A warm, humid forecast for AJC Peachtree means runners need fluids before, during and after

The weather forecast for the start on Thursday at Lenox Square is warm and humid

This year marks the 50th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race, which started in 1970.

The weather forecast for the starting line at Thursday's AJC Peachtree Road Race means participants should be sure they are hydrated, drinking plenty of fluids before the race, starting now.

Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Katie Walls expects temperatures in the mid-70s when racers line up at Lenox Square. By the time most participants reach the finish line at Piedmont Park, it will be even warmer. A heat index will feel like the low 90s by about 10 a.m.

Race organizers will be announcing conditions before and during the race, based on a color-coded warning system. Green means good and red means dangerous. Organizers said the race will probably start with a yellow flag, which means caution, and it could change to red during the race.

Best advice for runners and racers is to drink plenty of fluids, watch their pace and be careful, race director Rich Kenah said at a pre-race news conference Tuesday.

"I want our medical tent to be empty at the end of the day and not full,” Kenah said. “ We are prepared for anything that comes at us, but we want everyone to think about preparing."

The coolest start to the race was 62 degrees, recorded in 1986 and 1989, according to the Atlanta Track Club. The warmest start was 80 degrees, and that has happened six times, including the first race in 1970. The most recent 80-degree start was 1991. The temperature in 2018 at the starting line was 75, according to the Track Club.

> RELATED: Starting temperatures by year at the AJC Peacthree Road Race

In this file photo, non-elite runners at the starting line. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

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More tips and information about the AJC Peachtree Road Race

» At 50th race, AJC Peachtree Road Race is enduring symbol of Atlanta

» Weather and traffic updates from ajc.com

» Things to know: 10 last-minute tips for the AJC Peachtree

» What time does the AJC Peachtree Road Race start

» List of roads to be closed for the race

» Updates on road closings

» How to take MARTA to the race

» 7 places to carbo load with pasta for the 2019 AJC Peachtree Road Race

» Race Day deals and specials for runners and spectators

» More AJC Peachtree Road race news and updates at ajc.com/peachtree

Compiled by Brian O’Shea, bposhea@ajc.com, from staff reports.