Best Places To Watch The 2021 Boston Marathon In Ashland

ASHLAND, MA — Hopkinton may be home to the starting line of the Boston Marathon, but Ashland is really where it all started.

"It all started here," reads the sign next to the site on Pleasant Street in Ashland, and maybe you want to bring a little bit of that history to life, checking out viewing spots in Ashland.

Since Ashland has a commuter rail stop, the best idea to avoid traffic and road closures would be to take the commuter rail and walk a little bit.

If you want to catch a good spot to post up in Ashland, the best advice is to get there as early as you possibly can.

After last year's race was canceled due to the coronavirus, this year's marathon will be the first time in 910 days the famous race will be run.

The further you walk on West Union Street, the better the viewing point.

The historic course starts on Main Street in Hopkinton and follows Route 135 through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley.

Ashland is home to the race for miles 2 through 4. At this point, the race is pleasant and peaceful.

The Town of Ashland produces some cheering crowds, but otherwise, there aren't too many spectators along this stretch.

The optimal viewing time to catch the runners in Ashland is from 8:50 a.m. to 9:05 a.m.

Parking In Ashland:

Driving to the starting line or other spectator areas is not recommended. Parking restrictions along the route may be in place leading up to and on the day of the marathon.

You can park at an MBTA station and take the subway or Commuter Rail in. Daily parking rates are $2 – $15, and you can pay in cash, credit, or on your phone.

Road Closures In Ashland:

All of Union Street and Waverly Street in Ashland will be closed from 6:15 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Parts of Main Street in Ashland will also be closed from 6:15 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

MBTA Locations:

Since most main roads will be closed, taking the Commuter rail to a viewing location along the route might not be a bad bet to get an ideal viewing or cheering spot.

Though full disclosure: the MBTA says it may adjust service or temporarily close stations near the finish line in the interest of public safety on Marathon Monday.

Parts of the Framingham/Worcester Line are less than a half-mile from the course, and the Green Line C Branch runs parallel to it.

There is a map of T stops along the Boston Marathon trail the MBTA released, and you can use it to find a T stop near your viewing spot below, and then use the MBTA trip planner to find out how to get there.

The closest commuter rail stop in Ashland is off of the Framingham/Worcester Line and connects to West Union Street via Memorial Drive. Once on West Union Street, there will be gates blocking off the entrance to the street for runners, but walking might be accessible if you get there early enough to post up.

A Little History Of Ashland:

The Boston Marathon starting line used to be in Ashland, until it moved west to Hopkinton in 1924.

An important battle took place between the Persians and the Greeks in the town of Marathon, Greece in 490 BC. Having won the conflict, the Greeks sent a messenger, Pheidippides, back to Athens to announce the victory. According to legend, he ran the whole distance of 26 miles non-stop, burst into the Greek assembly yelling, "We have won," collapsed, and died.

The tradition continued across the globe, and a 25-mile race became standard but the distance of the race varied depending on the venue. At the Summer Olympics in London in 1908, the distance was changed to 26 miles and 385 yards to allow Queen Alexandra a better view of the race's finish.

This distance appears to be the standard today, but the race in Ashland began in 1897 when the distance was still 25 miles, which presented a few problems for the runners in Ashland. Originally starting on Pleasant Street by the Sudbury River, down Main Street, and over the railroad tracks, the runners could get delayed by the train. This prompted the move to the Valentine farm on Union Street which avoided the tracks. For the next several years other adjustments were made until the official distance of 26 miles 385 yards forced the start back to Hopkinton

Full Route Information:

When Route 135 joins Route 16, it continues along through Newton Lower Falls, turning right at the fire station onto Commonwealth Avenue, which is Route 30.
It follows Commonwealth Avenue through Newton Hills, bearing right at the reservoir onto Chestnut Hill Avenue to Cleveland Circle.
The route then turns left onto Beacon Street, continuing through Brookline, Kenmore Square, and under Massachusetts Avenue.
The course turns right onto Hereford Street, then left onto Boylston Street, finishing up near the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.

More on Patch:

• When Is The 2021 Boston Marathon
• What Is The Mask Policy For Boston Marathon 2021
• How To Watch The 2021 Boston Marathon

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