Boston Marathon Update: Runners Brace for Stormy Weather

As if running a marathon weren't tough enough, the participants in this Monday's Boston Marathon might have to cope with rain and cold.

No one's going to be canceling the marathon. Runners have had to race in unusually cold and unusually hot Boston weather before. That's just part of the marathon's charm. WBZ lists past incidents of inclement weather during the marathon: "Runners slogged through cold torrential rains in 1970, five miles of snow squalls in 1967, and snow and drizzle in 1908. In 2004 and 2005, 80-plus degree heat proved crippling for some runners."

Knowing the past won't make the marathon any easier for first-time runners. We're not sure which would be worse – too much cold or too much heat. At least the cold and the rain would be somewhat refreshing, whereas the heat would already add to a runner's dehydration.

The Herald isn't optimistic about how the runners will be feeling in the rain: "With temperatures in the 40s and heavy rain forecast, participants in the classic race could face slippery roads, cramping and hypothermia."

At least those who treat the Boston marathon as a drinking event can use the cold temperatures as an excuse to take more sips from their flasks!

Image from the BAA Marathon website