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One Boston Day and a 5K: What to know as city marks 10th anniversary of Boston Marathon attack
Since the Boston Marathon bombings killed three people and injured hundreds more on April 15, 2013, Boston has become the site of warmhearted traditions to remember the victims and pay tribute to survivors and first responders.
Every year, a small group of volunteers who worked on the day of the bombings come together to staff the medical tents at other races and walks. People plant yellow daffodils along the marathon route and across the city. And strangers perform random acts of kindness.
Many of these traditions continue this year alongside other special events hosted by marathon organizer, the Boston Athletic Association, and the city. These activities culminate on Saturday, April 15, which marks exactly 10 years since the attack.
Here's what you need to know.
Main events on April 15, 2023
- Residents take part in several volunteer activities for "One Boston Day."
- Two remembrance events will mark 10 years since the marathon bombing.
- The B.A.A. hosts a 5K run and its invitational mile.
One Boston Day service opportunities
April 15, the day of the bombing, is also called One Boston Day. Touted by local leaders and community organizations, the day calls for people to come together through acts of service. This year, the city has curated a calendar of volunteer events hosted by the city and local groups. The listings include park cleanups, a blood donation drive at the American Red Cross in Dedham and a food drive at the Yawkey Food Pantry in Dorchester. There is also the city's checklist of kind acts.
At 7 p.m., there's a big fundraiser, "B.A.A. Gives Back," at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. A limited number of tickets for the general public are available (at $250 a pop).
Remembrance events
Attending the memorial at the Boston Marathon finish line
In the afternoon, members of the public are invited to witness the dedication of a new commemorative finish line, the ringing of the bells and the unveiling of a One Boston Day marker on Boylston Street.
Every year, the bells of Old South Church ring at exactly 2:49 p.m., the time the first bomb went off in 2013.
In attendance will be Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Gov. Maura Healey, hospital leaders, first responders, and several people involved with One Fund Boston, which distributed aid to the victims of the bombing between 2013 and 2015. The Boston Pops brass quarter will perform.
- When: 2:30 p.m.
- Where: The Boston Marathon finish line, located on Boylston Street near Copley Square, in front of the Boston Public Library
Visiting the Boston Marathon Survivor Memorial Site
In the morning, there will be a private gathering of the victims' families at the Boston Marathon Survivor Memorial. The site will will be closed off to the public for most of the morning, and possibly into the early afternoon. It reopens for all visitation once the 5K run concludes (more race info below).
Honor guards from the Boston Fire Department, Boston Emergency Medical Services, the police department and the sheriff’s department will be stationed at the memorial site throughout the day.
- When: Late morning/early afternoon
- Where: Boylston Street between Dartmouth and Fairfield Streets
B.A.A. 5K run
Cheer on 10,000 runners in the other widely anticipated — though much, much shorter — race of the marathon weekend.
- Start time: 8 a.m.
- Starting line location: Charles Street between the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common (see map for full course)
5K street closures
- Charles Street, from Boylston Street to Beacon Street
- Arlington Street, from Marlborough Street to Boylston Street
- Commonwealth Avenue Outbound, from Arlington Street to Charlesgate West
- Charlesgate West, from Commonwealth Avenue Outbound to Commonwealth Avenue Inbound
- Commonwealth Avenue Inbound, from Charlesgate West to Hereford Street
- Hereford Street, from Commonwealth Avenue to Boylston Street
- Boylston Street, from Dalton Street to Charles Street
B.A.A. Invitational Mile
Watch professional runners, as well as student-athletes and middle schoolers from across Massachusetts, loop around a section of the Boston Marathon route.
- Start time: 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Boylston, Newbury, Dartmouth and Exeter Streets
Invitational mile street closures
- Boylston Street, from Exeter Street to Dartmouth Street
- Dartmouth Street, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street
- Newbury Street, from Dartmouth Street to Exeter Street
- Exeter Street, from Newbury to Boylston Street
Getting to Saturday's events
With all the street closures, navigating the area will be tricky. So the city recommends you walk or take the MBTA, and avoid driving if you can. Here's more on ways to get around:
Take the T:
- The closest subway stops to the start area is Park Street on either the Green or Red Line. Boylston and Arlington are also nearby stops on the Green Line.
- To save yourself time, buy a round-trip a fare to avoid getting in line twice. Even better, load up your CharlieCard ahead of time and avoid fare machine queues.
Bike: If you don't have a personal bike, rentals are available through Bluebikes, which has several docking stations near the race courses.
Get dropped off: The B.A.A. has several designation drop-off locations, including on Beacon Street, Boylston Street and Tremont Street near the start area.
Drive and park: The B.A.A. recommends parking at the 100 Clarendon Street Garage in Boston’s Back Bay. Parking for two or more hours is a flat $40 a day.
Heed no-stop zones
Here's an extra note to drivers: Several no-stopping zones have gone into effect as early as April 5 in the lead up to marathon weekend. But on Saturday, the advisory expands to cover these areas as well:
- Beacon Street, Bay State Road to Brookline Town Line (both sides)
- Berkeley Street, Stuart Street to Newbury Street
- Boylston Street, Arlington Street to Charles Street
- Cambridge Street, Court Street to Sudbury Street
- Charles Street, Boylston Street to Beacon Street
- Saint James Avenue, Arlington Street to Clarendon Street
- Stuart Street, Huntington Avenue to Arlington Street
Safety
For any emergency health needs, medical personnel will be on site.
