Boston Marathon Adds Fan Fest For 2019

BOSTON — The Boston Marathon is one of the most famous road races in the country. And the days ahead of the race are a bit of a runners playground — between the number of invitational fun runs and the activities at the Marathon Expo. This year, the Boston Marathon officials added a little extra something - a Fan Fest.

For the first time, organizers are inviting fans and runners to listen to musical performances, participate in clinics and hear talks out in Copley Square ahead of the marathon.

"This isn't just a music event, this is a road race. And at 5 p.m. we'll host our final Boston marathon clinic live on stage hosted by our very own Marc Davis, " said Scott Stover during a press conference.

Legends of Summer will perform on Friday, Dalton Sheriffs will be out there Saturday and Bear Fight Live will be in Copley doing their thing on Sunday. Last year's American winner Meb Keflezighi will be out there, as will Bill Ridgers, Joan Benoit Samelson and ESPN NFL analyst Tedy Bruschi.

What to expect, according to Boston Marathon organizers:

Friday:

1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
West Point Band: The Hellcats: The West Point Band's field music group officially opens up Boston Marathon Weekend. The Hellcats, are comprised of bugles, piccolos, and drums, and serve as showpiece for the United States Army and the United States Military Academy.

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Final Boston Marathon Clinic “Live”Last Minute Tips with Special Guests Join the B.A.A. Team with special guest Boston Marathon Champion Meb Keflezighi for the final 2019 Boston Marathon Clinic. At this clinic Keflezighi will discuss final tips on how to be prepared to run Boston.

6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Legends of Summer (band)

Saturday:

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

B.A.A. Invitational Mile & Middle School 1k

Top scholastic boys and girls from the cities and towns of the Boston Marathon course, as well as a field of professional male and female milers from around the world, take off in the B.A.A. Invitational Mile on Boston Marathon Weekend.

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Build with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
B.A.A. Relay Challenge Watch and cheer for middle school students as they race up and down Boylston Street right next to Fan Fest. These clubs from the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon will get to experience the thrill of competing near the iconic Boston Marathon finish line.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Meet & Greet With Boston Marathon Champions Bill Rodgers and Joan Benoit Samuleson

4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Dalton and the Sheriffs

Sunday:

2:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Boston Marathon Defending Champions PanelHosted by Super Bowl Champion Tedy Bruschi Presented by John Hancock : Bruschi will ask returning Champions Des Linden, Yuki Kawauchi, Tatyana McFadden and Marcel Hug about winning Boston.

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Build with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Bear Fight (music)

READ MORE:

• Boston Marathon 2019: What Time It Starts, How Fast, Weather & More
• Where To Eat In Brookline On Marathon Monday 2019
• Boston Marathon 2019: How To Track A Runner

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).