SPECTATOR INFORMATION

Endless support along the way
  • Download to the 127th Boston Marathon Spectator Guide
  • 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:
    • Download the B.A.A. Racing App (2023 version to be launched in April) to track runners you want to spot on the course
    • The MBTA is a good way to get around the course and is your best bet for seeing runners at multiple spots.
    • Know your runner's start time and bib number.
Spectator Guidelines
  • Spectators are not allowed to enter the course, run alongside athletes, or impede athletes in any manner. Security personnel, public safety representatives, and volunteers will be located throughout the course and will remove any spectator or non-participant found to be on the course.
  • The B.A.A. asks spectators to be respectful of their environment and community while attending the Boston Marathon. Spectators are urged not to throw anything onto the course, including but not limited to confetti or streamers. Spectators are urged to pick up any trash from their area, and respect traditional carry-in, carry-out standards.
Optimal Viewing Times*
LOCATION SPLIT LEAD WHEELCHAIR MEN LEAD WHEELCHAIR WOMEN LEAD OPEN MEN LEAD OPEN WOMEN
Main St. Hopkinton Start 9:02 a.m. 9:05 a.m. 9:37 a.m. 9:47 a.m.
Rt. 135, Ashland 5K 9:11 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:52 a.m. 10:04 a.m.
Rt. 135, Framingham 10K 9:20 a.m. 9:28 a.m. 10:07 a.m. 10:22 a.m.
Rt. 135, Natick 15K 9:32 a.m. 9:40 a.m. 10:24 a.m. 10:42 a.m.
Rt. 135, Wellesley Halfway 9:42 a.m. 9:50 a.m. 10:41 a.m. 10:58 a.m.
Rt. 30, Newton 35K 10:06 a.m. 10:17 a.m. 11:16 a.m. 11:40 a.m.
Coolidge Corner, Brookline 38K 10:15 a.m. 10:28 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 11:57 a.m.
Boylston St., Boston Finish 10:22 a.m. 10:35 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 12:010 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 when passing through security checkpoints is prohibited:
    • 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 prohibited.
  • The B.A.A. and all public safety agencies supporting the Boston Marathon encourage the public to actively participate in the See Something Say Something campaign. Spectators are asked to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious conduct or items to the closest law enforcement officer or by calling 9-1-1.
  • Spectators are not allowed to enter the course, run alongside athletes, or impede athletes in any manner. Security personnel, public safety representatives, and volunteers will be located throughout the course and will remove any spectator or non-participant found to be on the course.
  • The B.A.A. asks spectators to be respectful of their environment and community while attending the Boston Marathon. Spectators are urged not to throw anything onto the course, including but not limited to confetti or streamers. Spectators are urged to pick up any trash from their area, and respect traditional carry-in, carry-out standards.

Click to View Allowable & Prohibited Items

Viewing Online or on TV
  • Live local coverage on WCVB-TV from 4:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on race day.
  • Live national TV coverage on ESPN from 8:30 a.m. - 1: 00 p.m. on race day.
  • For international viewing options, check your local listings.