boston marathon course bus tour

Boston Bus Tour with Tom Derderian

Boston Weekend 2024

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About this trip

Motorcoach tour of the race course narrated by historian and legendary course expert Tom Derderian.

Our motorcoach will depart the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge on Saturday, April 13th, 2024 at 8:00 am.  Please meet in the lobby at 7:30 am to check-in & board.

*The bus will drop off near the race expo.

The hotel address is: 120 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142. The T-red line Kendall/MIT is just 2 minutes walk from the hotel.

• Enjoy 4 hours learning about iconic moments in Boston’s history, points along the marathon course, and tips for runners on race day.
• Stops include the original starting line, the current starting line, Ashland, Newton, and more!
• Drop off near the expo around noon (and public transportation options).
• The coach has air conditioning and bathroom onboard.
• DM hosts will provide snacks and bottled water.
• Complimentary book authored and signed by Tom (appx. $25 value).
• *This tour requires a ticket purchase per person.
• *Very limited space available.

Tom Derderian is a running success both on and off the roads. Derderian’s accomplishments include running in the Olympic trials in both 1972 and 1976, numerous New England road championships, and a 2:19:04 Boston Marathon in 1975. He is the executive producer of the Boston Marathon film, author of 3 books about the Boston Marathon. In addition, Tom has served as president for the USA Track and Field New England Association. Tom is a senior writer for New England Runner magazine and his have appeared in numerous running publications.

Iconic moments in Boston's history

Points along marathon course, complimentary snacks and water, tips for race day, available packages.

1 ticket for the charter bus with Tom Derderian. Enjoy 4 hours learning about iconic moments in Boston’s history, points along the marathon course, and tips for runners on race day. Complimentary copy of Tom's signed book!

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Boston Marathon Visitor Guide

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the most prestigious running events in the world. Every year, thousands of runners from around the globe come together to tackle this iconic 26-mile race through the historic streets and neighborhoods of Boston. For spectators, it’s an unforgettable experience full of energy and excitement. Whether you’re a first-time spectator or have been watching for years, our Boston Marathon Spectator Guide will help make your experience even more enjoyable!

Dive into this comprehensive guide for detailed information on the event, including maps of the race course and spectator areas, advice on where to stay and eat near the finish line, tips for getting around Boston and more. Get ready to cheer for your favorite runners by knowing more with our Boston Marathon Spectator Guide!

History of the Boston Marathon

Boston’s First Ever Marathon

Knowing the history of the first Boston Marathon is an invaluable way to understand and appreciate the magnitude of this event today. It all started in 1897 when 15 daring runners set out on a 24.5-mile route from Metcalf’s Mill in Ashland to the Irvington Oval in Boston. John J. McDermott emerged as the first winner at 2:55:10, and since then, this incredible display of athleticism has grown to become a beloved global phenomenon, with over 30,000 runners from around the world attending each year.

Boston Marathon Map

Boston Marathon Route

The Boston Marathon will follow the same route as past years, starting at the Hopkinton Common area in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishing at Copley Square in downtown Boston. The marathon will take runners through some of the most iconic sights in Massachusetts, including small towns such as Natick and Wellesley, as well as the grounds of Harvard University and Boston College. The route will also take runners through the iconic “Heartbreak Hill” section of Newton, which is known for its difficult course. By the time the runners reach Copley Square, they will have completed a total distance of 26.2 miles!

Boston Marathon Participation

To participate in the marathon, first, you must qualify through one of the Marathon’s Official Qualifying Races. Qualifying times vary based on age and gender, so make sure to check the Marathon’s official website for more information. Once you have qualified, you are then able to register for the Marathon, which starts in Hopkinton Common and ends 26.2 miles later at Copley Square in downtown Boston.

Best Place to Watch the Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon Start Time

The Boston Marathon will be an incredible event for all involved and a terrific showcase of athletic talent and endurance. All participants should arrive at the starting line in Hopkinton Common, Massachusetts, two hours before the official start time of 9 am ET.

The start times for each division in 2023 have been officially announced as:

• Military March – 6 am ET
• Men’s Wheelchair – 8:02 am ET
• Women’s Wheelchair – 8:05 am ET
• Handcycles & Duos – 8:30 am ET
• Professional Men – 8:37 am ET
• Professional Women – 8:45 am ET
• Para Athletics Divisions – 8:50 am ET
• Rolling Start Begins at 9 am ET and Rolling Start Ends at 11:30 am ET

Please note that Boston Athletic Association always labels these times as “tentative” — there can be last-minute changes.

Boston Marathon Pro Tips

• Make sure to arrive at the starting line in Hopkinton Common two hours before the race start time of 9 am ET for bib pickup and registration.
• Familiarize yourself with the route ahead of time so you know where best to watch from along the way.
• Check out the Marathon’s Spectator Guide to find spectator areas and other helpful tips for spectators.
• Dress appropriately – layers are key! Temperatures can change quickly during a marathon, so wear clothing you can easily add or remove as needed throughout the day, and bring sunscreen if necessary.
• Bring comfortable shoes – you will likely be spending several hours standing around cheering on your favorite runners, so make sure that your footwear is supportive and comfortable!
• Pack snacks and drinks – it’s important to stay hydrated while watching a marathon, especially when temperatures are high outside! Consider packing some healthy snacks, such as nuts or trail mix, in case hunger strikes after all those miles run by participants!
• Have fun – the Boston Marathon is an incredible event that should be enjoyed by everyone involved, whether running or spectating!

Getting to the Marathon

The Boston Marathon will start in Hopkinton and finish in Boston, Massachusetts. Starting from the Hopkinton Common, the route proceeds broadly southwest along Route 135 before turning onto Main Street and joining Route 16 toward Ashland. From there, runners will pass through Framingham and Natick before entering Wellesley where they will be greeted by enthusiastic crowds. The course then proceeds to Newton Hills and turns onto Boylston Street in Boston, ending at the John Hancock Tower.

Participants must meet certain requirements, including running a certified marathon that follows the same distance as the Boston Marathon (26.2 miles or 42 kilometers) within a set amount of time from the date of application.

5 Other Things to Do While You Are in Boston

Copley Square

Copley Square is the heart of Boston and a must-see destination for everyone visiting the city. Located near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, there are plenty of attractions to explore in this bustling area!

• Visit the iconic Trinity Church – This grand Gothic Revival building was built in 1877 and has been a popular attraction in Copley Square ever since.
• Take pictures of the John Hancock Tower – This 60-story building stands tall over the skyline and offers amazing views of Boston from its observatory decks.
• Check out the Newbury Street shops – From designer boutiques to specialty stores, this street offers something for everyone.
• Indulge in delicious restaurants – Whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner or just some comfort food, this area has it all!
• Relax at Copley Square Park – Take a break and soak up the sun in this beautiful park located in the center of Copley Square.

Boston City Hall Plaza

Boston City Hall Plaza is an iconic area of the city located in the heart of downtown and surrounded by attractions. Here are five things to do while visiting this historic site:

• Visit the JFK Federal Building – Located across from City Hall Plaza, this historic building was built in 1965 and serves as a reminder of President John F. Kennedy’s legacy.
• Take pictures of Boston City Hall – This beautiful building features a unique design and serves as the seat for all city government functions in Boston.
• Explore nearby parks – From Post Office Square to the Greenway, there are plenty of green spaces to explore in the area.
• Shop at Downtown Crossing – This bustling shopping area features a variety of stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.
• Relax by the Boston Common pond – Take a break from sightseeing with a stroll through this tranquil spot located near City Hall Plaza.

These are just some of the activities you can enjoy during your visit to the Boston City Hall Plaza. Have fun and explore the many attractions that this area has to offer!

Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden is one of the most beautiful and iconic places in all of Boston. With its lush green spaces and picturesque views, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or an outdoor picnic. Here are a few things to do while you are visiting this public garden:

• Visit the Swan Boats – Take a boat ride around the lagoon – Relax and enjoy a scenic boat tour around the pond in the center of the garden.
• Check out the statues and monuments – From the George Washington monument to the Public Garden statue, there are plenty of beautiful sculptures to admire.
• Enjoy a picnic in the park – Pack lunch and find your own spot in this romantic outdoor setting.
• Explore the botanical gardens – From exotic flowers to colorful foliage, this is one of the most beautiful displays of nature in the city.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an exciting adventure, Boston Public Garden has something pleasing. Enjoy your visit and soak up all the beauty of this park!

Boston Theater District

The Boston Theater District is a vibrant and lively area of the city filled with world-class theaters, restaurants and nightlife. Here are some things to do while you are in the district:

• Visit the Wang Theatre at the Boch Center – Located in the heart of the theater district, this iconic building has been hosting stage shows and performances since 1925. This newly renovated theater houses multiple performing arts companies, including the Boston Ballet.
• Take a walk through the Charles Playhouse – Home to the world-class Blue Man Group, this historic theater is one of the most popular venues in the district.
• Enjoy dinner at a restaurant – From Italian to Japanese cuisine, there are plenty of places to choose from when you’re looking for a delicious meal.
• Catch a show at The Wilbur Theatre – Located just steps away from the Charles Playhouse, this theater hosts a variety of comedy and music acts.

Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town or an evening at the theater, you will always grab excitement in Boston’s Theater District! Enjoy your visit.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of the most iconic and historic neighborhoods in Boston. With its cobblestone streets, gaslit street lamps and beautiful townhouses, this area has a unique charm that can’t be found anywhere else. Here are five things to do while you are visiting this lovely district:

• Take a walk along the Charles River Esplanade – This waterfront walkway offers magnificent panoramic views of the city skyline, as well as plenty of places to relax and take in the scenery.
• Explore Acorn Street – This picturesque cobblestone alley is one of the most photographed streets in the city and is lined with charming brick townhouses.
• Visit the Massachusetts State House – This historic building is located at the top of Beacon Hill and was designed by famous architect Charles Bulfinch in 1798.
• Check out Louisburg Square – Located on the east side of Beacon Hill, this beautiful park is surrounded by luxury townhouses and offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Go shopping – Beacon Hill offers plenty of unique shops and boutiques to browse, from art galleries and antique shops to clothing stores and bookstores.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor escape or a taste of history, Beacon Hill is the best place to stay and explore all the unique sights this historic neighborhood has to offer.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a living history museum located on the waterfront in Boston, Massachusetts. The museum offers visitors an immersive experience that takes them back in time to the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Visitors can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, including the tea ships, museum exhibits, and live reenactments of the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party. The museum also offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events. It’s a great place to learn about American history and experience what life was like during the early days of the American Revolution.

If you’re visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, there are several other nearby attractions and places of interest that you may want to check out. Here are a few suggestions:

• The Freedom Trail – This 2.5-mile-long walking trail takes you through 16 historical sites in Boston, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.
• Boston Harborwalk – A 43-mile-long public walkway that stretches along Boston’s waterfront, offering stunning views of the harbor and access to several parks, public art installations, and historical sites.
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace – A bustling shopping and dining destination located in the heart of downtown Boston, with over 100 stores and restaurants.
• USS Constitution Museum – Located in the nearby Charlestown Navy Yard, this museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat.
• Boston Common – The oldest public park in the United States, located just a few miles from the museum, with walking paths, gardens, and seasonal events.

These are just a few of the many attractions and places to visit in the area. Depending on your interests, there are many other museums, historical sites, parks, and landmarks to explore in and around Boston.

Ghosts & Gravestones

Ghosts & Gravestones is a unique tour of Boston’s rich history that brings to life the city’s spooky past. On this night walking and trolley tour, visitors will be taken on a spooktacular journey through the cobblestone streets and hidden alleys of historic Boston. Along the way, guests will discover tales of hauntings, unsolved mysteries and the hidden secrets of some of the city’s most notorious figures. From the old Fort Warren to the dark corners of Chinatown, you never know what might be lurking in the shadows. Don’t miss your chance to experience a spine-tingling tour of Boston’s haunted history!

Old Town Trolley Tours

An Old Town Trolley Tour is a must-do in Boston for any visitor looking to make the most of their time in this historic city. This tour takes guests on a narrated journey through the streets of the city, allowing visitors to explore its rich culture and history at their own pace. The tour includes various stops including the USS Constitution, the Bunker Hill Monument, Beacon Hill, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and more. Not only will guests get to go sightseeing in comfort and style, but they’ll also learn interesting facts and stories along the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of America’s most beloved cities!

When is the Boston Marathon?

It is traditionally held on the third Monday of April.

How Many Miles is the Boston Marathon?

It is a 26.2-mile course that starts at the Boston Common and ends near Copley Square. Along the route, runners pass through eight cities and towns in Massachusetts, including iconic landmarks such as Fenway Park, Harvard University and Beacon Hill.

Can Non-Runners Go to the Boston Marathon Expo?

Yes, non-runners who have never taken part in it can still experience its spirit through the Marathon Expo. The Expo will take place in conjunction with the historic marathon. It is a free event that allows non-runners to explore the world of running and the marathon. There will be exhibitors and vendors, as well as speakers and activities to bring the experience of the Boston Marathon to all visitors. The Expo is a great way for non-runners to enjoy a day of fun and learning at this once-in-a-lifetime event!

Is There Any Entry Fee for the Boston Marathon?

Yes, there is an entry fee for runners of the Boston Marathon. This fee covers a variety of services, including race support and medical care. For non-runners, it is completely free.

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Boston Fun Beyond the Marathon: Our Insider’s Travel Guide

If you miss these race weekend highlights, you’ll just have to plan another visit.

By Kim Knox Beckius

Mar 26 2023

Spectators watch Boston Marathon runners from the vantage point of the Harvard Bridge.

Have You Made Your Travel Plans for Boston Marathon Weekend (April 15-17 in 2023)?

Marathoning is a mental sport, and so is maximizing your time in Boston during springtime’s busiest weekend. To give you an advantage, Yankee ’s editors have selected some of their favorite stops in Boston and beyond. These hotels, attractions, and restaurants go the extra mile for runners and their supporters. As you plan your Boston Marathon Weekend adventures, or perhaps a future visit to this runner-friendly Massachusetts city, here are a variety of winning experiences to book or build into your travel itinerary.

Boston Duck Tours

So, you want to see the sights but you’re saving all your energy for running (or barhopping)? Then hop aboard the only kind of tour bus that rumbles its way along city streets before plunging into the Charles River. You may have seen these World War II–era amphibious DUKW vehicles ferrying championship sports teams through Boston during celebratory parades. “ConDUCKtors” are licensed captains … and experts at salty commentary.

The Anchor at Charlestown Navy Yard

A dynamic waterfront entertainment venue with community and inclusivity at its heart, The Anchor honors Boston’s resiliency with interactive programming all weekend long. Snap a Polaroid and help spell out “Boston Strong.” Support survivor-founded charities like One World Strong during a Glow & Give party with photo ops galore. Or sip local at the open-air wine and beer garden, where a new mural and plantings are lasting tributes to the city’s strength.

The Sports Museum

The half-mile-plus of exhibits on levels 5 and 6 of the TD Garden proves Boston is America’s best sports city. On a walk-in tour, available daily, you’ll learn about the museum’s bigger mission: to prevent and stop bullying, with the help of Boston’s beloved professional athletes.

Delivered Daily: The Latest in Travel, Food, and Living in New England

Boston children’s museum.

When you spy the 40-foot-tall Hood milk bottle, you’ll know you’ve found Boston’s most joyful place for playing and learning. Explore immersive environments like KidsStage, Art Lab, and a Japanese silk merchant’s home, transported here from Kyoto. Not visiting Boston with kids? Consider supporting the museum’s own Marathon team, running and fundraising to ensure continual education through wonderment.

Celebrity Series of Boston

Three shows by New York’s Paul Taylor Dance Company are the cultural hot ticket this Marathon Weekend. Modern dance, like jazz, is a uniquely American art form. As you sit back in your seat at the 1910 Shubert Theatre to watch the ensemble perform classic Taylor works and newly commissioned pieces by contemporary choreographers of color, you’ll admire the dancers’ athleticism as much as their artistry.

Where to Eat

Flour bakery + cafe.

Led by beloved pastry chef Joanne Chang, the bakers at Flour’s nine Boston and Cambridge locations turn out top-notch sticky buns and other baked treats. And don’t fret if you miss out on a chance to try Chang’s take on Boston cream pie (composed of thin layers of sponge cake and vanilla cream, a subtle soaking of coffee syrup, and chocolate ganache): You can order this 2022 Yankee Food Awards winner for delivery anytime, nationwide.

High Street Place

This is not your parents’ food court. Boston’s newest food hall curates some of the city’s most beloved tastes under one roof, from Mike & Patty’s inventive breakfast sandwiches to celeb chef Tiffani Faison’s brown-butter lobster rolls to double-patty Wheelhouse burgers like the “Chuck Norris” that’ll smash your appetite.

Bistro du Midi

A destination for refined French fare and Boston Public Garden views—just as 25,000 tulips begin their annual color carnival—Bistro du Midi is also a weekend brunch gathering spot. Dive into a Grand Plateau of seafood ($135 for four) or other tempting options such as bavette steak and eggs, prosciutto Benedict, and apple-topped ricotta pancakes.

Mida Boston and Mida Newton

Yankee food editor Amy Traverso calls chef-owner Douglass Williams “Boston’s pasta prodigy.” Nominated once again this year for Best Chef Northeast by the James Beard Foundation, he’s acclaimed for remastering Italian classics like gnocchi cacio e pepe and rock shrimp carbonara. This is first-class carbo-loading.

Burro Bar Brookline

You’re up against a different kind of time clock here: There’s a 90-minute limit when bottomless brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays. Not running 26.2? Make this neighborhood Mexican eatery, located right at Mile 23 on the Marathon course, your finish line. You can toast your favorite competitors with neon margaritas and get a workout hoisting forkfuls of enchilada.

Where to Stay

Encore boston harbor.

This sparkling casino hotel is a sure bet for runners. Carbo-load at Fratelli, one of 10 restaurants on-site, and make the spa your prep and recovery partner. A pre-race myofascial release massage lengthens limbs and improves range of motion; a specially designed post-Marathon massage soothes both muscle and mental fatigue; and hot and icy cold plunge pools offer game-changing aquatherapy.

Fairmont Copley Plaza

Home base for the media on Marathon Day, Copley Square’s landmark 1912 grand dame is steps from the finish line, yet a comfortably elegant retreat from the hubbub. Where else can you go for a walk or jog with a loaner canine? Step out with the hotel’s resident black Lab, Cori Copley, and you’ll turn heads like you’re with a celeb.

The Newbury

Oh, the vagaries of springtime weather in Boston. Nights can still be quite chilly, so do yourself a favor and book one of 42 fireplace suites at the city’s swankiest address. Hypnotic and calming, a real wood-burning fireplace is a rare amenity. Make advance reservations for exquisite rooftop dining at Contessa, a garden-like sanctuary glassed in from the elements.

Hotel Commonwealth

Catch the race and a Red Sox game. Tech-forward, dog-friendly Hotel Commonwealth has Fenway Park in its backyard, and its Kenmore Square location is ideal for spectators who want to cheer marathoners approaching the final mile. Bonus: The weekend-long Boston Marathon Expo at the Hynes Convention Center is a 15-minute walk away.

Looking Back

On the tenth anniversary of the tragic Boston Marathon bombing, here are three personal accounts from that event:

Ten Years After the Boston Marathon Bombing: An Epilogue Boston Marathon Bombing: A Personal Account of Being at the Finish Line Boston Marathon Bombing: The Memories We Choose

See more: striding into boston marathon history with kathrine switzer up close: the boston marathon wreath.

Kim Knox Beckius

Kim Knox Beckius is Yankee Magazine's Travel & Branded Content Editor. She is a Connecticut-based writer and photographer whose passion for New England inspires everything she does, whether it's riding a giant inflatable lobster in her wedding gown, naming her daughter so she shares initials with L.L. Bean or sending free fall leaves in the mail to autumn lovers around the world. She’s the author of six books on Northeast travel, including New England’s Historic Homes & Gardens, and has been the voice of New England travel for About.com since 1998. GoNewEngland.about.com

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Registration Form

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All runners and spectators are welcome to join the Boston Marathon Course Tour .

Rates: The cost of the Boston Marathon Course Tour is $40.00 per person. Rates are listed in USD.

Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with your payment in full must be received before confirming your reservations.

Cancellations: All payments are non-refundable and dates are non-transferable.

Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour and may refuse any person as a member of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.

PLEASE REVIEW ALL THE INFORMATION BEFORE SUBMITTING.

IMPORTANT: Please be advised that in the next step your credit card will be charged for the full amount. Please DO NOT resubmit your booking form if you feel that you have submitted any incorrect information. Please call us at 617-242-7845 to make any adjustments to your current application.

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Your Complete Roadmap for the Boston Marathon

Updated on 11/15/2023

Boston Marathon

Is this your first Boston? Are you curious about what the course is like? Well, you’re in luck!

Here we’ve got a full roadmap from start to finish of the Boston Marathon course with a few tips, history, and tricks nestled in between. We hope that it helps you have the best Boston Marathon experience yet! 

Your journey begins with baggage check and bus pick up at Boston Common. Depending on the weather, wear appropriate throwaway layers, bring space blanket(s), water/snacks. Anything you carry onto the bus must fit into a gallon ziplock bag. 

Once on the bus, it can feel like it takes forever to get to Hopkinton, so unless you’re a pre-race solitude-loving person try talking to some of the other runners. There are so many interesting stories about how people got here, it can be a great distraction. 

Stay relaxed in the Athlete Village, do some stretching and visualize your training. Take strength from all the preparation you’ve put in – the hardest part of any marathon is all the time spent getting to the start line! 

Head from the Athlete Village to the starting line as soon as your wave is allowed. It’s about a half-mile walk, and you don’t want to feel rushed. There are Porta Potties set up in a nearby parking lot, usually without long lines. Make one last bathroom visit, position yourself in your corral, and do whatever stretching you can to stay loose.

Hopkinton (Miles 1-2)

Founded in 1715, Hopkinton is truly historic and lives up to its motto “It All Starts Here.”

Cross the beautiful blue and yellow start line and take a moment to appreciate that YOU are here! The first mile is narrow and crowded… stay calm. The initial drop of 130 feet is broken into segments. None of them is too steep by itself, but as a whole, they can put some hurt on your quads if you’re not accustomed to downhill running. Some tips: lean slightly forward (think – align yourself perpendicular to the road); engage your core; adopt a shorter/faster cadence to land on your midfoot; relax your breathing, and don’t overextend your knees. Don’t lean back to “brake” your speed, don’t pound, and try to stay light on your feet. Stay focused to avoid tripping on people- look ahead to find an open line and stick to it. The road surface is nice and even so, there is no need to keep an eye out for potholes. Crowd support is huge – soak in the energy and enjoy! 

As the road modulates into rolling terrain focus on maintaining your target pace – it’s still net downhill, you will have a lot of energy in the tank and it’s easy to speed up too much as the crowd of runners thins out. You’ll pass the first of the water/Gatorade stations here – they are positioned every mile and staggered on both sides of the road.

Ashland (Miles 3-5)

Ashland, also known as “Clocktown” (and its high school teams the “Clockers”), is a beautiful semi-rural stretch of road. The terrain is rolling, and it’s “time” to settle into your pace and enjoy some more open space, while still getting great crowd support. As you pass through Ashland center, a fun landmark to spot is the Telechron Clock Tower, which honors the town’s history as the place where the electric clock was invented. Leaving Ashland, you’ll find yourself on a noticeable uphill! 

Framingham (Miles 6-8)

Framingham starts to feel more urban – in fact, it attained official “city” status two years ago, in 2018. The scenery begins to feel more industrial, and the road becomes much flatter as well as much wider. The Framingham train station encompasses a wide stretch of the road on the left, with a variety of restaurants and businesses whose patrons will be cheering you on! 

Natick (Miles 9-12)

Natick, whose roots as a town stretch back to 1781, has called itself “The Home of Champions” for nearly 130 years based on its firefighters’ strength and prowess in competitions with neighboring towns. And as you run through Natick, you should feel inspired yourself! 

The terrain regains a slightly rolling feel as you pass beautiful Lake Cochituate. Heading into Natick center, the road trends slightly uphill but you will be cheered by increasing crowds of spectators. Natick center is a huge boost – note the impressive Fire Department and First Congregational Church as you pass by, as well as a packed and festive Town Common. As you leave Natick, the road continues its rolling topography and due to fatigue, you’ll probably start to feel the uphills more noticeably, especially when the crowds thin out as you pass through the last rural stretch of the course. It’s a good place to check how you’re feeling and adjust your pace if needed, as you’re almost to the halfway point with the most challenging parts of the course still ahead. 

Wellesley (Miles 13-16)

Entering Wellesley , you’ll hear the famous “Scream Tunnel” of enthusiastic Wellesley College students before you see it! Wellesley has great spectator support, and flat to gradual downhill terrain as you pass through the town center, the half marathon mark, the Wellesley Free Library, and the intersection where the route changes from Rte 135 to Rte 16. You probably won’t even notice the transition as the road continues to be flat, fast, and spectator-friendly!  

The first of three Marathon Sports locations on the course is in Wellesley, on your left at about mile 15. Woo Hoo! Slightly more than half-mile farther, the steepest downhill of the course will jolt you into awareness that the biggest challenges are just ahead. Do your best to run gently down through this half-mile stretch, again trying to protect your feet, ankles, knees, and quads. It’s key to avoid pounding down this hill – as you will very shortly be heading up for the first long climb of the day.

Newton( Miles 16-22)

Even before you see the “Entering Newton” town sign on your left, you know you’re there. The road starts climbing and just keeps going. It’s not the steepest hill, and there are lots of spectators cheering… but as you progress up and over the Rte 95 overpass, and then up, even more, it can be daunting. The crowd thins out, and it’s a very exposed stretch that seems to go on much longer than the .75 miles (Check ?) of its actual length. The best way to manage this stretch is to keep your eyes on the road about 10 feet in front of you, rather than at the top of the hill (which will look very far away). Try to maintain consistent effort without “redlining”, even if that requires you to slow your pace. Shorten your stride, pull your shoulders down and back, and breathe deeply to get maximum oxygen intake. 

Once past the summit, you’ll have smooth sailing on a slight downhill past the beautiful Woodland Hills Country club, all the way to the Newton Firehouse. At the Firehouse, you’ll make the iconic turn onto Commonwealth Avenue, and face your second hill challenge, Firehouse Hill. Slightly steeper than the first hill, but much shorter, again avoid redlining – stay steady and focused. You’ll be cheered along by lots of fans! 

After cresting Firehouse Hill, the road returns to rolling terrain. A famous landmark off to your left as you enter Newton Centre and begin your next climb is the “Young At Heart” statue, a tribute to Johnny Kelley, who finished the Boston Marathon 61 times including wins in 1935 and 1945. The statue shows Johnny Kelley the year of his first victory at age 27 holding hands with Johnny Kelley running his last Boston at age 84- definitely inspiring! Although Johnny Kelley Hill is shorter and less steep than Firehouse Hill, you’ll definitely be feeling it! Remember to save enough leg strength for the final big uphill push, Heartbreak Hill.  

After a brief level stretch, Heartbreak Hill starts gradually but soon pitches up to sustained 4% incline for about a half-mile. On the plus side, Heartbreak Hill has incredible vibes, fans, posters, and race support, volunteers. Newton is the place where the original energy bar, Fig Newton, was invented. People here know a thing or two about getting energized!

And now time to switch gears from uphill to downhill! True fatigue may be setting in, so check your breathing, posture, nutrition, and hydration. Engage your core, protect your quads and visualize yourself running lightly as you pass the Chestnut Hill Reservoir and the beautiful buildings (and raucous fans) of Boston College. Although the road is downhill, tired feet and quads may make it feel like a painful slog. After a slight right onto Chestnut Hill Avenue, you’ll turn left onto Beacon Street. 

Brookline (Miles 23-24)

Entering Brookline, your first sight is Cleveland Circle, packed with rowdy spectators. It’s pretty much a zoo. The Green Line C trolley starts here, and there are a number of crisscrossing tracks on the street, so it’s important to step carefully. The course follows Beacon Street on a long, mostly downhill stretch through Brookline. The scenery starts to look very “Boston” – in addition to the trolleys, you’ll see brownstones, supermarkets, restaurants, office buildings and businesses of all kinds. It’s kind of sensory overload after the suburbs of Newton. 

Washington Square is another favorite spectator location, and you’ll pass the second Marathon Sports location ( Brookline ) to your left on the outbound side of Beacon. As you head downhill toward Coolidge Corner, look up to see your first glimpses of the famous Citgo sign in the distance. But beware – the road surface is also more “Boston” now – uneven, broken pavement, and potholes. With tired legs and feet, it’s important to be careful! 

Boston (Miles 25-26.2)

The road flattens out as you enter Boston , but directly ahead is a small but challenging hill: the overpass of the Mass Pike. It can feel like Heartbreak Hill at this point in the race, and It’s challenging to muster the strength. If you have a running mantra, now is the time to put it to use!  Your reward is the Mile 25 marker with the Citgo sign directly in front of you. Heading into Kenmore Square with one mile to go, the party is on and you are Boston Strong! Red Sox fans, Boston University students, and the general throng that is Kenmore give you a preview of what lies just ahead. The road heads down under the Mass Ave overpass, and then back up to the famous final “Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston” turns. There are two blocks of slight uphill (because, you know, Boston) between the turns, but with so many fans cheering you on at this point, you get the boost you need. 

The left turn onto Boylston Street gives you a clear view of the finish line just a few hundred meters ahead at the Boston Public Library, the street lined with flags, crowds, and general pandemonium (including the third Marathon Sports location on your left) as you pass the Hynes Convention Center and Prudential Place. This final stretch holds so many emotions, from the dramatic sprint victories of previous races to the tragic bombing of 2013, that being there is like being part of history. As you cross the finish line, it’s a moment you’ll never forget! 

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The Boston Marathon 2024 Route and Course Map

Here’s what you need to know about watching this legendary race.

Held annually on Patriots’ Day and claiming the spot as the oldest race of its kind in the country, the famous Boston Marathon will run all day on April 15, 2024. Even if you aren’t one of this year’s 30,000 competitors, there are plenty of ways to cheer them along the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon route from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston. Below, you can find the full route, its starting and finish line points, and how to watch it in-person or streaming live on TV. You can also check out our list of things to do during the Boston Marathon . If you’re competing in the race, work on your cardio in the comfort of one of Boston’s best gyms , or carbo-load at one of the best bagel shops in Boston or best Italian restaurants in Boston . 

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Everything to know about the Boston Marathon

Where does the boston marathon route start.

The route begins on Main Street in the rural New England town of Hopkinton. It takes runners through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley and Newton (the location of the dreaded "Heartbreak Hill" between Mile 20 and 21) before entering Boston. The first start time is 9:02am for mobility-impaired runners, and a list of other tentative start times can be found here .

Where does the Boston Marathon route end?

After heading through Newton Hills, the race runs through Cleveland Circle continuing to Kenmore Square. Following Commonwealth Avenue inbound, it turns onto Hereford Street then left onto Boylston Street, finishing across from the Boston Public Library and Old South Church in Boston's Copley Square.

Where can I watch the race?

The Boston Athletic Association has put together a list  here of where to check out the runners as they’re pushing their best feet forward through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton and Brookline. The finish line on Boylston is a crowded place for spectators to gather, with a few eateries along the route where (if you’re lucky) you can grab a patio seat to watch as the runners realize their dreams just yards away. Of note for traveling into Boston—the Copley T Station will be closed, and roads near the race course will begin to close to cars near the finish line at 7:15am.

Where can I catch the Boston Marathon on TV?

• Live coverage of the Boston Marathon will air on WCVB beginning at 4am through 8pm.
• The race will be exclusively simulcast regionally on WCVB Channel 5’s Hearst Television owned sister-stations WMUR (Manchester, NH), WMTW (Portland/Auburn, ME) and WPTZ (Burlington, VT/Plattsburgh, NY).
• WCVB and all of its television partners will provide coverage of the marathon on their digital platforms and mobile apps.
• If you want to watch it live, streaming on Very Local Boston is your best bet.
• For live national coverage, ESPN will broadcast the 128th Boston Marathon on its flagship channel from 8:30am until 1pm. In addition, ESPN will also have coverage of the race within SportsCenter before the live coverage and later in the day.

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The Boston Marathon Route: The Ups, the Downs and That Citgo Sign

From the rural suburbs to the bedlam of Fenway Park, the Boston Marathon is as special as distance running gets.

By Matthew Futterman

Follow our live updates from the 2023 Boston Marathon .

New York may have the crowds. Chicago may have the speed. But the Boston Marathon is the great American race.

It is an annual party on the third Monday in April, a local holiday called Patriots’ Day. The rest of the world works while Boston ostensibly celebrates the start of the American Revolution, but really just celebrates itself and the 30,000 people running from Hopkinton to Copley Square.

Boston Marathon Route

About 20 percent of the runners earned their entry by raising money for charity, but nearly all of the others had to qualify with times that classified them in the upper tier of runners in their age groups.

For the lay marathoner, qualifying for Boston is a crowning achievement. It’s also an opportunity to run a monster of a course that goes mostly downhill for the first 16 miles, deceptively shredding the quadriceps muscles, and then travels uphill for most of the next five. At the top of Heartbreak Hill in Mile 20 of the race, the Citgo sign outside Fenway Park, roughly a mile from the finish, comes into view. It looks so close and so, so far.

For those running for the first time, or those who have run it before and are still trying to figure out how to master it, here is a course guide for the ultimate journey to the heart of the Hub.

The Bus Ride

Nearly everyone who runs Boston takes the bus from Boston Common out to Hopkinton.

It’s a special moment, especially for those who have gotten in with a qualifying time. These are your people, folks every bit as crazy as you are about splits and intervals and hill training. Chat up the strangers around you about where they qualified, their favorite marathons and what their race plans are. For once, you are not the weird running obsessive.

The friendly banter will take your mind off the obvious: This bus ride is kind of long. Like, nearly an hour, and you have to run all the way back. Try not to think about that.

The Walk to the Start

It is a bit of a walk from the starting village at Hopkinton High School to the start line. That walk to Main Street, which will happen about 20 to 30 minutes before your start, is one of the great moments in marathon running.

People are out on the lawns there to clap for you and wish you luck. Make eye contact with them. Take your time. Soak it in. Feel their warmth and good-heartedness. It’s deep and genuine. All they want is for you to have a great day.

Also, there are hundreds of portable toilets just before the corrals, so once you leave the starting village, you have another chance to empty out.

From those toilets to your corral is two minutes, tops.

Everyone is hyped up. These are fast people. They want to show that early, especially the first-timers. Try to stay calm, especially during the first mile, which is uncomfortably tight and has a sharp downhill stretch. The urge is to burn some nervous energy and clock a fast first one. Resist.

The Early Towns

You could say this about every marathon: that the key is to stay relaxed, take it one step at a time and run the mile you are in. But that is never more true than in Boston, where the temptation to rush is all around you, especially at the beginning, as runners make their way from Hopkinton, to Ashland, to Framingham, to Natick, with long, quiet, rural stretches between the noise of the towns.

Take note of a little hill around the four-mile mark. How did that feel? Legs a little weary? If so, that’s a clue that you might want to back off a bit and remind yourself not to rush. This race is a teapot on a slow boil. Find that balance between getting after it and letting it come to you.

Lake Cochituate

If there is a more beautiful spot in a big-city marathon than the stretch across Lake Cochituate in the 10th mile, please let us know. There is water on both sides of the road here, the sounds of birds, shuffling feet and wind in the trees. The endorphins are kicking in; the pain is most likely still miles away. Enjoy the high here. This is a moment for gratitude, for the beauty around you and for the good fortune of health that has you in this spot, in this race, at this moment.

The Scream Tunnel

The first thought is, “What is that sound?” because you will hear it for at least a half-mile before you see it. The answer is the good people of Wellesley College, who have come to the side of their campus to holler their hearts out and hold profane banners and, in some cases, participate in a contest to see who can collect the most kisses from the men and women running by.

Stay on the right side of the road if you want to get the full auditory effect. Stay to the left if you want to get the full visual.

Whatever you choose, make sure to take it all in. This tradition is as good as it gets.

Halfway, and Then Down Down Down

The 13.1-mile mark comes shortly after all the screams of the tunnel and another raucous scene in downtown Wellesley. It’s another moment when the temptation to surge will be strong given all the external stimulation. Don’t. Take a deep breath. There’s a good 2.5-mile roll down to the bottom of the course in Newton Lower Falls.

Yes, the faster you get through this, the sooner you can get started tackling the hills. Stay patient. The hills will be there soon enough.

The Newton Hills

There are four of them (or five, depending on who is counting). The first one heads over Massachusetts Route 128, which is the informal boundary of Boston and its inner suburbs. That means there are 10 miles left, and the water in the teapot is starting to get hot. There’s another hill after the turn at the firehouse just after the 17-mile mark, and then two more after that. The third one is the hardest, even though the last one has the famous Heartbreak Hill moniker. Plenty of water along the course here. Drink it.

Here’s a tip from someone who has too many times tried to “hammer the hills” but only ended up hammering himself: Ease off on the actual uphills and take note of the long, flat and rolling stretches between them. There’s speed there if you want it.

Just after the top of Heartbreak Hill, you can catch a glimpse of the Citgo sign off in the distance beyond the Green Monster at Fenway Park. That’s not that far from the finish. You can run there.

Into Brookline

The reward for conquering the climbs of Newton is a long, mostly downhill stretch to Cleveland Circle. First, you can have a beer on the side of the road with the Boston College students if you want. Whether or not you indulge, there’s a good chance that this downhill hurts every bit as much as the uphills, and maybe even more. That’s nearly 16 miles of downhill running taking its toll. It might feel as if knives are stabbing your thighs. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Look around you, though. So many people are in just as much pain as you are. The only way out is through.

Keep an eye out for some old trolley tracks embedded in the road as you come down off the hill and into Cleveland Circle. This is not a good moment to trip and crack a tooth.

The teapot isn’t hissing yet, but the water is starting to boil. The crowd is growing thicker every block along Beacon Street. The noise is building. Boston is calling you. Run to it. There’s an ever-so-slight downhill pitch to the road here. Just keep making forward progress over these next three miles, and you’ll just about be home.

Into Boston

The dirty secret about the Boston Marathon is that hardly any of the course is inside the city limits. There’s one little stretch a couple of miles back, and then just the final two-plus miles after Brookline. No matter. “Boston” is really more an idea and a sprawling metroplex that somehow still feels more like a colonial-era village than a city, and never more so than on Patriots’ Day.

That once faraway Citgo sign is now beside you. Feel the love from the crowd that may be spilling out from Fenway Park, and brace yourself for one last significant rise around the 25-mile mark. Then there’s a final dip and one final up before the six most beautiful words in marathoning: “Right on Hereford, left on Boylston.”

There’s the finish line 600 yards ahead.

Sprint. Dance. Scream. Fist-bump the runner next to you. Do take a moment as you pass Marathon Sports to remember what happened here 10 years ago. Now look up and smile for the camera.

You are officially Boston Strong.

Matthew Futterman is a veteran sports journalist and the author of two books, “Running to the Edge: A Band of Misfits and the Guru Who Unlocked the Secrets of Speed” and “Players: How Sports Became a Business.” More about Matthew Futterman

A Guide to Becoming a Better Runner

Training to run a marathon? Here’s how to get ready . Preparing to run a shorter distance ? Here is some guidance .

Starting a new running habit  doesn’t have to be hard — all it takes is comfortable shoes, a willingness to move and the right food to fuel up .

Whether you’re an experienced runner  or don’t know where to start, a running routine is critical. These tips will help you establish one .

Are you lacing up your running shoes after a long break? Follow these tips to get your groove back .

Shin splints. Achilles tendinitis. Runner’s knee. Dangers abound for runners, but there are ways to prevent them .

You don’t need to run fast to consider yourself an athlete. A slower pace can actually be more beneficial to your mental health .

Boston 2024 Weekend

3-Night Package: Check-in: Saturday, April 13, 2024 / Check-out: Tuesday, April 16, 2024

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Boston 2024

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Add-On Bus Tour with Tom Derderian

Motorcoach tour of the race course narrated by historian and legendary course expert, tom derderian.

• Please meet in the lobby at 7:30am to check-in & board.
• Enjoy 4 hours learning about iconic moments in Boston’s history, points along the marathon course, and tips for runners on race day.
• Stops include the original starting line, the current starting line, Ashland, Newton, and more!
• Drop off near the expo around noon (and public transportation options).
• The coach has air conditioning and bathroom onboard.
• DM hosts will provide snacks and bottled water.
• Complimentary book authored and signed by Tom (appx. $25 value).
• *This tour requires an additional ticket purchase per person.
• *Very limited space available.

Tom Derderian is a running success both on and off the roads. Derderian’s accomplishments include running in the Olympic trials in both 1972 and 1976, numerous New England road championships, and a 2:19:04 Boston Marathon in 1975. He is the executive producer of the Boston Marathon film, author of 3 books about the Boston Marathon. In addition, Tom has served as president for the USA Track and Field New England Association. Tom is a senior writer for New England Runner magazine and his have appeared in numerous running publications.

Iconic moments in Boston's history

Points along marathon course, complimentary snacks and water, tips for race day, reserve your 2024 boston package.

We do everything but run for you.

A  $300 non-refundable deposit will hold your spot, or pay in full at time of booking and receive a $100 reimbursement

Monday, December 18, 2023 

|120 days prior to trip|

• 50% of the remaining balance is due
• Last day to request a partial refund in writing at [email protected]
• 50% of balance paid minus non-refundable deposit is eligible for refund

Friday, January 12, 2024 

|90 days prior to trip|

• 100% of the remaining balance is due
• Last day to request a partial credit in writing at [email protected]
• 25% of balance paid minus non-refundable deposit is eligible for credit to be applied to another booking made within twelve (12) months of cancellation
• Refund or credit requests made January 13, 2024 or later will not be accepted

*We strongly encourage you acquire travel insurance. Please refer to our Travel Insurance Tab for additional information.

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These are the terms and conditions under which Destination Marathons, LLC. (hereinafter “DM”) offers and operates its running trips/tours. By registering and paying your deposit for a trip, you confirm that you have read, understand and agree to these Terms & Conditions, which you acknowledge constitute a legally binding obligation. Accordingly, please read these terms carefully before making a deposit or payment for a trip.

Participants acknowledge they must be in good health and able to endure the physical demands commensurate the activity they are registering for. Please consult your physician if there is any question of physical fitness. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the trip based on your own circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.

If you participate in activities during your itinerary, including road racing and pre and post runs, certain risks and dangers may arise, including, but not limited to, personal injury and death. BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU hereby expressly assume all of these risks and dangers, and you hereby expressly agree to forever release, discharge and hold DM and our agents, employees, officers and directors, harmless against any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, claims and demands of any and every kind and nature whatsoever which you now have or which may hereafter arise out of or in connection with your booking or participation in any activities in which you participate.

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While we will endeavor to operate all trips as advertised or quoted, reasonable changes in your itinerary may be made by DM where it is deemed necessary or advisable by us. If DM is prevented (directly or indirectly) from performing any of its obligations under this agreement by reason of force majeure (which shall include, an Act of God, weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, trade disputes, fire, breakdowns, weather conditions, acts of omissions of a third party, or any other cause whatsoever outside DM’s reasonable control), then DM may, in its sole and absolute discretion, cancel all or part of any trip. In any situation of force majeure, DM shall not be deemed to be in breach of their duties or otherwise liable to you, whether for reason of delay in performance or non-performance. I understand that if a case of force majeure arises that no refund of my travel expenses, including, but not limited to non-refundable airfare, or entry fees will be reimbursed. Based on the above, DM strongly recommends trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance for all participants. Residents from outside the U.S. must check within your country for insurance coverage.

The price of the DM package does not include personal travel insurance. DM highly advises you to consider obtaining travel insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage for the entire duration of the trip, including incidents such as illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal belongings, trip cancellation or interruption, and any activities you plan to participate in. If you have any inquiries regarding travel insurance and its coverage, please contact a travel insurance company directly. You bear full responsibility for any financial losses related to your travel arrangements. DM is not accountable for any travel expenses or other costs incurred by you or any other individuals associated with your travel.

DM contracts with a network of companies and individuals to assist in the running of our trips, including, but not limited to hotel and transportation services. Because DM does not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers, we assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the tour suppliers, or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrument owned, operated or otherwise by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful, or negligent act or omissions on any part of any other party not under the supervision or control of DM. 

Airfare is not included in any DM travel packages. It is your responsibility to book your own transit to the destination city. Transit to the hotel is not included in any DM travel packages, unless otherwise specified in the package description.

DM accepts credit card transactions including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. For some packages, DM will also accept ACH electronic transfer, or money order, made payable to Destination Marathons, LLC. If you select to pay for your package in full, you will receive an invoice with a zero ($0) balance and invoice number reference. Please keep this invoice number for reference as we may require you to confirm your booking details, login to obtain your race bib, or other details relating to your trip. If you select to pay a deposit for your package only, you will receive an invoice with information to make additional payments on your reservation. It is your responsibility to manage your manual payments before payment deadlines, or enroll in auto-payments when available, to ensure you complete payments before a payment deadline. Package payments not completed by the deadline are subject to cancellation.

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All guests traveling with DM are registered with our hotel room block. If a registered DM guest attempts to accommodate an unregistered individual in their hotel room or extend an invitation for them to partake in any DM organized events, the registered DM guest shall relinquish their tour package privileges, and both parties may be refused entry to subsequent tours.

DM package pricing is offered at current rates, taxes, tariffs, and conditions by our contracts and other service providers. All pricing is subject to currency exchange fluctuations. DM may change package pricing at any time until packages are sold out. All pricing is quoted and transacted in United States dollars.

For guests traveling internationally with DM, it is mandatory to possess a valid passport. Some countries require that the passport remains valid for a minimum of six (6) months beyond the date of return to the United States. Additionally, certain destinations may impose visa requirements that must be fulfilled before traveling. We advise you to consult the website of the U.S. Department of State to stay updated on the most recent passport and visa regulations. It is your responsibility to ensure that all essential travel documents are up-to-date and valid, and to arrange any necessary documentation for entry into your travel destination(s). This includes acquiring any required vaccinations, travel visas, or fulfilling any other prerequisites.

DM reserves the right to decline a guest reservation request for any reason. Should your reservation request be declined, the full registration fee (including the non-refundable initial deposit) will be refunded to you. 

DM, and the service providers it contracts with, reserve the right to refuse service to guests at their sole discretion including, and without limitation, if the guest: (i) lacks proper documentation for the country or destination, (ii) has a contagious disease, (iii) is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics, and/or (iv) manifests disruptive and/or unruly behavior. DM assumes no liability for the acts of the service providers in refusing service to guests. DM reserves the right to refuse service to guests and/or cease continuation of services to guests for the remainder of the trip without providing any refund.

By using our services, you acknowledge and agree that you will not engage in any attempts to evade, avoid, or bypass any refund restrictions associated with your purchased travel booking. This includes refraining from contacting our company directly in an effort to obtain a refund, or seeking a “chargeback” from your credit card company. Once initial travel is booked, we will refrain from altering payment methods or generating different invoices, as doing so could potentially modify the information required by travel insurance companies.

The right is reserved to cancel the tour for any reason anytime. If we cancel a tour, our liability is limited to a full refund of your payments to us and we will not be liable for any other costs, damages or refunds of any kind for any loss, delay, inconvenience, incidental, consequential, disappointment or expense whatsoever in such circumstances.

If the event is cancelled by race officials, runners can*:

• Request a full refund of the amount paid in writing to [email protected]
• Transfer payments made to a future Destination Marathons race package, including the non-refundable deposit. The new package must be reserved within 12 months and traveled within 24 months of cancellation date.

If the event is postponed by race officials to a later date, runners can*:

• Transfer your reservation (at the same package rate) to the new race date

If the event is turned into a virtual event by race officials, our package will be considered null and void.  Runners can*:

*We kindly ask that you notify Destination Marathons of your decision within 10 days of the race official announcement.

*Running is a sport that may cause injury during training. Injuries do not exempt you from the cancellation policy. We strongly encourage guests to consider travel insurance.

Please visit the payment policy tab for deadlines.

1. By purchasing this package, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to or infected by COVID -19 by participation; and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 may result from actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to Destination-Marathons employees, volunteers, participants and their families.

2. I voluntarily agree to assume all the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to myself, illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense, of any kind, that I may experience or incur in connection with my participation in the Destination-Marathons trip and associated event. On my behalf I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge and hold harmless Destination- Marathons, its employees, agents, representatives from claims, liabilities, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to Destination-Marathons. I understand and agree this Release includes any claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of Destination-Marathons, its employees, agents and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during or after participation at the Destination Marathons trip and related event.

Running is a sport that may cause injury during training. Injuries do not exempt you from the cancellation policy. We strongly encourage guests to consider travel insurance.

Destination Marathons does not endorse any companies. Below are some resources to help you during your research.  We receive no endorsements or compensation for listing the links below. Please review all options and see what best fits your needs.  

Trawick International->

Trawick was listed by Forbes as one of the best pandemic travel insurance companies on the market. They offer both high and low coverage for foreign and domestic travel. 

Travel Insurance.com->

Travel Insurance.com compare rates and coverage from multiple insurance providers to give you all the information you need to to find the options that meet your needs.

Cat 70->

Cat 70 made the top of Forbes’ list for “best pandemic insurance” and “best family insurance”. Their intuitive website makes comparing plans a positive experience.

Travel Insured ->

Travel Insured made the top of Forbes’ list for “best options for custom insurance”. This website allows you to search and compare a variety of plans.

Forbes Advisor – Best Travel Insurance, September 2023 ->

This is a list of Forbes “Best Of” including categories, links, and ratings.

The Points Guy – Best Travel Insurance ->

Most of us know “The Points Guy” as a great resource for comparing travel credit cards. This link shares his comparison of travel insurance. His quick reference visuals and tips are a go-to for many travelers.

Destination Marathons provides a VIP experience for runners and spectators by managing all logistical details of the trip so our guests can focus on the race, build friendships, and create memories. 

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Your Guide to Crushing the Boston Marathon

From pre-race preparations to course logistics, here's your mile-by-mile race day guide for a fun, fast and memorable day on the Boston Marathon course.

Acceptance into the Boston Marathon is a coveted achievement dreamt about by runners all over the world. This race is a collection of incredible athletes who have dedicated hours of training and sacrificed time with loved ones in order to have the privilege to race one of the most famous marathons in the world.

Being accepted is only the beginning of the journey, as upon entry the athlete then has to start training to race. Preparing for the Boston Marathon is a challenge in and of itself, given that the race takes place in April so for most runners this means training during some cold and unpleasant months. However, Boston-bound athletes understand the importance of being well prepared for this event as the course can annihilate even the most well-trained and seasoned athlete.

So, what makes Boston so challenging you ask? Well, on top of the 26.2 miles, the weather is unpredictable, the headwind can be brutal and the hills are relentless on the body. How’s that for a race description?

The challenge of this course however is part of the allure. It is a strategic race which can yield a different result each time you run it and may take a few times to master. One needs to practice patience during the first half, have a tested nutrition plan, be confident with their abilities to hold back just enough to charge the Newton Hills and have a strong 10K once they crest Heartbreak Hill. For many runners the race is defined by how strong you feel during those last six miles.

With the right race strategy, the Boston Marathon is bound to be an incredible race. My number one tip: enjoy the experience. Take in every moment and celebrate your accomplishment. I have put together a course guide with advice on how to race for success in this challenging yet magical course.

Plan Your Boston Marathon Pacing

One of the smartest things a Boston-bound athlete can do is to plan a pacing strategy that takes into account the hilly terrain of the course, as well as the possible weather obstacles. A good way to do this is by using a pacing calculator such as TrainingPeaks’ The Pacing Project . This calculator allows you to calculate mile-by-mile pacing times based on a goal finish time, a graded pace time (which takes into account your average pace on a similar, flat course to determine your pacing for a specific course), or a recent pace model (which determines your best pacing and likely finish time based on your recent workout pacing). Once you’ve input the data, you’ll be shown a specific race plan, which includes average pacing, mile splits and your NGP, which is the average normalized pace adjusted for the course’s elevation profile.

For example, if you are racing in the 2017 Boston Marathon and are curious about what time you will likely finish, you can input some of your finish times at lead up races to the event in order to calculate roughly what your pace will be. Say you ran a half marathon during your lead up in 1:55 and a 10K race in 50 minutes, your average pace for Boston will likely be 9:26 min/mile, putting you across the line in about 4:09.

Knowing your average pace can help keep you on track during the race, most importantly in the beginning when many people simply go out too hard. Knowing an approximate finish time can also help you make a solid nutrition plan that takes into account just how long you will be out on the course.

Boston Marathon Nutrition and Hydration Plan

In reality, your marathon nutrition and hydration plan should begin not once the race gun goes off, but rather in the weeks leading up to the race. This complete guide to proper marathon nutrition lays out the specifics in detail, but here are some important takeaways:

Do your research

Learn what types of fuel and liquids will be available on the Boston Marathon course, and where on the course they’ll be.

Practice, practice, practice

Make sure you are training with either what will be available on the course or your own liquids and fuel well in advance of the race so you know how they work with your own physiology and sweat rate.

Learn your sweat rate

Doing this will allow you to calculate the optimum amount of fluids you need to be consuming every hour in order to stay properly hydrated and to keep your gut functions running smoothly.

Fuel up with carbohydrates

The average person should plan on consuming between 30g and 60g of carbohydrate per hour in order to keep your glycogen levels up. Your needs depend on several factors, including your weight and heart rate, and should be thoroughly practiced and perfected in training.

Plan on waking up early enough to consume breakfast between three and four hours before the start of the race. Don’t eat something new that you came across in the hotel breakfast buffet, have a traditional breakfast that you’ve eaten before long training runs on a consistent basis.

Plan Your Race Morning Carefully

Prepare yourself mentally and physically for an early morning wake-up, a long bus ride and lots of waiting around. The buses start picking up athletes at 6:00 a.m, on the Tremont Street side of Boston Common in Boston’s Back Bay. Buses are loaded according to the wave which you have been assigned. The first wave doesn’t start until 10:00 a.m. so this gives you about three hours to eat, nap and work out any last minute butterflies. As you’d expect, the lines to the bathrooms are long so make the best of it and chat with your line buddy.

Bring some warm gear because the weather is always unpredictable. Remember anything you bring to the start will be donated, so consider what you bring with you carefully. Use this time to eat, hydrate and stay on top of your nutrition.

Lastly, relax, take it all in and make a new friend or two. Take some time to visualize a successful race day, work on relaxation breathing techniques, or settle on a mantra to recite to yourself when things start getting tough. These mental training tips should ideally be practiced in the weeks leading up to race day as well.

The Race: A Mile by Mile Breakdown of the Boston Marathon Course

Hopkinton: miles 1 – 6.

The race starts on a steep downhill, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and go out too fast. This is where your pacing calculator times will really come in handy. Unlike some marathons, keeping even splits is harder that you think in Boston as the first half is fast and you are surrounded with fast athletes. The right approach is to conserve your energy and hold back, the course will destroy you if you are not conservative in the beginning. Do all you can to find your rhythm, hold back and just settle in.

Framingham: Miles 6 – 13

This is where the course gives you a little reprieve as it flattens out for a bit. Now is the time to assess your body and see how your quads are doing. Also an ideal time to take some fuel and keep hydrated. If you are feeling good, this is the ideal opportunity to get back on your goal pace and bank a few seconds. Just make sure that you stay in control as miles nine to 11 are deceivingly uphill.

Wellesley: Miles 13 – 16

Yes, the stories are true. As you approach Wellesley College you can hear the sound of screaming ladies, most of them ready to reward runners with a few kisses if you choose to get a smooch. My advice is to keep focused and use this time to take your mind off of the race, enjoy the atmosphere and soak in the energy. Keep your pace in check as this flat section can make you go faster than you really should be going. Remember you still have 13 miles to go.

Newton Hills: Miles 16 – 20

Get ready to climb. The hills are actually not that bad, what really gets you is the undulation of the course, lots of small elevation changes which make it hard get in a good rhythm and keep on pace. The frequent change in elevation comes exactly when you are feeling tired and if you’re not mentally strong, you may lose a good deal of time in this section. This is where most runners notice their biggest loss of time. Despite how much you hold back at the start, Newton will try to get the best of you. Run this section on feel and try to keep your heart rate under control, listen to your body and make smart choices. As you get close to mile 20, make sure you take in some fuel; what you take in now will be beneficial during that final stretch into Boston.

Boston 10K: Miles 20 – 26.2

As soon as you crest Heartbreak Hill (which is roughly .4 miles long a little past the 20-mile mark), get ready for some speed work as the elevation drops on your way into downtown. Just be careful as this section has quite a few rolling hills which can seem challenging this late in the race. The key is to increase your cadence and try to pass anyone you can. You will quickly see the famous CITGO sign which marks the final mile of the race. This may seemed like the longest mile you have ever run as it rewards you with one final underpass. Once you make your final turn on Boylston Street you will hit a wall of noise as thousands of spectators celebrate your accomplishment. All you can do at this point is hold back the tears and enjoy the crowds— the feeling of emotion that will flood your body is indescribable.

Running a perfect race, setting a personal best or qualifying for Boston at Boston is just icing on the cake. Whatever you do, enjoy this moment and make this your day! It is an incredible accomplishment to make it to this hallowed starting line. Try not to get too wrapped up on goals and finishing times and rather, just enjoy the magical experience.

Congratulations and see you in Boston!

Complete Marathon Training Guide

Training Guide

This guide is designed to be used as you train for a marathon, with in-depth information on every part of the process. Each chapter is packed with tips, workouts, and insights from expert running coaches, to give you all the tools you need to succeed.

Frank Campo is a USAT, RRCA and TrainingPeaks Level 2 certified coach and the founder/head coach of Prana Endurance Training. Athletes who want to improve their race times benefit the most from his personalized training programs. Frank currently lives in Tulum, Mexico and is fluent in English and Spanish which allows him to coach athletes throughout the world. Follow Coach Frank on Facebook and Instagram.

View Frank Campo’s Coach Profile

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What You Need to Know About the 2024 Boston Marathon

Even for runners who aren’t racing, it’s the greatest weekend in running. here’s a rundown of who’s running, how to watch the race, and numerous pre-race events..

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Taxes, and the 2024 Boston Marathon.

Those are the two most prominent things that happen in mid-April, and both happen to fall on Monday, April 15 this year. While there’s still plenty of time to file your taxes, the hay better already be in the barn for anyone running the marathon.

Here’s a rundown of what you should know about the 128th running of this iconic footrace from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, to Copley Square in downtown Boston.

The 2024 Boston Marathon

The oldest annual marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon, dates back to 1897. It’s always held on the third Monday in April, which has become known as Marathon Monday. But it’s also Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts state holiday that commemorates some of the early battles of the American Revolutionary War.

The race will include a field of approximately 30,000 runners —about 22,000 of whom qualified by running an approved race under the time qualification marks corresponding to age and gender divisions, and about 8,000 of whom entered through one of the 157 non-profit organizations in the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program . Each athlete who participates in the Boston Marathon on behalf of one of the official charities is required to raise a minimum of $5,000 for that organization.

A group of U.S. military soldiers starts things off on race-day at 6 A.M. as they begin marching along the course. Then the men’s wheelchair division takes off from the start in Hopkinton at 9:02 A.M., followed by the women’s wheelchair racers, hand cyclists, and various para athletes. The men’s professional race begins at 9:37 A.M., followed by the women’s professional race at 9:47 A.M. The first of four time-seeded citizen waves begins at 10 A.M., followed by subsequent waves every 25 minutes. A few minutes before the fourth and final wave begins, the Boston Red Sox begin their Patriots’ Day game against the Cleveland Guardians 25 miles to the east at Fenway Park (and just a few blocks from the homestretch to the finish line). The early game start time dates back to the 1960s, when it was aligned with the start of the marathon as a joint celebration of Patriots’ Day.

RELATED: Your 2024 Boston Marathon Medal Will Be Made of Recycled Materials

A Circus of Pre-Race Events

If you’re in Boston the weekend of the race—either because you’re racing or because you just want to soak in the vibes and events—there is a lot to see and do. For participating runners, that probably means getting to the expo to get your bib, doing a shakeout run on Saturday or Sunday, and laying low until Monday morning. But the days leading up to Marathon Monday have become a spectacle of fun runs, brand activations, swag giveaways, athlete appearances, live podcasts, live music, parties, and more. The best part is that almost all of it is free and open to the public.

Whether you’re running the race or not, there are numerous shakeout runs tied to brand activations scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. (Last year there were more than a dozen shakeout runs crammed into three days!) This year’s schedule includes a New Balance fun run at 5:30 P.M. Friday night with Believe in the Run that starts and ends at Solas Irish Pub (61 Exeter Street), Saturday morning shakeout runs from Hoka’s FlyLab PopUp shop (344 Newbury Street), custom singlets from the New Balance pop-up store (124 Newbury Street) on Saturday morning, and a Saturday evening shakeout run with Craft (a meet-and-greet with Tommy Rivs) at the Marathon Sports Brand House (344 Newbury Street), as well as Sunday morning shakeout runs from the Puma, ASICS, and Tracksmith pop-up shops on Newbury Street.

The Boston Marathon race expo will once again be at the Hynes Convention Center (900 Boylston Street) and, aside from being the place where runners pick up their race bibs and browse vendor booths, it will also boast numerous speakers and events, including an Indigenous Running Panel, an Ali on the Run Podcast with Emma Bates and Jenny Simpson , a Women in the World of Running panel, a discussion from Dave McGillivray about running the Boston Marathon for 51 straight years, and a chat with American legend Meb Keflezighi about his historic victory in 2014. Expo hours are Friday, April 12 from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M., Saturday, April 13 from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., and Sunday, April 14 from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.  

The Boston Marathon Fan Fest returns this year, but because Copley Square is under construction it’s been moved to City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston adjacent to historic Faneuil Hall. The Fan Fest is open Friday from 3 P.M. to 8 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. and will feature a few shakeout runs and yoga sessions for runners, as well as numerous live music performances.

Approximately 10,000 runners will participate in the sold-out Boston 5K at 8 A.M. on Saturday, April 13. Beginning and ending on Charles Street next to the Public Gardens and Boston Common, it’s a fast loop course that passes over the Boston Marathon finish line about a half mile from its own finish line. (Morgan Beadlescomb won the men’s race in 13:25 last year, while Mekides Abede won the women’s race in 15:01.) From 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. Saturday, top scholastic boys and girls from the cities and towns of the Boston Marathon course, as well as a field of professional milers from around the world, will race in the B.A.A. Invitational Mile races on a three-lap course on the streets of Boston. (Hobbs Kessler won the men’s race in 4:07.91 last year, while Krissy Gear won the women’s race in 4:39.98.)

RELATED: Everyone’s Favorite Boston Marathon Dog Memorialized with Statue

The Boston Marathon Course

The Boston Marathon starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and sends runners on a hilly 26.2-mile point-to-point journey to Copley Square in Boston.  The course has a net-downhill profile, dropping 459 feet from start to finish. Everyone worries about trudging up Heartbreak Hill at Mile 21, but the most devastating hill on the course might be the 350-foot downhill runners encounter in the first 4 miles that often leads to a faster-than-expected opening 10K. If you go out too fast or haven’t done long downhill tempo runs, your legs will feel as soupy as a bowl of Boston clam chowder even before you reach the infamous Newton hills. The four Newton Hills between Mile 16 and 21 are a challenge, to be sure, especially Heartbreak Hill, which is the tallest and longest hill to climb. But don’t sleep on the steep downhill mile from the top of Heartbreak—it can deaden a runner’s legs and make the final four miles to the finish line absolutely brutal.

RELATED: A Complete Guide to the Boston Marathon Course

Official Urge Spectators to Stay Off the Marathon Course

Race officials are urging fans to stay off the course after a controversy involving police blocking predominantly Black running groups cheering adjacent to Heartbreak Hill. The B.A.A. has put messaging on social media about the importance of having a clear course on Marathon Monday. The race’s official Spectator Guide reminds fans that they’re banned from entering the course, running alongside athletes, or impeding athletes in any manner. “Planning to attend #Boston128? Keeping the course clear is essential to supporting every athlete in having a great race day experience,” the B.A.A. posted from its Boston Marathon X account. “The BAA Spectator Guide offers info on how to support a great race & help you find the perfect spots to cheer!”

The Professional Fields Are The Strongest Ever

It goes without saying that this year’s Boston Marathon will be as compelling as previous races always seem to be, even without the marquee billing of Eliud Kipchoge this year. Both the women’s and men’s professional fields are stacked with talented international athletes, including past Boston champions, Olympic medalists, and world champions. Fans of American distance running will also rejoice to see many big names who didn’t fare quite as well as they hoped at the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon on February 3 in Orlando, Florida.

Women’s Pro Field

The women’s race has the strongest field in Boston Marathon history, with 18 runners entered with personal bests of 2:23 or faster. Depending on weather conditions and race-day tactics, the women’s course record of  2:19:59 set by Ethiopia’s Buzunesh Deba in 2014 could certainly be in jeopardy.

Leading the field is defending champion Hellen Obiri of Kenya, who won the race in her second marathon (2:21:38) before going to win the New York City Marathon last fall (2:25:49). She’s still considered to be one of the favorites in the women’s race, but she’s only the 16th fastest in the field. Ethiopia’s Tadu Teshome (2:17:36), who was the runner up at the 2021 Berlin Marathon and placed fifth in the Chicago Marathon last fall, and Hiwot Gebremariam (2:17:59), who was eighth in Boston last year, are the fastest of seven Ethiopian women entered with sub-2:20 personal bests. Kenya’s Judith Korir (2:18:20), the silver medalist at the 2022 world championships, is the third-fastest woman in the field, while her compatriot Edna Kiplagat (2:19:50), a 44-year-old two-time Boston Marathon winner and two-time world champion who lives and trains in Boulder, Colorado, is also in the field after a stellar, third-place finish at the NYC Half Marathon (1:09:46) on March 17.

Emma Bates is considered the top U.S. contender after her personal-best 2:22:10, fifth-place showing last April in Boston. The 32-year-old runner from Boulder, Colorado, skipped the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon because of a minor injury, but is said to be fit and ready with two weeks to go. Based on personal bests, Sara Hall (2:20:32) is the fastest U.S. runner in the field. She turns 41 on race day, but she’s continued to run exceptionally since her late 30s. She’s doubling back from the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon just 72 days after her strong fifth-place, 2:26:06 showing in Orlando..

Another 40-year-old legend, Des Linden, the 2018 Boston Marathon champion who has run well in Boston for nearly 15 years, is also doubling back from the Olympic Trials after placing 11th (2:28:04). So is Caroline Rotich, 39, who took sixth at the Trials (2:26:14). Rotich won the 2015 Boston Marathon running for her native country of Kenya, but went through the long process to gain U.S. citizenship and finally received it last October. Meanwhile, American track legend Jenny Simpson, a four-time global medalist in the 1,500 meters (including winning gold at the 2011 world championships) is in the Boston field. She made her marathon debut in the U.S. Olympic Trials, but dropped out near Mile 18. However, she’ll toe the start line with a confidence boost after a strong showing at the the NYC Half Marathon (sixth, 1:12:06).

Men’s Pro Field

Kipchoge, largely considered the GOAT of marathoning, was humbled a bit last year by perhaps not respecting how hilly the course was—that is, if you consider a sixth-place, 2:09:23 to be humbling. But it’s more that  countryman Evans Chebet, last year’s defending champion, took full advantage of his knowledge of the course and ran away on the Newton Hills to win the men’s race again, this time in 2:05:54. Chebet, who also won the 2022 New York City Marathon, is back to try to win a third straight Boston Marathon—a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Kenya’s Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot won his third straight title (and fourth in five years) in 2008.

Chebet owns a 2:03:00 personal best, which makes him the second-fastest runner in the field behind Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma (2:01:48), the fourth-fastest marathoner in history behind the late Kelvin Kiptum (2:00:35), Kipchoge (2:01:09), and Kenenisa B ekele (2:01:41). Also in the deep men’s field are Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay (2:03:00), the 10th fastest marathoner in history), Kenya’s Cyprian Kotut (2:04:34) and John Korir (2:05:01), and Ethiopia’s Haftu Teklu (2:04:43), Shura Kitata (2:04:49), and Mohamed Esa (2:05:05), Japan’s Suguru Osako (2:05:29), and Norway’s Sondre Moen (2:05:48)

The seemingly ageless Sam Chelanga, 39, and Elkanah Kibet, 40, both American runners by way of Kenya, are the top two U.S. runners in the field. They are both serving in the U.S. Army and members of the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) based in Colorado Springs. Both are doubling back from the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon. (Kibet was fourth in 2:10:02, while Chelanga dropped out near mile 18.) Despite their ages, Chelanga (2:08:50) and Kibet (2:09:07) both set their personal bests in 2023, and Kibet has run 2:11:20 or faster in five of the six marathons he’s run since 2020, including his ninth-place 2:09:07 showing in Boston in 2022.

A few other Americans doubling back from the Olympic Trials include CJ Albertson, who ran a career-best race with a strong fifth-place effort (2:10:07), Matt McDonald, who owns a 2:09:49 personal best but placed 65th (2:20:45) in Orlando, and Joseph Whelan, who was 89th (2:22:37).

RELATED: Dave McGillivray’s Extraordinary Boston Marathon Streak is Coming Full Circle

Course Records

For years, the Boston Marathon was typically the slowest of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors races, mostly because of the hilly nature of the course and race tactics. (There are no pacesetters in the Boston Marathon, so tactics develop organically based on the runners in the elite field, weather conditions, and who decides to surge early in the race.) The women’s course record of 2:19:59 was set by Ethiopia’s Buzunesh Deba amid mild weather and a light breeze.

There have been a few exceptionally fast years when cool weather and strong tailwinds have greatly aided runners—including 2011 when Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai set the still-standing course record of 2:03:02. He was followed closely by countryman Moses Mosop (2:03:06), Ethiopian Gebregziabher Gebremariam (2:04:53,) and American Ryan Hall (2:04:58), who ran the fastest-ever time by a U.S. runner. (That’s not an official American record because the Boston Marathon course is not considered record-legal due to it being a point-to-point course with an elevation loss that slightly exceeds the World Athletics limit of 3.33 meters per kilometer.)

RELATED: Boston Marathon Course Analysis

Prize Money

This year’s Boston Marathon has a total prize purse of $1.1 million, of which $806,000 will be distributed to the top 10 women’s and men’s finishers. The race winners will each earn $150,000, while the men’s and womens’ wheelchair division champions will earn $40,000. The Boston Marathon is the first Abbott World Marathon Major event to offer equal $50,000 course record bonuses across the open and wheelchair divisions.

How to Watch the 2024 Boston Marathon and Track Runners

ESPN2 will broadcast the Boston Marathon on April 15 with live coverage from 8:30 A.M. ET until 12:30 p.m. ET. The race will also be livestreamed on WCVB’s Very Local Boston .  WCVB will provide coverage of the race the entire day, from 4:30 A.M. to 8 P.M. If you live in Boston, you are not going to forget that Patriots’ Day is also Marathon Monday.

To track runners during the race or to search results immediately after, you’ll need to download the B.A.A. Mobile App . The app, which is available for both Apple IOS and Android phones, features live tracking of all participants, social media integration, interactive course maps, and a lot of other information and resources.

Boston Marathon Weekend Lodging

If you haven’t booked a hotel room yet, buyer beware. The city is mostly sold-out and hotel prices have been crazy high. However, next Monday—April 8—is the cancellation deadline for most hotels, so if any runner who booked lodging but has to cancel because of an injury, a lack of training, or any other sort of last-minute dilemma, some additional rooms should open up this week.

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\"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"weini kelati\u2019s quiet sacrifice to chase an american dream\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/run.outsideonline.com\/people\/weini-kelatis-quiet-sacrifice-to-chase-an-american-dream\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"weini kelati\u2019s quiet sacrifice to chase an american dream\"}}\u0027>\n weini kelati\u2019s quiet sacrifice to chase an american dream\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>sitemap >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>my newsletters manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.

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Boston Marathon 2024: Where to eat and drink along the route

I t’s about that time of year again when Greater Boston comes alive with runners and spectators alike to celebrate the world’s oldest annual marathon. 

And for those watching the Boston Marathon along the route Monday, April 15, where you snag a patch of street to set up your folding chair matters for several reasons — you have to consider your timing, how crowded it will be, and most importantly, your food options. 

Tell us: Where would you get a beer after running the Boston Marathon?

If you’ve watched the Boston Marathon before, you know the selection of places to grab a bite grows significantly the closer you are to the finish line. In fact, most places closer to the starting line aren’t open Monday morning, or at all the day of the race. 

But we put together as comprehensive of a list as we could that includes most of the towns the marathon participants will run through, and there are options for everyone: coffee and pastries for our early risers, a mid-day lunch with a beer, and plenty of pasta dishes. 

Don’t see a place that you think should be mentioned? If it’s a restaurant along or near the route, let us know in the form below or e-mail [email protected] , and we’ll include it in our map. 

Just before the starting line is Bill’s Downtown Pizzeria & Bar , which opens later than usual on Marathon Monday at 3 p.m. If you can wait it out, or are a participant who makes their way back to Hopkinton, there will be plenty of carbs to devour, like pasta and pizza. If you stick around ‘til 6 p.m., you can unwind with their weekly music bingo competition. 

Another pizza option in Hopkinton opening up earlier for lunch at 11:30 a.m. is Blue Square Pizza , a sourdough pizzeria also located just before the starting line. On their extensive menu, diners will find three types of pies: Detroit-style, “grandma pizza,” and New York-style.

If you’re watching from downtown Framingham and need a beer, consider heading over to Jack’s Abby Brewing . Starting at 10 a.m. the brewery is hosting a festival with multiple vendors, live music, food, and of course, beer. The brewery recommends grabbing one of their pizzas or their double hoppy Boston Rising beer, a special release during the marathon. 

Wellesley 

Nothing pairs better with an early morning than coffee and a croissant. Grab yourself some caffeine and a pastry from Quebrada Baking Co. , which will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For those who get a sweet tooth while spectating, they’ll also have cupcakes for sale to celebrate their 40th anniversary.  

If you’re looking for something heavier around lunch, grab a taco, slider, or even a house margarita from the full bar at Lockheart in Wellesley’s downtown. The Southwestern restaurant opens an hour earlier than usual at 10 a.m. 

Newton 

Though the Newton Centre Green and its many restaurants ( Little Big Diner and Pho Viet’s II , for example) are only about a 10-minute walk from a section of the route, most of Newton’s eateries aren’t directly along the route. But spectators will find Blacker’s Bakeshop , located on Commonwealth, convenient and an early morning cure with its coffee, cookies, and muffins available for purchase. The owner noted that they may close depending on weather. 

Brighton (Cleveland Circle)

Opening bright and early at 8 a.m., bar and restaurant Cityside Tavern becomes a marathon viewing destination come time for the Boston Marathon. And it’s easy to see why: they have a patio — though they wouldn’t confirm if it would be open during this year’s race — and there’s something for everyone on their extensive food and drink menu, like burgers, bar appetizers, and a whiskey menu. 

Cafe Landwer , which has three locations along the Boston Marathon route, including in Cleveland Circle, is serving up a pasta deal for runners in need of carbs and spectators alike: Buy one pasta, get a second pasta half off when you order and pay through their app. Favorite pasta dishes include their bolognese, rosé pasta, and butternut squash ravioli.

For spectators in Brookline, Stoked Pizza Company’s Washington Square location is serving up a deal on Marathon Monday: a roasted garlic-infused cremini mushroom and caramelized onion pie with fresh and aged mozzarella, porcini oil drizzle, and fresh chives for $12.70. They’ll also have a rum cocktail special that serves two, as well as their usual menu of pizza, appetizers, and vegan options that spectators can enjoy inside the restaurant or a spot on their patio.

Fenway-Kenmore

Eastern Standard is back for another marathon — albeit in a different location. Opening up early at 8 a.m., spectators can grab a bite from the brasserie’s limited breakfast menu. If you find yourself there for lunch, the Standard burger and a Narragansett collab ES Pilsner come highly recommended.

There’s quite a bit going on at Hotel Commonwealth on race day: a breakfast buffet with coffee and tea service from 6 to 10 a.m., and both the Blue Ribbon Brasserie and Blue Ribbon Sushi will open at 10 a.m. serving up marathon specials — like a burger and Jack’s Abby lager combo for $26.20. 

Don’t expect any opening changes or specials the day of the race at Parish Cafe — just their usual inventive sandwiches from some of Boston’s best chefs. This Boylston Street eatery is only a couple of blocks away from the finish line; spectators can stop in at the bar for a quick, filling lunch before the majority of the runners reach the finish line, or celebrate the event’s end with a meal on their patio. 

Brunch just got extended an hour early at Rochambeau , serving its brasserie breakfast and lunch menu items until from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. the day of the race. Don’t have time for a sit-down meal? Grab a to-go breakfast sandwich from Rochambeau while watching the race close to the finish line.

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‘We have no tolerance’: Driver accused of assaulting student on school bus in Ashby

ASHBY, Mass. — Police in Ashby are investigating a troubling incident on a North Middlesex Regional School District school bus on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident, captured on video, shows a bus driver allegedly assaulting a student while the bus was stationed in Ashby, according to North Middlesex Regional School District Superintendent Brad Morgan.

Officials said there were other students on the bus at the time of the incident.

No injuries were reported and the bus had been pulled over and was not in operation at the time of the alleged assault.

Upon being made aware of the incident, district officials alerted local law enforcement, prompting a thorough investigation by the Ashby Police Department.

The bus in question is owned and operated by Dee Bus Service, a contractor for student transportation services in the North Middlesex Regional School District. According to Morgan, the bus driver involved in the alleged incident has been removed from their route and will no longer be responsible for transporting students from the district.

“The safety and well-being of students are of paramount importance to the district, and officials are committed to ensuring a swift and thorough investigation in accordance with established protocols,” Morgan said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Dee Bus Service said, “We have no tolerance for this alleged behavior. We are fully cooperating with local authorities and the North Middlesex Regional School district as this matter is being investigated.”

In addition to cooperating with law enforcement, the district will also be notifying the Department of Children and Families about the incident.

As of late Tuesday night, no charges have been filed, but the investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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