The field of runners at Monday's Boston Marathon may be smaller than most years. But there are still Wilmington residents expected to hit the ground running on Patriots Day.

Because of expected temperatures around 90°, the Boston Athletic Association is urging inexperienced runners to sit out this year's race. In addition, the B.A.A. is offering deferral to next year's event.

"It will involve an increased element of risk to all participants due to the heat.  Only the fittest runners should consider participating," said a statement on the event website. "In cooperation with the Boston Marathon's Medical Team, it is our recommendation that anyone entered in the marathon who has not met the qualifying standards for their age and gender strongly consider not running, and that they strongly consider deferring until next year."

Despite the heat, several Wilmington runners are still scheduled to participate. Among them is Jill Chisholm, who ran in the 2011 marathon.

"The conditions are sure to have a significant impact on everybody running on Monday. It's not possible to go out and race at your planned pace in these conditions," said Chisholm. "With that being said there are precautions you can take to complete the marathon safely and I plan to take all the necessary precautions including running slower than planned, hydrating smartly and taking in salt."

Michelle Bryan, who participated in her first marathon last fall in New Hampshire, said the weather hasn't changed her plans either, though it has changed her expected pace.

"I want to run to complete the personal goal," said Bryan. "I am still planning on running (despite the heat). I am going in with the attitude of staying safe first."

Here is a complete list of Wilmington residents who are signed up to run Monday's Boston Marathon:

• Michelle Bryan, 41
• Anthony P. Carriere, 37
• Jill Chisholm, 40
• Emily C. Dorrance, 26
• Michael Gautreau, 46
• Carl Hartford, 27
• Elizabeth S. Keefe, 40
• Vladamir Luppov, 56
• Alexis C. Mastronardi, 37
• Thomas H. Peterson, 47
• Simonetta Piergentili, 47
• John C. Warner, 49

Check back with Wilmington Patch to find out how the local runners finished in the race.