POLICIES FOR 2018 BOSTON MARATHON SPECTATORS

SPECTATOR VIEWING

Competing in the Boston Marathon wouldn't be complete without the endless support of friends and family in the lead up to the Boston Marathon. So, where's the best place for spectators to watch on race day?

There is ample space every mile from Hopkinton to Boston for fans to gather and cheer on your journey to Boylston Street. Some of the most famous spots are the Wellesley Scream Tunnel just before halfway; Heartbreak Hill in Newton around Boston College; and the final stretch on Boylston Street before the finish.

Here are three tips for spectators to get the most out of their viewing experience:

  • Sign up for AT&T Athlete Alerts for runners you want to spot on the course.

MORE INFORMATION

  • Plan ahead where to go. The MBTA is a good way to get around the course, and is your best bet for seeing runners at multiple spots. More information: http://www.mbta.com.
  • Know your runner's start wave, corral, and bib number.
  • Check out this year's official Boston Marathon Spectator Guide (download below):

DOWNLOAD FILE

DIVISIONSTART TIME*
Mobility Impaired  8:40 a.m. ET
Men's Push-Rim Wheelchair  9:02 a.m. ET
Women's Push-Rim Wheelchair  9:04 a.m. ET
Handcycles & Duos  9:25 a.m. ET
Elite Women**  9:32 a.m. ET
Elite Men & Wave One 10:00 a.m. ET
Wave Two 10:25 a.m. ET
Wave Three 10:50 a.m. ET
Wave Four 11:15 a.m. ET
2018 Boston Marathon Field Size 30,000

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

*Start times are tentative and subject to change.

OPTIMAL VIEWING LOCATION AND TIMES
SPLIT LOCATION LEAD MEN (W) LEAD WOMEN (W) LEAD WOMEN LEAD MEN
Start Main St. Hopkinton 9:02 a.m. 9:04 a.m. 9:32 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
5K Rt. 135, Ashland 9:11 a.m. 9:13 a.m. 9:49 a.m. 10:15 a.m.
10K Rt. 135, Framingham 9:21 a.m. 9:25 a.m. 10:06 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
15K Rt. 135, Natick 9:32 a.m. 9:37 a.m. 10:22 a.m. 10:46 a.m.
20K Rt. 135, Wellesley 9:42 a.m. 9:49 a.m. 10:39 a.m. 11:01 a.m.
Half Rt. 135, Wellesley 9:47 a.m. 9:51 a.m. 10:42 a.m. 11:04 a.m.
25K Rt. 16, Wellesley 9:52 a.m. 10:01 a.m. 10:57 a.m. 11:16 a.m.
30K Rt. 30, Newton 10:02 a.m. 10:13 a.m. 11:14 a.m. 11:31 a.m.
35K Rt. 30, Boston 10:12 a.m. 10:25 a.m. 11:31 a.m. 11:47 a.m.
40K Beacon St., Boston 10:21 a.m. 10:36 a.m. 11:48 a.m. 12:02 p.m.
FINISH Boylston St., Boston 10:36 a.m. 10:42 a.m. 11:56 a.m. 12:08 p.m.

All times above are approximate

SPECTATOR RULES

Those interested in attending the race this year are also being asked for their cooperation in following reasonable and common sense guidelines that will help ensure the safety and security of participants, volunteers and spectators.

Spectators intending on watching the Boston Marathon from anywhere along the 26.2 mile course should expect a significant presence of uniformed and plain clothed police officers. Spectators entering official B.A.A. event venues, approaching viewing areas on the course, or in viewing areas on the course, may be asked to pass through security checkpoints, and law enforcement officers or contracted private security personnel may ask to inspect bags and other items being carried. Spectators along the course, or within any official B.A.A. venue are discouraged from possessing any of the items listed below. Possession of any of these items may result in delays when passing through security checkpoints and enhanced screening:

  • Weapons or items of any kind that may be used as weapons, including firearms, knives, mace, etc.
  • Backpacks or any similar item carried over the shoulder.
  • Suitcases and rolling bags/rollers.
  • Coolers.
  • Glass containers or cans.
  • Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks or explosives.
  • Any container capable of carrying more than 1 liter of liquid.
  • Handbags or packages or bulky items larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches.
  • Large blankets/comforters, duvets, sleeping bags.
  • Costumes covering the face or any non-form fitting, bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body.
  • Props (including sporting equipment and military and fire gear).
  • In addition, public safety officials are asking the public to assist in creating a No-Drone Zone along the entire course at this year's Boston Marathon. The use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) anywhere in the area of the course, including above runners and spectators, is strongly discouraged.

VIEWING ON TV OR ONLINE

  • Live local coverage on WBZ-TV, or www.boston.cbslocal.com.
  • Live national TV coverage on NBC Sports.
  • For international viewing options, check your local broadcaster.

PARKING IN HOPKINTON

Please note that the roads within the town of Hopkinton close at 7:00 a.m. and no street parking will be available. Expect delays! Please do not park illegally, as it will jeopardize the transportation system and will result in the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense. There will be no on-street parking allowed in the town of Hopkinton. Registered runners are requested to use the shuttle buses from the South Street parking lots in order to ensure timely arrival at the Athletes’ Village.

Volunteer/Spectator Parking:

  • Hopkinton State Park parking and shuttle service is for volunteers and spectators only.
  • Registered runners parking at this location and using this shuttle will not be transported to the Athletes’ Village and will have to walk an additional one mile from the drop-off point to the Village.
  • These runners may be subject to additional security screening to enter the Village.
  • Registered runners are requested to use the shuttle buses from the South Street parking lots in order to ensure timely arrival at the Athletes’ Village.

PARKING IN BOSTON

Race Week
On-street parking in Boston’s Back Bay is extremely limited during race week. There are a number of parking garages in the area; however, public transportation is strongly encouraged.

Race Day
Parking meters are not active on Patriots’ Day; however, due to road closures and traffic congestion, spectators will be unable to drive near the finish area.

Garage @ 100 Clarendon
Park just steps away from the Boston Marathon at the Garage @ 100 Clarendon. Located one block from the finish line, Garage @ 100 Clarendon is proud to be the Official Parking Garage of the Boston Marathon. Garage @ 100 Clarendon is the Back Bay and South End’s most affordable and conveniently located parking facility. Positioned above the Massachusetts Turnpike and next door to Back Bay Rail Station, this full service parking facility offers flexible parking services with unmatched customer service. Stay, Park & Save - Stay at any Boston hotel and receive discounted parking at Garage @ 100 Clarendon. Visit www.100clarendon.com for more information on Marathon Day Parking, Hotel Parking, and all other parking services.