Boston Marathon weather forecast looks a bit warm, sunny: ‘Proper hydration is key’
For New England runners who have been training for months during 30- and 40-degree days, Marathon Monday’s temps are going to be a bit of an adjustment.
But it should be perfect conditions for spectators cheering on the tens of thousands of Boston Marathon participants next week.
Race day is still five days out, so the National Weather Service’s Boston office said to take the 5-day forecast with a grain of salt. However, there’s a chance for temps to hit 70 degrees Monday afternoon in the Boston-area.
“It should be a bit warm, with a good amount of sunshine too,” Rob Megnia, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Boston office, told the Herald on Wednesday.
Temps in Hopkinton should be in the upper 50s at around 10 a.m.
Then as runners make their way toward Boston over the next several hours, temps will creep into the upper 60s.
The National Weather Service “would not be shocked to see temps overachieve and reach for 70F across the interior both Monday and Tuesday,” according to the NWS forecast discussion.
On a positive note, the winds will be coming out of the west — so it should be a slight tailwind for runners.
“The winds should be at their back,” Megnia said.
Also, rain is not expected, and it should be not be super humid — something that runners like to hear.
“Low relative humidity should be a source of relief,” the meteorologist said.
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Ahead of the marathon, a running expert at Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine spoke to the Herald about how to properly prepare for whatever weather Boston throws at runners from across the globe.
Dr. Adam Tenforde, a 12-time marathoner who directs the running medicine program at MGB Sports Med, emphasized the importance of hydration in the days before the race.
“Proper hydration is key 48 to 72 hours ahead of an event,” Tenforde said.
While on the course, runners should drink a balance of water and Gatorade. Water and Gatorade stations will be set up along the course beginning at Mile 2.
“I don’t recommend drinking at every station,” Tenforde said. “The concern for less experienced runners is the risk for hyponatremia, when sodium levels drop due to too much water, which can lead to life-threatening medical issues.”
He added that runners need to be careful amidst the “pandemonium” of the fluid stations — when runners are zig-zagging on the slippery roads drenched in water and Gatorade.
Also, runners should have enough fueling gels. Three Maurten Shot Energy Gel stations will be located on the course: Mile 11.8 on the Wellesley town line; mile 17 in Newton; and at mile 21.5 just after Boston College.
“Make sure you’re comfortable with them before race day,” Tenforde said, noting that people can have GI issues with certain fueling gels.
Wearing a hat can help runners on a sunny day, and putting on sunscreen is always smart when you’re outside in the sun for several hours. (This reporter who has run Boston three times has gotten some nasty sunburns on the course).
With the race day temps warmer than what New England runners have been training in, be willing to adjust your pace.
“The mantra of listen to your body is never more important than when the weather is at either extreme,” Tenforde said.
“The most important thing is this is supposed to be a fun event, and just have fun out there,” he added.
And finally, focus on doing the little things in the days ahead of the race: Getting good sleep, hydrating properly and eating well, including consuming plenty of carbs.
After finishing the race on Boylston Street, runners should continue to walk. Standing still or stopping can cause nausea, dizziness, and weakness. Walking will help redirect your blood to vital organs, so you should keep moving.
If you’re not feeling well after crossing the finish line, get medical attention. There will be two complete and staffed medical tent facilities.
Also, the Boston Athletic Association provides 26 medical stations located along the course. Each tent is staffed with a variety of medical professionals, offering aid to those in need.
Marathon Monday could be a warm one for runners. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)