BOSTON -- Cold, wet, and very windy. That's the story for this year's running of the 111th Boston Marathon.

The spring Nor'easter is expected to make this year's running one of the messiest and most challenging in years. As the storm moved in, runners showing up for a traditional carbo-loading pasta dinner in Boston were moved under the tents as the city tried to shelter folks who turned out for the dinner.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said the city has worked hard to take precautions because of the Nor'easter pounding the region.

"Making sure that the tents are out there, the medical tents are secure, making sure the catch basins don't overflow and those low-lying areas, the ones in the city of Boston ... making sure they're cleaned out as best we can," Menino said.

More than 23,000 runners were signed up for Monday race but organizers expected several thousand to stay home because of the weather and about 10 percent did not show up to pick up their bibs before registration closed Sunday.

"The runners themselves, it's the worst thing for a runner, cold, wet and windy," Menino said.

Other runners said they weren't fazed by the weather because they train all winter in ice and snow.

"I'm a little nervous about the weather but you know, training through the winter, you've got yourself mentally prepared anyway," one runner said.

Others said they would rather run in cooler weather than warm.

"This is great. This is perfect. I can't wait. This is going to be good. If the wind dies down it couldn't be any better," another said.

For the city of Boston and other towns along the 26.2-mile race route, the day will be all about keeping those who do lace up safe.

Hypothermia is the biggest risk for runners and medical stations staffed with Red Cross volunteers will be set up along the race route, including in Natick, Wellesley and Newton, to provide shelter and help to runners and staff. Buses will be placed along the route for racers who need to take a break or who want to drop out.

The Boston Marathon has only been cancelled once, back in 1918 because of World War I.