The Boston Marathon is back once again on Patriots’ Day, Monday, April 15! Even if you’re not competing, the Marathon is a great day to cheer on the 30,000 runners competing this year as they accomplish the marvelous feat of running 26.2 miles through the Hub.
If you’ve never attended the Boston Marathon before, here’s a breakdown of what to expect for its 128th year.
What time does the Boston Marathon start?
The first race begins precisely at 9:02 AM with the Men’s Wheelchair race. Then, professional waves continue through 9:45 AM with the Elite Women’s race. Non-professional competitor start times begin from 10 AM, separated in four waves based on qualifying times and past marathon participation. If you’re cheering on friends or family, they are likely in one of these waves:
- 10 AM
- 10:25 AM
- 10:50 AM
- 11:15 AM
Boston Marathon tracking 2024
To find someone’s exact start time and race pace, use this Boston Marathon bib tracker! There are two ways to track Boston Marathon participants:
Just make sure you have the bib number before they start racing!
Boston Marathon schedule:
Check out the official Boston Marathon schedule down below to decide which group you’d like to see!
▪ 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
How to watch the Boston Marathon
The three main spots that attract the most spectators are the starting point, finish line, and Heartbreak Hill (the most grueling stretch of the race). The race kicks off in Hopkinton, Massachusetts and finishes in Back Bay on Boylston Street right across from the new House of Sport!
Now, aside from those three main points, the experience is pretty similar in most places along the route. Ultimately, the best place to watch the Marathon is anywhere you can walk to—we do not recommend driving and parking on this particular day of the year. If you must drive, try to stay on the same side you live on.
Crossing the marathon route isn’t always easy or possible at all, so plan to stay on one side of it wherever you end up. While there are areas where you can cross, they are only open at certain times and once the pack thickens, they close for over an hour at a time.
What to bring/not bring:
For watching the race, we recommend bringing lawn chairs to kick back and relax in while the athletes approach. Plus, signs of encouragement are always appreciated to cheer people on!
As for what not to bring: BAA officials have warned that spectators entering official event venues may be asked to pass through security checkpoints and have their bags inspected by law enforcement officers or contracted private security personnel. Spectators are discouraged from bringing backpacks, suitcases, coolers, and bulky handbags, as well as glass containers.
Have a happy Marathon Monday, Boston, and see you at the finish line!