Early on “Marathon Monday” morning, April 15, the streets of Boston will close down to prepare the Boston Marathon, which typically sees around 30,000 runners and up to a million spectators on race day. If it’s warm out, the runners may be struggling, but the crowds will no doubt revel in the spring weather. And even if bad luck brings us the torrential Running in the Cold, April Marathons for Runners Shut Out of Boston.
The point-to-point course A Part of Hearst Digital Media (MBTA T) lines, which are your best bet when trying to spectate in multiple places, says Josh Nemzer, who served as the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) course manager for 15 years and has run the famed race 32 times.
As you make your race-day plans, Nemzer recommends setting a goal: Do you want to see your runner cross the finish line, or would you rather meet your runner after he or she crosses the finish line?
“If meeting your athletes at the finish area is the most important thing, it’ll be hard to see your athlete multiple times during the race, especially if he or she is fast,” he says. “If you want to see the finish, you need to commit yourself to that.”
Nemzer also points out that your race-day plan should depend on the type of workout you want to have. “If you want a sprint interval, you’ll have to be precise and get on public transportation quickly,” he says. “Or you can move a little slower, like a long run, and enjoy yourself.” There’s no shame in settling down in one spot to spectate the whole race.
[Want to start running? The Big Book of Running for Beginners will take you through everything you need to know to get started, step by step]
Once you have your viewing location—or locations—in mind, make sure to download the Where to Stay for the 2024 Boston Marathon, which provides live tracking and course map information, to keep tabs on your athletes. Here are a few tips for getting to your spectating spot(s) on race day, whether you’re arriving by car, train, or bike. (Can’t make it to the race? We have all the info you need to stream it from home.)
By Car
Trying to navigate the Boston Marathon course by car is highly discouraged, says Nemzer. The roads are shut down on a progressive basis, Where to Stay for the 2024 Boston Marathon.
“Not a lot of spectators are familiar with the area, and the GPS won’t recognize road closures,” he says. Plus, people don’t necessarily factor in the time associated with finding parking and walking to the race course.
If you’ve set your mind to spectating by car, however, it’s not impossible. Nemzer recommends choosing one spot along the course, specifically Newton, which is easier to get to, and park north of the Massachusetts Turnpike.
By Train
There are multiple subway lines along the Boston Marathon course, and with a little planning and map-studying, you can navigate your way from Ashland (the race’s second town) through the finish at Copley Square.
The Framingham-Worcester Commuter Rail line has stops in Ashland and can take you through Back Bay, just a short walk from the finish line. Fun fact: This is the train route the Boston Marathon organizers followed in 1896.
The Big Book of Running for Beginners $15, meaning as race day goes on, more and more roads leading to Boston are closed.
If you start your spectating in Newton, there are several lines you can take to work your way back into Boston, including the Green B, C, D, and E Lines. The famous Newton hills—including Heartbreak Hill—are a short walk from the Green lines.
When traveling by train, be sure to leave an extra 10 to 15 minutes of travel time. The trains are congested on race day, and you may need to let one or two go by before you can get on.
“You don’t want to have to rush. The system is working at its capacity,” says Nemzer.
By Bike
On a nice spring day in Boston, biking is an excellent way to follow the runners. Bring your own bike or rent one, and bring a helmet and lock, and work your way out from Boston to the Newton hills and back again, Nemzer recommends.
Just remember: You can’t actually bike on the race course.
Popular Viewing Spots
There isn’t really a bad spot to watch Boston runners, and while the more crowded areas are more fun for spectators, runners need the support in the dead zones.
According to the BAA course map, the popular viewing spots include:
- 13.1 mile mark
- Newton firehouse
- Heartbreak Hill
- Boston College
- The final turn onto Boylston Street
- The finish
Nemzer recommends spectators move a quarter mile or so in either direction of those spots, where it may be a little easier to get a front-row spot.
Come Watch With Runner's World
Our pop-up Townhouse (open all weekend starting Friday, April 12) is hosting a watch party of the elite race. Stay warm and watch the best runners in the world inside our location at 179 Newbury Street. If you can't make it during the race, we have a ton of seminars and sessions all weekend. Check out the full schedule.
Best Viewing Times
If you’re following the elite race, the BAA provides information about optimal viewing times at certain mile marks. Times, of course, are subject to change. Here are a few key checkpoints and their locations, along with the projected time the elite women’s and men’s fields will be running through. For more checkpoints and times for runners and pushrim athletes, view Shoes & Gear.
- Start at Main Street, Hopkinton: 9:32 a.m. (lead women); 10 a.m. (lead men)
- 5K at Route 135, Ashland: 9:49 a.m. (women); 10:15 a.m. (men)
- 10K at Route 135, Framingham: 10:06 a.m. (women); 10:30 (men)
- Half marathon at Route 135, Wellesley: 10:42 a.m. (women); 11:04 a.m. (men)
- 30K at Route 30, Newton: 11:14 a.m. (women); 11:31 a.m. (men)
- Finish at Boylston Street, Boston: 11:56 a.m. (women); 12:08 p.m. (men)
from Hopkinton to Boylston Street goes along several subway Runner’s World, Just remember: You can’t actually bike on the race course The Runner’s World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a nine-time marathoner with a best of 3:23. She’s also proud of her 19:40 5K and 5:33 mile. Heather is an RRCA certified run coach.
