Boston Marathon 2012: Weather Updates, Road Closures, MBTA Info and More

The 116th Boston Marathon is shaping up to be among the most challenging in the history of one of America's most prestigious races. The Boston Athletic Association has warned the field of 27,000 runners to take extra precautions, what with 80-degree temperatures expected to sweep through Beantown on Patriot's Day.

Such less-than-ideal running conditions should leave Geoffrey Mutai's course and (still pending) world-record time of two hours, three minutes and two seconds well intact, though it may not be so kind to those hoping to run. Mutai will be back on the course, anyway, as a favorite to defend his title.

The weather has forced organizers to offer deferments to those whose participation has since been thrown into doubt for the second time in three years. About 300 runners were unable to make it stateside in time for the marathon in 2010 when the eruption of a volcano in Iceland stalled air traffic throughout Europe.

According to Boston.com, all streets surrounding Copley Square will be shut down at 6 a.m. EDT, with roads inside of Massachusetts Avenue closing at 9:00 a.m. EDT and those outside of Massachusetts Avenue closing at 9:30 a.m. EDT. Check the website for a full listing of road closures and reopening estimates.

The MBTA Copley Station will be closed all day, and bicycles will not be allowed on subways on account of expected crowding. Click here for a full breakdown of public transportation restrictions in and around Boston.

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