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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, which coincides with the Massachusetts "Patriots' Day" holiday.  For this reason, you'll sometimes hear the Marathon called the "Patriots' Day Race."

Even if you're not among the 26,000+ official participants expected for the 116th event in 2012, watching the runners is an awe-inspiring experience.  In fact, the Marathon is New England's most widely viewed sporting event. 

Photo of Marathon runners near beginning of Heartbreak Hill

Every one of the elite athletes 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.

Be warned: Boston hotels fill up quickly for Marathon Weekend.  To be sure of getting reservations, you should decide where to stay as far in advance as possible.  Check here to find about different Boston hotel options for runners and watchers.

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.

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. 

Near the beginning of Heartbreak Hill in Newton

Heartbreak Hill is the last of 4 hills in Newton, and begins 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.

Boston Marathon Start Times

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

For the 2012 Marathon, the Mobility Impaired Division starts at 9:00 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.  (Please note that BAA labels these times as "tentative.")

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. 

In keeping with the democratic spirit, you'll see unofficial participants also running at least part of the race, even though this isn't technically 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.  Our experience is that it is awe-inspiring to watch at any point during the morning or afternoon.

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

We usually head for Commonwealth Ave (Route 3) in Newton, where plenty of good viewing spots can be found.  That's where all the photos on this page were taken. 

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 fill to capacity during the weekend before the Marathon, and hotel rates are higher - in some cases, significantly higher - than usual.  To get the best deal, make your Boston hotel reservations as early as possible.  You can find Marathon hotel suggestions here, including names of hotels where you can watch the race from your room.
• 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 in layers, and bring umbrellas and/or water bottles as common sense dictates. 

Boston Marathon runners

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Patriots Day Celebrations	Boston Events for April - More Fun Things to Do	Guide to Boston Hotels

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