Boston Marathon guide: Best places to watch as a spectator
· Yahoo Sports
Your runner has put a lot of work in – now it’s your turn.
The Boston Marathon is not only a worldwide event, it is very spectator friendly. The only challenge is getting around. If you’re looking to follow a friend or family member on their run into the city – and glory – there are good viewing spots before the landscape becomes more urban. And no charge for admission.
Visit freshyourfeel.org for more information.
Keep in mind that road closures along Route 135 in the communities of Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham and Natick begin as early as 7 a.m. That means those towns/city are cut in half for much of the day. If you want to be south of 135, it needs to happen early. And vice versa.
Also, there are no bridges that go over Route 135.
A good access road to jump ahead of your runner in order to watch them go past is Route 9, a road on the north side that runs parallel to the course. Route 16 is also an option, on the south side of 135. And there are no road closures.
Here are some possible viewing spots if you’re following along or just want to park yourself in a location.
Ashland – St. Cecilia’s Church
Located near the 3.5-mile mark and right along the course. The church is less than two miles from Route 9 on Esty Street. After you find parking, there are many places along the course to stand.
Framingham, Natick – but not downtown
These areas can get quite congested, but between the two areas, there is room to spread out. Hartford and Speen streets in Natick provide good access points.
Wellesley – across from the scream tunnel
The road along 135 after downtown Natick also provides good viewing. Taking Route 9 to Oak Street south brings you close to 135. In Wellesley, the south side of 135 is filled with screaming college students, but if you position yourself on the north side of the road, you’ll be clear of the chaos.
Route 128 overpass
You can’t get to the course from 128 onto 135 because the onramp is closed, but this is another good area that is not too crowded. At this point in the race, Route 9 is south of the course. This spot is also key for runners: it’s just after 16 miles and the road goes uphill over the highway. The Newton hills loom soon, but this rise is a reminder of what’s to come.
Heartbreak Hill
If you truly want to experience all that is the Boston Marathon – the cheering, the inspirational signs, the agony of the runners – this is the spot. Runners are on Commonwealth Avenue now (Route 30), but the area is quite congested. Same with the MBTA. Get there early.
Finish line
If you’re looking to meet your runner after the race, the MBTA can get extremely crowded. The Copley stop on the Green Line is closed, but Arlington is open. Plan for extra time if using this option.
The entire day takes patience and a little creativity. But it's worth it. And your runner will owe you a solid - after they recover, of course.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Boston Marathon best spots for fans to watch race