Marathon Monday arrives, temperatures rise

HOPKINTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- As the Boston Marathon got underway Monday, the heat was already beginning to rise -- approaching the record temperatures expected later in the day.

Those high temperatures meant danger for some runners, especially the inexperienced, and organizers were taking extra precautions Monday to ensure a safe run.

While the Boston Athletic Association recommended those inexperienced runners to simply sit the race out, with the option of registering again next year, many were planning to go ahead with the race.

First time marathoners said the heat was now their main concern when it comes to tackling the 26.2 mile course.

“We’ve gotten a lot of advice,” Kerry Prine said. “One thing I didn’t know was you’re supposed to eat salty things, so I’ve been doing that to try and retain the hydration.”

Hydration will be the key Monday. Extra water and cooling stations will be set up along the course.

Even experienced marathon runners, like Holly Vogel and her husband, celebrating their 42nd wedding anniversary, say the heat is nothing to take lightly.

“This is gonna be a challenge,” Holly said.

“We’re smart about what we do and we’re not out to set a personal record,” Holly’s husband said.

Race organizers were telling racers to put their emergency contact information, and their weight, on the back of their bibs just in case.

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