participants Start
9:17 a.m. Push-Rim Wheelchair Division Start
9:22 a.m. Handcycle Participants Start
9:32 a.m. Elite Women’s Start
10:00 a.m. Elite Men’s Start & Wave One
10:20 a.m. Wave Two
10:40 a.m. Wave Three
5:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Grand Ballroom,
138 St. James Avenue, Boston
7:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m. Post-Race Party* (21 and older only)
House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston