Boston Marathon

The Patriots' Day Race

Each year, runners from all over the world compete in the famous Boston Marathon, held on the third Monday in April. 

Even if you're not among the 26,700 official participants expected for the 114th event in 2010, watching the runners is an awe-inspiring experience.  In fact, the Marathon is New England's most widely viewed sporting event. 

Photo of 2010 Marathon runners near beginning of Heartbreak Hill

One reason why the Boston Marathon is so prestigious is that it is the only U.S. marathon with qualifying time standards.  Participants must meet the marathon's qualifying times. 

Every one of the elite atheletes from around the world who participates in this famous race is a winner.  While some runners compete for the fastest finish times, many others run to raise money for charities, while still others simply want to do their personal best.

The Marathon is managed by the Boston Athletic Association, a non-profit group formed in 1887 to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, and to manage athletic events.

2010 Boston Marathon runners

In 1969, Patriots' Day started to be officially celebrated on the third Monday in April, and the Marathon shifted to this day as well.  In fact, you'll sometimes hear the Marathon referred to as the Patriot's Day Race. 

The 26 mile, 385 yard race starts in the Town of Hopkinton, located southwest of Boston, and finishes near Copley Square in Boston. 

Unlike marathons held in other flatter locations, the Marathon route is characterized by hills.  Runners particularly dread "Heartbreak Hill" located between Mile 20 and 21 in Newton.

Heartbreak Hill is the last of 4 hills in Newton that begin at Mile 16.  It's not the steepest or highest hill of the course - in fact, it's only an 88 foot ascent over a .4 mile stretch near Boston College. 

However, runners consider Heartbreak Hill to be the most challenging of all because it comes so far along in the race, when their energy and stamina is almost depleted.

Near the beginning of Heartbreak Hill in Newton

Start times for the Boston Marathon are staggered and are based on the participant's division. 

For the 2010 Marathon, the Push Rim Wheelchair Division starts at 9:22 am.  The Elite Women's Division starts at 9:32. Elite Men and Wave 1 start at 10:00, and Wave 2 starts at 10:30. 

In keeping with the democratic spirit, you'll see unofficial participants also running at least part of the race, even though this isn't allowed.  Some people do this just to see if they can.  Still others do it just for fun. 

Where is the best place to watch the Boston Marathon?

Depending on the weather, as many as 500,000 people or more turn out to watch the race.  Although the fastest runners finish in just over 2 hours, the race continues well into the afternoon.

If you want to be near the finish line across from the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, be warned: the crowds are huge and intense.  Because of the size of the crowds, your likelihood of actually seeing the winners cross the finish line are slim.

Boston Marathon runners, fans,  and an unofficial participant

If you want to simply watch the runners, your best bet in the city is west of Kenmore Square.  You'll find lots of boisterous crowds around Boston University and quieter venues around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir near Boston College (see Details and Directions below).  

We usually head for Commonwealth Ave (Route 3) in Newton, where plenty of good viewing spots can be found.

Boston Marathon traditions

Every year, the Boston Red Sox play a home game on Marathon Day that normally starts at 11:05.  The opening pitch normally occurs just as the first runners go by on Boylston Street.  Then as soon as the game is over, the crowd surges out of nearby Fenway Park and and pours into Kenmore Square, loudly cheering on the runners as they strive to complete the final mile.

Wellesley College, located near Mile 13, cancels classes for the day.  Students cheer on the runners with what they call the "Scream Tunnel" - walls of sound amplified by loud music.

Not to be outdone, Boston University students line Commonwealth Avenue near BU, cheering loudly.

All along the route, you'll see bands playing, groups of dancers, people in costumes, and other spirited cheerers. 

Marathon Man

Near the beginning of Heartbreak Hill, just north of Commonwealth Avenue at the Walnut Street intersection, you can see a statue of two smiling runners joining hands in a triumphant gesture. 

Both of the men in the statue are John A. Kelley, a world-famous long distance runner who ran in 61 Boston Marathons before his death in 2004 at age 97. 

The figure on your left, as you face the statue, is of Johnny Kelley at age 27.  The one on your right depicts him when he ran his last full Marathon at 84.  He won the Boston Marathon in 1935 and 1946, and represented the U.S. at the Summer Olympics in 1936 and 1948. 

The plaque at the base of the statue explains that it is intended to represent "everyone who is young at heart."

Insider tips

• If you want to be anywhere near the finish line, walk or take the T.
• The T's Copley Square station is closed on Boston Marathon day; you'll need to pick another station.
• If you take the T, get off at a station on the side of Boylston Street where you want to watch the race.  You will not be allowed to cross Boylston Street, and underpasses will be jammed - so pick your station carefully.
• Do not drive into Boston on Marathon Monday.  Streets will be gridlocked. Get an early start if you want to find a parking space in a T parking lot.
• Boston hotels tend to be filled to capacity during the weekend before the Marathon, and hotel rates tend to be higher - in some cases, significantly higher - than usual.  To get the best deal, make your Boston hotel reservations as early as possible.  To find the best hotel rates available from 30+ ticket agencies such as Travelocity, Expedia, and Hotels.com with just one click, use our rates comparison tool.
• April weather in Boston is unpredictable.  Neither icy rain, broiling heat, or wind storms deter the Marathon - but they may diminish your viewing comfort.  Dress accordingly, and bring umbrellas and/or water bottles as common sense dictates.

Boston Marathon runners - 2010

Details and Directions

Hours:   Hopkinton - first racers start at 9:22am;  Boston - winners arrive around noon, and others continue to arrive throughout the afternoon and early evening
Date: Third Monday in April
Location:  See Boston Marathon Route

Closest T station:  Depends on where you want to watch.  The Green Line/Copley station is closest to the finish line - but it's closed for the day. 

The other closest options to the finish line on the Green Line are Arlington (next to Boston Common, so walk west to Copley) and Hynes, down near Mass Ave.  To the south of Boylston, Green Line E/Prudential and Orange Line/Back Bay are good choices. 

A bit farther to the west, Green Line/Fenway is also a good option.  If you want to be near Boston University - always a lively spot - take any of the Green Line B exits near BU, such as Blandford Street or BU East, BU Central, or BU West. 

A good area if you're in the mood for a picnic in a lovely setting where you'll feel like you're almost in the country is around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir near Boston College.  You'll find a number of vantage spots for viewing the race.  For this area, continue west on Green Line B to Chestnut Hill Ave or South Street stations, or take Green Line C to Cleveland Circle and walk a couple of blocks north on Chestnut Hill Ave to Comm Ave.

For more information:  BAA Website; 617-236-1652