2012 Boston Marathon to be Run in Record Heat – Runners Urged to Take Precautions

The weather this year has literally been all over the place with large swings from unseasonably warm temperatures one week to below freezing the next. Not surprisingly perhaps, this 2012 Boston Marathon is expecting some of the warmest temperatures ever for the big race.

According to reports, the forecast weather for the Boston Marathon calls for a high temperature of 87, which is one of the hottest for the race in its history. Officials managing the race are reportedly making preparations to deal with the potential health risk during the event. Some have even been advised to not participate in the race this year over health concerns.

In a report from the Baltimore Sun, the Boston Athletic Association has advised that, “If the temperatures reach certain levels, running will put even the most fit athletes at risk for heat injury.”

The Boston Marathon is a 26.2-mile (42-km) race. While the top finishers typically complete the course in a couple hours, for many runners it can take 4 to 6 hours or more to complete. This amount of time running a fast pace in such temperatures could easily take its toll on competitors.

Those with existing health problems, including cardiac or respiratory have been advised to consider sitting this year’s Boston Marathon out. The same advice goes for any runners who have recently had a cold or other illness. Organizers have said that runners who opt-out of this years race will can come back for the 2013 Boston Marathon without having to qualify again.

Runners should be alert for the typical warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke which are headaches, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. Health experts warn that runners in this year’s Boston Marathon should be vigilant and should seek medical assistance if they experience any of these symptoms.

Organizers are anticipating over 27,000 people in this year’s Marathon scheduled for a 9AM Eastern time start. While the early morning starters will have the advantage of cooler temperatures, runners with slower qualifying times will not start until more than an hour later as temperatures begin to rise.

To increase the safety of the race this year race officials have reported that the quantities of water and ice on the route will be increased along with more ambulances and medical staff including representatives from the Red Cross.