Where to watch along the route
All times are estimates and subject to change.
START - 1.90 MILES
ROAD CLOSURES:
Approx. 7:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m
TIMELINE AT START:
- Wheelchair Men: 8:02 a.m.
- Wheelchair Women: 8:05 a.m.
- Handcycle & Duo Participants: 8:30 a.m.
- Professional Men: 8:37 a.m.
- Professional Women: 8:45 a.m.
- Para Athletics Divisions: 8:50 a.m.
- Rolling Start for All Participants: 9:00 a.m.
Best Place to Watch: The start line. Arrive early and see 20,000 participants depart historic Hopkinton on their 26.2-mile journey. Hopkinton has been home to the Boston Marathon’s start line ever since the course was lengthened to 26.2 miles in 1924. If near the start, don’t forget to take a picture with the famed ‘It All Starts Here’ sign!
1.90 MILES - 4.95 MILES
ROAD CLOSURES:
Approx. 6:15 a.m. to 1:20 p.m.
TIMELINE THROUGH TOWN CENTER (3.1 MILES):
- Wheelchair Men: 8:11 a.m.
- Wheelchair Women: 8:15 a.m.
- Professional Men: 8:52 a.m.
- Professional Women: 9:02 a.m.
Best Place to Watch: If timed right, spectators can see their favorite runners passing through Ashland on Main St., then jump on the inbound Commuter Rail to try and catch them further down on the course. The Commuter Rail station is just under a mile from the course. Be sure to check the train schedule on race day for precise timing
MBTA Commuter Rail Stations: ASHLAND, Pleasant St.
4.95 MILES - 7.52 MILES
ROAD CLOSURES:
Approx. 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m.
TIMELINE THROUGH TRAIN DEPOT (6.6 MILES):
- Wheelchair Men: 8:20 a.m.
- Wheelchair Women: 8:28 a.m.
- Professional Men: 9:07 a.m.
- Professional Women: 9:20 a.m.
Best Place to Watch: One of the most historic places to watch in Framingham is at the train depot in the center of town. In 1907, the race was temporarily interrupted when a train switched tracks and cut across the course, halting all but the leading six runners. This is a good spot to watch runners, then hop on the train inbound to Boston. Check train schedules on race day for precise timing.
MBTA Commuter Rail Stations: FRAMINGHAM, Waverly St.
7.52 MILES - 11.72 MILES
ROAD CLOSURES:
Approx. 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
TIMELINE THROUGH TOWN CENTER (10 MILES):
- Wheelchair Men: 8:32 a.m.
- Wheelchair Women: 8:40 a.m.
- Professional Men: 9:24 a.m.
- Professional Women: 9:40 a.m.
Best Place to Watch: One of the most picturesque spots along the Boston Marathon course is Lake Cochituate at the 9-mile mark. With the lake as a backdrop, crowds gather on both sides of the road to cheer participants on before they hit Natick Center. Spectators pack Natick Common for great views of the race, too.
MBTA Commuter Rail Stations: WEST NATICK, 249 West Central St.; NATICK, 1 Walnut St.
11.72 MILES - 15.93 MILES
ROAD CLOSURES:
Approx. 7:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
TIMELINE THROUGH WELLESLEY SQUARE (HALFWAY POINT):
- Wheelchair Men: 8:42 a.m.
- Wheelchair Women: 8:50 a.m.
- Professional Men: 9:41 a.m.
- Professional Women: 9:56 a.m.
Best Place to Watch: One of the loudest spots on the course is located prior to halfway at Wellesley College, where students and faculty create a scream tunnel with cheers of encouragement. Heard from as much as a mile away, the Wellesley Scream Tunnel is one of the most iconic stretches in all of road racing.
MBTA Commuter Rail Stations: WELLESLEY SQUARE, 1 Grove St.; WELLESLEY HILLS, 339 Washington St.; WELLESLEY FARMS, 90 Croton St.
15.93 MILES - 21.35 MILES
ROAD CLOSURES:
Approx. 7:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
TIMELINE AT BOSTON COLLEGE (TOP OF HEARTBREAK HILL, 21 MILES):
- Wheelchair Men: 9:06 a.m.
- Wheelchair Women: 9:17 a.m.
- Professional Men: 10:16 a.m.
- Professional Women: 10:38 a.m.
Best Place to Watch: From miles 17.5 to 21, the famed stretch of Heartbreak Hill challenges runners on their way to Boston. Crowds are three-deep in some sections of Heartbreak Hill, especially at the crest just before Boston College. The Newton Firehouse—at the base of Newton's hills—is a prime spectator spot for loud cheering.
MBTA Green Line Stations: WOODLAND, 1940 Washington St.; BOSTON COLLEGE, Commonwealth Ave. & Lake St.
22.45 MILES - 24.70 MILES
ROAD CLOSURES:
Approx. 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
TIMELINE THROUGH COOLIDGE CORNER (24 MILES):
- Wheelchair Men: 9:15 a.m.
- Wheelchair Women: 9:28 a.m.
- Professional Men: 10:30 a.m.
- Professional Women: 10:55 a.m.
Best Place to Watch: Coolidge Corner is a signature spot on Beacon Street to watch runners pass by. Entering Brookline after Cleveland Circle, runners stay on Beacon Street up until they reach Fenway Park. This nearly three-mile-long stretch features ample viewing spots, especially along the MBTA's Green Line. Brookline is one of the favorite spots for the area's many college students, including students from Boston University.
MBTA Green Line Stations: CLEVELAND CIRCLE, BEACON ST.
21.35 MILES
- 22.45 MILES
- 24.70 MILES
- 26.2 MILES
ROAD CLOSURES:
Varying until 7:00 p.m.
TIMELINE AT FINISH (26.2 MILES):
- Wheelchair Men: 9:22 a.m.
- Wheelchair Women: 9:35 a.m.
- Professional Men: 10:45 a.m.
- Professional Women: 11:08 p.m.
Best Place to Watch: The most enthusiastic and memorable section of the entire Boston Marathon course comes in the final half mile on Boylston Street. Spectators from around the world line this homestretch to cheer on their family and friends.
MBTA Commuter Rail Stations: YAWKEY & BACK BAY MBTA Green Line Stations: KENMORE, HYNES CONVENTION CENTER, PRUDENTIAL, COPLEY (closed on Marathon Monday), ARLINGTON & PARK STREET MBTA Orange Line Station: BACK BAY
All times listed are approximate and subject to change.
