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The Weekender: Boston's Saturday Morning Newsletter
Party like a Boston marathoner: Where runners will hang during and after the race
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There are many qualified people you should get your Boston Marathon tips from. I’m not one of them.
As someone who can barely run two miles without huffing and puffing, I’ll be watching the 30,000 marathoners on Monday from the sidelines with deep admiration (especially because it will be so warm out). When it comes to advice on the best ways to celebrate this Boston tradition, I leave it to the folks who run the other 364 days of the year, too.
I chatted with three of Boston’s running club leaders and got them to dish on their favorite things to do, places to be and ways to keep the marathon magic going all weekend long. Here’s what they said:
On where to watch
We know there will be crowds along the whole route, especially around Wellesley College’s “Scream Tunnel,” Newton’s Heartbreak Hill, Kenmore Square and the final stretch of the race on Boylston Street. But where do the running fanatics go?
“Last year, I joined friends near Coolidge Corner to witness greatness, Eliud Kipchoge,” said Leandrew Belnavis, founder of Unnamed Run Crew. “This time around, I’ll be hopping around various locations along the course.”
“Audubon Circle is a very good place,” said Jonathan Hecht, club leader of the Frontrunners Boston.
Every year, Frontrunners Boston, a running group for the LGBTQ+ community that’s been around since 1979, has been gathering at the corner of Park Drive and Beacon Street. Folks can hear the Boston University Band play as runners pass.
“It’s easy to spot the elites as they go by, but also the place for spectators to cheer their loved ones on,” Hecht said.
For a more official spot, folks can join the Boston Marathon Cheer Zone at Mile 24.5, which will also be at the corner of Park Drive and Beacon Street. (The group hosts over 100 runners at their weekly events, so they know what’s up.) People interested can register for free with the run club.
“It’s close to Kenmore Square and is the perfect spot late in the race to give the runners a boost to the finish line,” Sydney Neugebauer, co-leader of the Boston’s Midnight Runners chapter, said.
If you want to watch the elites go neck-and-neck through the entire race, you don’t need to try to hit up multiple spots in person. Instead, Belnavis suggests folks head to Trackhouse’s Marathon Viewing Party at 285 Newbury St. The group will watch the elites on TV before heading out in person to Hereford Street to cheer for the runners.
On Marathon Day etiquette
The fans make Marathon Monday the amazing celebration that it is.
“A wise man once said, ‘If you don’t run, you must cheer,’ ” Belnavis said.
But there are a couple of rules to abide by if you want to be polite, according to the experts. For starters, keep your signs encouraging and funny.
“I would just always stress … sound positive,” Brian Wilson, Boston’s Midnight Runners co-leader, said. “I’ve seen some jokes on posters that really hurt when you’re only eight miles in.”
One sign that really stinks? “One more mile to go.” As both a marathon runner and seasoned spectator, Hecht said such encouragement is the last thing runners want to hear.
“Those last few miles are horrendous in a marathon,” he said.
Instead, he suggests sticking to “congratulations” or “you’re doing great” as your go-to shoutout.
If you can, also give the star marathoner in your life a heads-up about which side of the road you’ll be cheering from before the race starts.
“If they [runners] have no idea which side of the road you’ll even be looking from, it’s going to be really hard to find people,” Wilson said.
Speaking of the sidelines, that’s where you, as a spectator, should stay. The Boston Athletic Association said it’s committed to making sure spectators have a safe and fun experience while also keeping them off the course. This year, B.A.A. will have additional barricades marking the route for runners and spectators’ safety.
“Don’t try to cross the course at places that are not allowed,” Neugebauer said. “Those things, I just wouldn’t take lightly and spectators should expect that it should be respected.”
On getting the party started
If you’re looking to get hyped ahead of the big day, Midnight Runners will host a few events this weekend.
On Saturday, they’re hosting a “giant hangout” at The Bell In Hand Tavern from noon to 3 p.m. to welcome folks from out of town and bring them together with locals.
Then on Sunday, it’s time for the seven-mile Boston Strava Run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The course will actually spell out “BOSTON MR” by the time folks finish. It’s free but registration is required.
Next up is Monday’s main event. If you want to celebrate all day long, here are our expert’s go-to spots:
- Of course, spectators and runners can attend the annual Mile 27 Post-Race Party hosted by the city and B.A.A. This year, the event will take place at City Hall Plaza.
- Runners Hospitality welcomes fellow runners and folks from out of town for an afterparty at Bootleg Special at 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Belnavis said.
- Looking for DJ music, drinks and food? Wilson said check out the Finish Line to Party Time afterparty in South Boston starting at 5 p.m.
- Want a more chill city experience? Hecht said Cathedral Station in South Boston is worth checking out. Belnavis recommends stopping by Blossom Bar, The Abbey and The Avenue.
- Sam Adam’s will host its annual Marathon Afterparty from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is the only place runners can get the brewery’s featured 26.2 Brew gose-style ale and a free commemorative pint glass.
- For those in the ‘burbs, Jack’s Abbey in Framingham is hosting Marathon Fest, with live music and activities at the brewery that starts at 10 a.m, and will go on until 2 p.m.
P.S.— We actually have five WBUR staffers taking on the Boston Marathon this year — including Barbara Moran. She wrote about her training experience in this personal essay. We also recommend checking out this funny and relatable Instagram reel about her marathon training expectations vs. reality. Go Barb!
