Boston Marathon 2026 Forecast Predicts Cold Weather

Runners may face unseasonably frigid conditions for the 130th running of the world's oldest marathon.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:04am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and white, depicting a lone runner struggling against a backdrop of ominous, swirling clouds and a biting wind, conveying the raw power and unforgiving conditions they will face on race day.As the world's oldest marathon faces the prospect of record-breaking cold, the sheer scale and power of nature will test the resilience of both runners and spectators.Boston Today

The 2026 Boston Marathon is expected to take place in much colder weather than recent years, with forecasts calling for temperatures in the mid-40s and a wind chill around 37 degrees. This would be a stark contrast to the comfortable conditions seen in 2025, when the winners set new course records. The Boston Marathon has a long history of dealing with extreme weather, from snowstorms to scorching heat, and this year's race may add another chapter to that legacy.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious running events in the world, attracting top athletes and huge crowds of spectators. Extreme weather conditions can have a major impact on the race, affecting the performance of runners, the safety of participants, and the overall experience for fans. This forecast raises questions about how the athletes and organizers will adapt to the predicted cold temperatures.

The details

According to the latest Accuweather forecast, temperatures on race day are expected to plummet to the mid-40s, with a wind chill around 37 degrees. This would be a significant drop from the upper 40s at the start and near 60 degrees by the afternoon that runners experienced in 2025. The mercury at the Hopkinton starting line could even dip into the upper 20s to mid 30s. If the forecast holds true, this year's race could set a new record for the coldest Boston Marathon on record, surpassing the 48-degree high in 2009.

  • The 130th Boston Marathon is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026.
  • In 2025, the men's and women's winners, John Korir and Sharon Lokedi, set new course records on a day that saw temperatures range from the upper 40s to near 60 degrees.
  • The coldest Boston Marathon on record was in 2009, when the high temperature reached just 48 degrees.

The players

John Korir

The 2025 Boston Marathon men's champion, who won his first title in the race despite taking a spill early on.

Sharon Lokedi

The 2025 Boston Marathon women's champion, who smashed the course record by more than two minutes.

Wesley Korir

John Korir's older brother, who won the Boston Marathon in 2012.

Hellen Obiri

The two-time defending Boston Marathon champion who was narrowly defeated by Lokedi in 2025.

Marcel Hug

The Swiss wheelchair racer who won his eighth Boston Marathon and fifth straight in the men's division in 2025.

Susannah Scaroni

The American wheelchair racer who claimed the women's title in 2025.

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What’s next

Runners and spectators will need to prepare for the possibility of record-breaking cold temperatures on race day. Organizers may need to adjust the event schedule or provide additional resources to help participants cope with the frigid conditions.

The takeaway

The Boston Marathon's long history of dealing with extreme weather, from snowstorms to scorching heat, is set to continue in 2026 with the potential for the coldest race on record. This forecast underscores the unpredictable nature of the event and the resilience required of both athletes and fans to overcome the elements.