As any marathoner knows, weather is a huge part of the race, both in how it will affect an individual's performance, and how it will contribute to the overall "flavor" of the race. The Channel 3 Weather Team is dedicated to providing the very best weather information so you can plan accordingly for race day.
Climatology records tell us that we can expect a low of 49° and a high of 70° on Race Day. This translates to a temperature of about 54° at the 8:00 AM start of the race, with the temperature reaching about 67° by Noon. But those of us who live here know that those averages are just that – averages. More often than not, we see wild variations in our weather. The conditions for the VCM over the years have run the gamut from snow, sleet and cold to sunny and hot. And of course, there has been rain and wind. And every now and then, we get one of those ideal "average" days.
Race Day Forecast: In the weeks before the race, we will provide a general "trend" as to what we can expect for weather at the end of the month. In the week before the race, we will start giving more specific forecasts, narrowing down the race day weather.
For the most accurate, up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, watch Sharon Meyer, Gary Sadowsky, Dan Dowling, Dave Busch, and Ian Oliver on the Channel 3 News every weekday at 5-7 AM, Noon, 5 PM, 5:30 PM (on "The :30"), 6 PM and 11 PM. You can also find weather information 24/7 on our secondary channel, WCAXtra, Digital Channel 3.2. And find instant updates from the Channel 3 Weather Center on Twitter and Facebook.
Here is a look at the race day weather for the last 5 years:
