FAQ

The ONLY guaranteed way to get to the start on race morning is by the official B.A.A. buses between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m. Bus loading will take place at the Tremont Street side of the Boston Common in Boston’s Back Bay area. In order to load all the buses efficiently, avoid delays and get to the start on time, we strongly recommend the following bus loading schedule:

NOTE: Transportation to the start is for official runners only. Each runner must show his/her bib number upon boarding. We are not able to provide transportation to the start from Boston for family or friends. Limited transportation from Boston to Hopkinton to both parking areas will be available after the race at no charge. Buses leave from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. from the corner of Stuart and Berkeley Streets. You must show your race number upon boarding. Wheelchair participants will receive transportation information with their Number Pick-up Card.

If you are in Wave 2 or Wave 3, you will spend less time waiting in the corrals, it won’t take as long to get to the start, and you will have more room to run when you cross the starting line than if you were toward the back of a single-wave race.

Because the fluid stations will have time to re-load after Wave 1 and Wave 2, you will have better access when you arrive at each station.

Free shuttle services, the MBTA, and our drop-off/pick-up location are your best bet. They're all outlined here.

There will be no parking at the event location. Parking in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood is extremely limited, but some spots along the street may be available.

Stop for assistance and direction at one of the 26 Red Cross aid stations along the course. Sweep buses pick up runners at every Red Cross station with drop-off at the finish area medical tent. Aid stations along the course close at staggered times during the day. Finish area facilities officially close six hours after the last runner crosses the start line in Hopkinton. (About 4:50 p.m.)

There are buses that will provide transportation back to Hopkinton State Park and South Street parking lot for participants (bibs must be presented). Buses will start making trips back to Hopkinton starting at 1pm and leave from the corner of Clarendon and Stuart St.

You must show your bib number to board the buses, no transportation is available for family or friends.

Official Entrants receive:

• Admission to the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo
• Long sleeved t-shirt
• Bib number
• An official result from an electronically recorded official timing system
• Runner’s baggage / goodie bag
• Boston Marathon Official Program
• Complimentary ticket for the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner
• Complimentary transportation to the start
• Access to the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton, providing entertainment, light refreshments, water, Gatorade, tenting and portable toilets
• Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula (lemon/lime flavor) along the course
• First aid / medical facilities along the course and at the finish area
• Athlete tracking
• A finisher’s medal upon finishing the marathon before 4:45 p.m.
• A mylar blanket
• Baggage and dressing area (no showers)
• Massage
• Family meeting area
• Admission to the Awards Ceremony
• Complimentary ticket for the Post-Race Party
• Results postcard providing all 5Km split information, official and net times
• Finisher’s certificate (mailed during the summer)
• Results book (mailed over the summer)