Boston Marathon Spectator Advice
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Anonymous
| I've looked at the advice for spectators on-line, but this is our first time traveling to Boston to watch a family member running the Marathon and I was wondering if anyone has any "been there and done that" tips/advice? Our hotel is not in Boston but it is close to a train station not too far outside the city. We will be there Sat-Mon. Thanks! |
Anonymous
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You can download the BAA app and track your runner. That way you will know where they are on the course so you can plan to be at a certain place as they pass by.
https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/baa-mobile-app Here are some more hints on the web site https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/watch/spectators You should be able to use the T (Boston's subway system) to get around so you can see your runner at multiple places. I've never spectated at marathon but have run several. I really needed the support the most around miles 20-22--so my advice is to make sure you are there for your runner somewhere around there. 
But definitely check with your runner because their needs might be different! Will you be able to stay late into the day on Monday? Some of the runners won't start until later in the day-I think some of the last finishers might be crossing the finish line as late as 7 pm. Have fun! That will be such an amazing experience! |
Anonymous
| What line of the T is your hotel on? |
Anonymous
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pp back again
https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/watch/along-course This is a good page I should have linked you to!
And this one http://registration.baa.org/2023/cf/Public/iframe_EntryLists.cfm You can look up your runner's bib number, and then see which wave they will run in. That will give you their start time. As you can see, some runners will not even start the race until 11:15 am. If your runner is a pro they will start much earlier. |
Anonymous
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I watched the marathon a couple of times- didn't know anyone running. Just wanted to say it is a really really fun, chill environment. Everyone has the day off, local schools are closed, etc. It's really cool to see the speed and ability of the pro runners. And then the tenacity of the amateurs, struggling to get through such a grueling run.
No specific tips, just hoping you have a similar experience. |
Anonymous
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Figure out where you want to see your runner. Heartbreak Hill? Cleveland Circle? Beacon Street/Kenmore Square? The finish line?
Commuter trains come into either North or South Station. You will need to take the T from there or walk. The last few miles of the route follow the Green Line T. Plan to get out of Copley Square ASAP after the race. Grab dinner in the North End or Cambridge/Somerville. Be aware that the weather can be freezing or hot and plan accordingly. |
Anonymous
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I lived on the marathon route for a decade and it’s crazy crowds, closed roads, and at some points they stop running the T. More than a million spectating. If you are ok NOT being at the finish line I would take that route.
Good areas to spectate that won’t be extremely overcrowded (versus finish line crowded) are Cleveland Circle and Coolidge Corner, or anywhere in between. These neighborhoods are both on Beacon Street, about 1.5 miles apart, and about 4.5 miles from the finish line. By T, you’d take the C line to Coolidge Corner, or the B, C, or D lines to Cleveland Circle. There are loads of restaurants with terraces along the route in that section; you’ll want to get there early to mid morning to camp out if having an outdoor seat at a restaurant matters to you. Otherwise, show up around 10am to watch the elite and by 2pm latest to claim a spot on the road along the route. The fastest of non-professional runners will come through that area around 3pm, middle of the pack around 4pm, and back of the pack up to 5pm. |
Anonymous
| Go early to watch the wheelchair racers, they are most fun. T gets insane get there early or stay in suburbs and go into city later. |
Anonymous
+1 Agree. I am very familiar with certain parts of the Marathon Route, and this is good advice, OP. There will be tons of people, and in some parts, too deep to move too far, certainly not without losing your party. What town are you staying in? |
Anonymous
We're a short drive or long walk (30 minutes) to an outer MBTA station?' Thanks everyone! |
Anonymous
That's really nice -- thank you! |
Anonymous
We are in Newton. Such good advice about the wheelchair racers - thank you - would not have thought of that! |
Anonymous
| I grew up in Wellesley and would walk and sit on the curb and cheer runners every year. (My home was about 1/2 mile from the route.) It’s been years, but I would think you could find side street parking in a suburb and then walk to the route. You could wait to return to the city or stay out in the suburbs. (The commuter train runs to / from Wellesley, but I don’t know it’s marathon day schedule. I grew up in Wellesley Hills and the Wellesley Hills stop is on the route.) |
Anonymous
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Newton won't be as crazy as downtown - we went to cheer my DH on last year & FYI cell coverage a couple blocks from the end was nonexistent (could not text). Just so crazy - and so fun! If downtown allow about an hour to get anywhere (we stayed at a hotel blocks from the finish line but tons of security so had to allow lots of time).
Tip from a newbie last year - we made a big poster with my DH's name on it & my son & I cheered. The crowds are SO amazing & once they realize you have a runner coming they will all cheer with you. Have so much fun!! |
Anonymous
| 17:16 - I grew up watching in Wellesley, too! Loved it - such a fun part of my childhood (17:18 here & I think I might have been more excited than my runner spouse to be spectating!!) |