The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious and historic running events in the world.
Thousands of elite athletes and recreational runners flock to Boston every Patriots’ Day to take part in this beloved tradition.
If you’re planning to attend or participate in the 2024 Boston Marathon, it’s important to mark your calendar with the right date and start times.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 2024 Boston Marathon, including:
- The exact date of the 2024 Boston Marathon
- The start times for each wave of runners
- How to register for the 2024 Boston Marathon
- Where to watch the 2024 Boston Marathon
- Tips for spectators attending the 2024 Boston Marathon
- Boston Marathon 2024 course information
- Travel and accommodation information for the 2024 race
So whether you’re a first-time spectator or a seasoned Boston Marathon veteran, read on to make sure you have all the details you need for the 2024 edition of this world-famous running event.
When is the 2024 Boston Marathon?
The 2024 Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024.
This is the traditional Patriots’ Day holiday in Massachusetts, which is always observed on the third Monday of April.
The Boston Marathon has been held on Patriots’ Day since 1897, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II when the race was postponed.
So the 2024 edition will continue this long-standing tradition of taking place on the third Monday in April.
2024 Boston Marathon Start Times
The Boston Marathon features several different start times for the various waves of runners. Here is the schedule of start times for the 2024 race:
- 9:02 am ET – Mobility Impaired
- 9:32 am ET – Wave 1 10:02 am ET – Wave 2
- 10:32 am ET – Wave 3
- 11:00 am ET – Wave 4
The first wave of runners, which includes the elite professional athletes, will start at 9:32 am Eastern Time. The last wave of runners will begin at 11:00 am ET.
How to Register for the 2024 Boston Marathon
Registration for the 2024 Boston Marathon will open in the fall of 2023. The exact registration date has not been announced yet, but it typically opens in mid-to-late September.
There are several ways to gain entry to the 2024 Boston Marathon:
1. Qualifying time: The Boston Marathon has strict time qualification standards that runners must meet in order to register.
The qualifying time standards vary by age and gender. Runners must submit proof of their qualifying time in order to register.
2. Invitational entries: The Boston Athletic Association awards a limited number of invitational entries to elite professional athletes, Paralympians, and other special guests.
3. Charity entries: Runners can gain entry through official Boston Marathon charity programs, where they commit to fundraising a minimum amount for a designated non-profit organization.
4. Registration lottery: If the race does not sell out through the other registration methods, the BAA may hold a random drawing for the remaining bibs. This lottery is highly competitive.
Registration for the 2024 Boston Marathon is expected to be very competitive, as it always is. Runners should be prepared to register as soon as registration opens to have the best chance of securing a spot in the race.
Where to Watch the 2024 Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon course winds its way through several different towns and neighborhoods, giving spectators plenty of great vantage points to watch the race.
Some of the most popular spots for spectators include:
Boston Common: The starting line of the Boston Marathon is located right in front of the Boston Common, making this a prime location for watching the race kick-off.
Spectators can congregate in the Common and line Boylston Street to see the runners take their first steps of the 26.2-mile journey.
Kenmore Square: As the runners approach the final miles of the course, the crowds in Kenmore Square get electrifying.
This bustling area near Boston University is known for its enthusiastic spectators who cheer on the marathoners as they power toward the finish line.
Heartbreak Hill: One of the most famous sections of the Boston Marathon course, Heartbreak Hill in Newton is where many runners face their toughest challenge.
The uphill climb is a test of mental and physical fortitude, making it a prime spot for spectators to offer encouragement.
The Finish Line: Of course, the most iconic spot to watch the Boston Marathon is the finish line on Boylston Street.
As the runners complete the grueling 26.2-mile trek, the electric atmosphere and roar of the crowd at the finish line is an unforgettable experience.
Tips for Spectators at the 2024 Boston Marathon
If you’re planning to attend the 2024 Boston Marathon as a spectator, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
Arrive early: The Boston Marathon course gets extremely crowded, especially near the start/finish areas and popular viewing spots.
Plan to arrive at your chosen viewing location at least an hour before the first runners are scheduled to come through.
Dress for the weather: Patriots’ Day in Boston can bring a wide range of weather conditions, from sunshine and warmth to cold, wind, and rain.
Check the forecast ahead of time and dress in layers so you can stay comfortable throughout the day.
Use public transportation: Driving and parking in downtown Boston during the marathon is extremely challenging.
Instead, take advantage of the MBTA subway system, commuter rail, or other public transit options to get to the course.
Pack snacks and water: You’ll be on your feet for several hours cheering on the runners, so make sure to bring plenty of water, energy snacks, and other provisions to keep you fueled up.
Bring signs and cowbells: Part of the fun of being a Boston Marathon spectator is joining the chorus of cheers, applause, and cowbell ringing that creates an electrifying atmosphere for the runners.
Make signs with motivating messages to hold up as the marathoners pass by.
2024 Boston Marathon Course
The 2024 Boston Marathon course will follow the traditional 26.2-mile route that has been used for decades.
The race starts in the town of Hopkinton, about 26 miles west of downtown Boston, and winds its way through several other MetroWest suburbs before entering the city of Boston.
Some of the key landmarks and neighborhoods along the Boston Marathon course include:
Hopkinton: This is where the Boston Marathon begins, with the starting line located on Main Street. Runners take off from Hopkinton and begin the long trek to Boston.
Ashland: As the runners leave Hopkinton, they’ll pass through the town of Ashland around mile 2 of the course.
Framingham: Around miles 4-6, the course runs through the city of Framingham, one of the larger suburbs along the route.
Natick: At around the halfway point of the marathon, runners will reach the town of Natick, known for its enthusiastic spectators.
Newton: The infamous Heartbreak Hill, a grueling uphill climb, is located in the Newton section of the course around miles 20-21.
Brookline: In the final miles, the course enters the town of Brookline before turning onto Beacon Street and heading into Boston.
Boston: The final stretch of the Boston Marathon takes runners down Beacon Street, through Kenmore Square, and onto the iconic Boylston Street finish line in downtown Boston.
Travel and Accommodations for the 2024 Boston Marathon
Hosting one of the biggest and most prestigious running events in the world, the city of Boston and surrounding areas see an influx of marathon spectators and participants every April.
If you’re planning to attend the 2024 Boston Marathon, here are some tips for your travel and accommodations:
Getting to Boston
The easiest way to get to Boston for the marathon is by air. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the main airport serving the region and is located just a few miles from the city center.
Major airlines offer numerous daily flights to Boston from destinations across the U.S. and around the world.
You can also reach Boston by train, with Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela Express services providing connections from cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia.
The commuter rail systems like the MBTA also make it easy to travel to Boston from the surrounding suburbs.
Driving to Boston is another option, though parking and traffic can be quite challenging during marathon weekends. If you do decide to drive, be sure to reserve a parking spot in advance if possible.
Where to Stay
Boston’s hotels fill up quickly around the time of the marathon, so it’s important to book your accommodations well in advance.
Some top hotel options near the marathon course and finish line include:
- Westin Copley Place (Back Bay)
- Sheraton Boston Hotel (Back Bay)
- Lenox Hotel (Back Bay)
- Fairmont Copley Plaza (Back Bay)
- Hotel Commonwealth (Kenmore Square)
You can also look at hotels outside of the immediate Boston area, in places like Cambridge, Brookline, or the MetroWest suburbs.
Public transportation options like the MBTA make it easy to get to the marathon course from these outlying areas.
Another accommodation option is to rent an Airbnb or vacation rental, which can sometimes be more affordable than Boston’s high-priced hotel rooms during marathon weekends.
No matter where you choose to stay, be sure to book your accommodations as far in advance as possible to get the best rates and availability.
Planning Your Boston Marathon Weekend
In addition to the marathon itself, there are plenty of other activities and attractions to enjoy in Boston during your marathon weekend.
Some top things to do include:
- Explore the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking trail that connects 16 historic sites
- Visit iconic landmarks like the New England Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Take in the lively atmosphere of neighborhoods like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the North End
- Catch a game of the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, or New England Patriots if they’re in t
- Sample delicious New England cuisine like clam chowder, Boston cream pie, and fresh seafood
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Boston, the 2024 Boston Marathon is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
With the right planning and preparation, you can make the most of this iconic running event and your visit to the city.
FAQs
Q: What is the exact date of the 2024 Boston Marathon?
Ana: The 2024 Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024.
Q: What are the start times for the 2024 Boston Marathon?
Ana: The 2024 Boston Marathon will have the following start times:
- 9:02 am ET – Mobility Impaired
- 9:32 am ET – Wave 1
- 10:02 am ET – Wave 2
- 10:32 am ET – Wave 3
- 11:00 am ET – Wave 4
Q: How do I register for the 2024 Boston Marathon?
Ana: There are a few ways to gain entry to the 2024 Boston Marathon:
1. Qualifying time – Runners must meet strict time standards to register.
2. Invitational entries – The Boston Athletic Association awards a limited number of invitational entries.
3. Charity entries – Runners can get a bib by fundraising for an official marathon charity.
4. Registration lottery – If spots remain, the BAA may hold a lottery drawing.
Q: Where are the best places to watch the 2024 Boston Marathon?
Ana: Some of the most popular spectator spots include Boston Common (start line), Kenmore Square, Heartbreak Hill in Newton, and the finish line on Boylston Street.
Q: What should I know about traveling and accommodations for the 2024 Boston Marathon?
Ana: Boston gets very crowded during marathon weekend, so it’s important to book your travel and hotel/rental early.
Flying into Boston Logan Airport and using public transportation is recommended. Hotels in the Back Bay and Kenmore Square areas are closest to the race.
Q: What else is there to do in Boston during marathon weekend 2024?
Ana: In addition to the marathon, you can explore historic sites on the Freedom Trail, visit museums, catch a Boston sports game, and enjoy the city’s renowned dining scene.
Conclusion
The 2024 Boston Marathon promises to be another thrilling and inspiring edition of this world-famous running event.
By planning ahead and marking your calendar with the right date and start times, you can ensure you have all the details you need to enjoy the 2024 Boston Marathon as either a spectator or participant.
Whether you’re a seasoned Boston Marathon veteran or a first-time attendee, this guide has provided you with the key information to make the most of your 2024 marathon experience.
From registration details to course information and travel tips, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to have an unforgettable time at the 2024 Boston Marathon.
So start making your plans now to be in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2024 to witness the next chapter of this legendary running event.
The energy, excitement, and sheer athleticism of the Boston Marathon is an experience you won’t want to miss.
