Spectator Information

The Boston Marathon is a special celebration of running, community and accomplishments.

The B.A.A. is committed to creating an amazing race day experience for all. As a spectator of a B.A.A. event you play a powerful role in fostering a sense of belonging and community for participants, volunteers, staff, and fellow spectators. We are especially grateful to the cities and towns that host us year after year and appreciate the effort spectators make to treat every person, and their property, along the route with dignity, respect, and care.

Spectators are not allowed to enter the course, run alongside athletes, or impede athletes in any manner. Any person on the course without an official race bib or accreditation will be directed to leave the course immediately.
  • Bicycles, scooters, strollers and other unauthorized vehicles are not permitted on the course.
  • Spectators are prohibited from throwing any items onto the course. Such items include – but are not limited to - confetti, streamers, bubbles and bottles.
  • Spectators are asked to refrain from the use of discriminatory or offensive language, or obscene gestures. Discriminatory and offensive language includes, but is not limited to a person’s race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national origin.
  • Spectators are expected to refrain from verbal and physical harassment of staff, volunteers, race officials, public safety officials, participants and other spectators.
  • Spectators are asked not to interfere with race operations, for example, impeding access to medical tents and hydration stations.
  • Spectators are asked not to leave any trash along the course. If garbage cans are not available, please take trash with you.
  • Spectators are asked to respect their surroundings as well as the residents, and their properties, along the course.
  • Spectators are asked not to bring the following prohibited items to the course:
    • Weapons of any kind
    • Suitcases and rolling bags/rollers
    • Inflatable items that could impede participants on the course Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks or explosives
  • The use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) anywhere, including above the course is prohibited.
  • Along the 26.2-mile course spectators should expect a significant presence of uniformed police officers. These measures are taken for the security of participants and spectators.
  • ADA-accessible seating is available near the Finish Line at Boylston St. and Hereford St. 

View Prohibited Items List For Spectators

FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THE CODE OF CONDUCT ANYWHERE ALONG THE COURSE MAY RESULT IN BEING ASKED BY PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS TO LEAVE THE VICINITY.

Health & Safety -- Stay Alert, Be Aware, Follow Directions

The safety of our participants, volunteers and all others connected to the Boston Marathon is our priority.

Changes to the race route or a pause/cancelation of the race can occur prior to or during the race due to a wide range of public safety situations.

We ask all participants to STAY ALERT, BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS and FOLLOW DIRECTIONS given to you at any point in time from public safety officials and volunteers. 

Information can be shared in a variety of ways, depending on the situation. This includes through our volunteers and public announcement systems along the course; direct communication from public safety officials along the route, updates through the B.A.A. Racing App, emergency text alerts (for those within the targeted location).

 Your cooperation and support, should an incident occur, will help everyone have the best day possible.

Additional rules for race day ticket holders: 

Entry will not be permitted into the restricted access seating areas for anyone carrying signs or banners. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Endless support along the way
  • 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 (2025 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.
Optimal Viewing Times*
LOCATION SPLIT LEAD WHEELCHAIR MEN LEAD WHEELCHAIR WOMEN LEAD OPEN MEN LEAD OPEN WOMEN
Main St. Hopkinton Start 9:06 a.m. 9:09 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. 12:10 p.m.

*All times above are approximate

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 ESPN2 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on race day.
  • For international viewing options, check your local listings.