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BOSTON MARATHON
Where?
The streets of Boston, Massachusetts, starting at Hopkington and ending in Copley Square.
When?
Held annually on the third Monday in April and serves as the centerpiece of “Patriots Day,” a local Boston holiday. The race starts at noon and the 26.2 miles are usually completed by the last runners around 5:30 to 6 P.M.
Significance:
One of the oldest and best marathons in the world.
The Boston Marathon, one of the five events of the World Marathon Majors, is an annual racing event rich in history. Established in 1886, the race now attracts an average of 20,000 to 25,000 registered participants per year with the high point being the 100th anniversary where 38,000 registered. Yes, there are cash prizes, but runners are more motivated to participate in a race of such prestige and renown. Registering is not enough. You must qualify to gain entry. Qualifying for and completing the Boston Marathon is an achievement in and of itself. For the more elite participants, the chance to win is the pinnacle of any runner’s career.
Who attends?
The Boston Marathon is recognized as New England’s most widely viewed sporting event. One million spectators from the immediate area and around the world fill the streets and cheer on their favorite runner or everyone who participates. The attendees serve as one of the largest cheering sections in professional and amateur sports at any level.
Tickets:
Tickets are not necessary. However, if you want to sit in a certain location, get there early to avoid the rush. The wait is well worth it.
Accommodations:
The Charlesmark Hotel
Note: Great location and cozy touches distinguish this Boylston boutique hotel.
Midtown Hotel
220 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02119
Phone: (617) 262-1000
Fax: (617) 262-8739
Toll-Free: 1-800-343-1177
www.midtownhotel.comNote: Tourist-class hotel offers great prices and a convenient Back Bay location.
Hotel Commonwealth
Note: With its many modern accoutrements, this Kenmore Square hotel satisfies visiting college parents and stylish tourists. This one is right in the action of the marathon and some rooms offer a perfect view of the course.
The Eliot Hotel
370 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: (617) 267-1607
Fax: (617) 536-9114
Toll-Free: 1-800-443-5468
www.eliothotel.comNote: Intimate hotel with service and style befitting its posh Back Bay address. Also located right along the course.
Howard Johnson Inn
1271 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: (617) 267-8300
Fax: (617) 267-2763
Toll-Free: 1-800-654-2000
www.hojo.comNote: If you want a great view of Fenway Park and easy access to the race course, this is where you should be staying.
Hilton Back Bay
40 Dalton Street
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 236-1100
Fax: (617) 867-6104
Toll-Free: 1-800-445-8667
www.hilton.comNote: New England-style charm and sophistication located in the historic Back Bay area of Boston.
Four Seasons Boston
200 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 338-4400
Fax: (617) 423-0154
Toll-Free: 1-800-332-3442
www.fourseasons.comNote: Overlooking the famous Public Gardens and Beacon Hill, this hotel offers elegant simplicity coupled with old-world Boston charm.
Travel Packages:
If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must See Sporting Event.
Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
E-mail: requests@tseworld.com
www.tseworld.comwww.pcevents.com
Premiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
E-mail: sales@sportstravel.com
www.sportstravel.comMarathon Tours
261 Main Street
Boston, MA 02129
Toll-Free: 1-800-444-4097
Fax: (617) 242-7686
E-mail: info@marathontours.com
www.marathontours.com
Dining:
Cactus Club
Note: The website address says it all. Great margaritas combined with Mexican cuisine heats up the Back Bay’s answer to Southwestern chic.
Boston Beer Works
Note: Acclaimed beers, generous bar-food portions, and a relaxed environment attract young, sports-enthused masses to Boston’s oldest brewpub.
Vinny T’s of Boston
Note: A favorite of area families and hungry tourists, delivering gargantuan portions of straightforward Italian fare in kitschy environs.
Al Denta
Note: Simply put, the best pasta in Boston. Open the day before the marathon, but make sure to call ahead for a reservation as carb-loading runners will be out in force.
The Bova Bakery
Note: This place never closes. There is nothing more Boston than this bakery. A great place for post-race snacks.
Airport:
Boston Logan International Airport
1 Harborside Drive
Massport, East Boston, MA 02128
Phone: (617) 561-1800
www.massport.comSports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best way to watch the action: Coolidge Corner provides a great vantage point to see the excitement of the race. Heartbreak Hill provides a spectacular and up-close view, but challenges exist in the difficult climb near the Boston College campus. Warm up your vocal cords and prepare to cheer on the runners at this crucial area of the race.
Also, according to famed Chicago runner Mark Buciak, pick a spot and camp out, but tell any runners you know where you will be located and where you will meet at the finish line following the race. Also, bring some form of noisemaker to make your presence known to any and all of the racers.
Best place to get up close:
The B.A.A. Freedom Run: Held the day before the Monday marathon, this 2.8 mile race allows a runner to see various attractions throughout Boston, including part of the Freedom Trail. The event is open to marathon runners and their friends and family. Progress can be tracked and alerts are broadcast on the official Boston Marathon website.
Best travel tip:
Try and avoid the Kenmore Square area at all costs for three specific reasons: the Marathon crowd, BU students, and the annual 11
A.M. Red Sox Patriots Day game at Fenway Park. As the first runners are hitting Kenmore at around 1:30 P.M., the Red Sox Nation gravitates toward Kenmore.
Notable Quotes:
“I go to races all over the country and constantly hear people talking about qualifying for Boston. It’s a real point of honor for them.”—BILL RODGERS, Boston Marathon legend
“No marathon crowd is as spirited as Boston’s, which for nearly a century has been high on this April event.”—SANDY TREDWELL, author, The World of Marathons
“For me it’s amazing because the last part of the marathon is amazing, especially this one. It’s a great distraction. I found myself trying to get over to the side of the road to get that deafening crowd noise to distract and you just keep those positive thoughts going. . . . That’s what makes this race incredible, and that’s what is so encouraging when you—that the crowd doesn’t—they are not real selective. They don’t care if you’re having your best day or worst day. They are pumped up. I saw a lot of beer cups out there and everyone was pumped up. On the tough part of the course, that’s when the crowd really brings it home.”—ALAN CULPEPPER, Boston Marathon runner
Relevant Websites: