Refer to the schedule below to determine which group you'd like to see!

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▪ 6 a.m.: Military march

▪ 9:02 a.m.: Men's wheelchair

▪ 9:05 a.m.: Women's wheelchair ▪ 9:30 a.m.: Handcycles and duos

▪ 9:37 a.m.: Elite men

▪ 9:45 a.m.: Elite women

▪ 9:50 a.m.: Para athletics divisions

▪ 10 a.m.: Wave 1

▪ 10:25 a.m.: Wave 2

▪ 10:50 a.m.: Wave 3

▪ 11:15 a.m.: Wave 4

The starting point, finish line, and Heartbreak Hill (the race's most difficult stretch) are the three main locations that attract the most spectators. The race begins in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and concludes in Back Bay on Boylston Street. 

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ExploreBoston.com recommends watching the Marathon at the Finish Line on Boylston Street. 

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Apart from these three key points, the experience is comparable in most places along the route. Ultimately, the best place to watch the Marathon is wherever you can walk to—we do not recommend driving and parking on this specific day of the year. If you must drive, attempt to remain on the same side where you live.

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Crossing the marathon route is not always feasible or simple, so plan to stay on one side of it wherever you wind up. Although some areas allow you to cross, they are only available at specific times, and once the pack thickens, they may shut for over an hour.

We recommend bringing lawn chairs to relax in while the runners approach for watching the race. Furthermore, signs of encouragement are always appreciated to support the runners! As for what not to bring, BAA officials have cautioned that spectators entering official event venues may be required to pass through security checkpoints and have their bags inspected by law enforcement officers or contracted private security personnel. Spectators are urged to avoid bringing backpacks, suitcases, coolers, and bulky handbags, as well as glass containers.

John Graham, a B.A.A. member and inaugural US Olympic Team Manager, was inspired to organize a marathon in the Boston area after experiencing the spirit and majesty of the Olympic Marathon. Boston businessman Herbert H. Holton assisted in considering various routes, and eventually, a measured distance of 24.5 miles from Metcalf’s Mill in Ashland to the Irvington Oval in Boston was selected. On April 19, 1897, John J. McDermott of New York emerged as the victor from a 15-member starting field and forever secured his name in sports history by winning the first B.A.A. Marathon in 2:55:10.

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In 1924, the course was lengthened to 26 miles, 385 yards to conform to the Olympic standard, and the starting line was relocated west from Ashland to Hopkinton.