Runners have trained for months to run the Boston Marathon. They need to book the hotel room, pick up their race packet, know what to bring to the starting line and the finish area, and what to expect on a 26.2 mile point to point course.
Where to Stay When Running the Boston Marathon
All runners meet at Hopkinton State Park where they catch school busses which transport them to the actual starting area in downtown Hopkinton. If runners stay in hotels near Hopkinton, they can have a friend drive them the short distance to the park. If runners opt to stay in Boston, the race provides school busses to drive runners out to Hopkinton State Park where they transfer to a different school bus to get to the actual starting line. Rates in hotels in the little towns out by the starting line are less expensive than hotels in Boston. If runners stay in Westborough at the Courtyard Marriot, Hopkinton State Park is only 5 miles away and the people at the front desk will have directions. However, runners will need to arrange the 30 mile ride back to the hotel after the race. Staying in Boston allows the runner to possibly walk to the hotel after the race but getting to the starting line is a long ride and the hotel prices in Boston are much more expensive than hotel prices 30 miles outside the city.
Boston Marathon Race Packet
Runners will pick up their race packet in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center on Boylston Street a day or two before the race. Parking is not easy or cheap so expect to pay at least $30 or more for an all day spot. It will take a few hours to get the packet.
One important item in the race packet is the finish area bag. Runners should pack a cell phone, warm clothes, money, and a recovery drink before the race and bring the bag to the starting area. School buses will be lined up by bib number and volunteers will keep the items secure while they transport them to the finish area. The same busses will be lined up in the finish area so the bags are easy to find after the race. Runners may end up waiting an hour or more after finishing so keeping warm and contacting friends is high priority.
Boston Marathon from Start to Finish
Runners will be waiting 2 to 3 hours in Hopkinton for the race to start. If the weather is cold, there are a handful of small warm restaurants that are open to the public so bring a little money to purchase food or coffee. Everything is well organized and signs will point runners to where to drop off their finish area bag, where the port-o-potties are, and where to find the local middle school which offers hot drinks and water.
As race time approaches, runners will line up in corrals according to qualifying time. The start is crowded and slow but thins out fast. Runners will get inspiration from the screaming crowd which lines the course the whole way.
As runners turn the final corner and complete the race, they will walk for blocks before finding the designated finish area which is by first letter of last name. They receive their medal when a volunteer cuts off their timing chip. The busses with the finish area bags are lined up by bib number so runners can easily retrieve their items.
It's important for runners to find key advice and helpful tips to assist them while preparing for the Boston Marathon. It is no doubt one of the highlights of a runner’s career so careful planning will ensure a successful experience.
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