Boston Marathon 2024: What To Know Along The Route For Monday's Race

BROOKLINE, MA — A sunny day with highs reaching up near 70 degrees should make it a perfect day for spectators — if perhaps a bit warm for those running the 26.2 miles — but those headed to the course on Monday to route on runners will have to be aware of the many road closures and no parking restrictions in place to make the 128th Boston Marathon a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

"We are getting the rain out of the way so that we will have a wonderful day on Monday and I am so grateful for the many public safety partners here who come together to make sure this largest event in Boston all year goes smoothly and is a family-friendly, fun, memorable event for everyone," Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said at a Friday morning news conference.

(Also on Patch: Boston Restaurants Helping Marathon Runners Carbo-Load Before Big Race)

Wu said that she joined the Boston police briefing on Thursday along with representatives from all other departments along the route and that she was impressed with how they were "discussing every little detail — even tweaks from last year — to ensure that the traffic flow will go as smoothly as possible in the parts that may be impacted and that safety is always paramount."

The Boston Athletic Association has released a full spectator guide that can be found here.

The MBTA will offer additional inbound and outbound trips on Marathon Monday along the Framingham/Worcester line.

The $10 Weekend Holiday Pass on the Commuter Rail will be observed through all zones and stations on Monday.

Full service additions, station restrictions and schedules for the subway, busses and Commuter Rail can be found here.

Residents along the Boston Marathon route are advised to be on the lookout for National NuclearSecurity low-altitude aircraft conducting security flights over the course in the days leading up to Monday's race.

The flights are scheduled from Thursday through Monday to test for expected background radiation as part of standard public health and safety preparations.

Here are some notes from along the course for those who may be headed out to watch the race on Monday or who need to travel through the Marathon route communities:

BOSTON

Various parking restrictions will be in place to support the running of the 128th Boston Marathon with "No Stopping" areas in many places throughout the weekend with the race coming down Commonwealth Avenue toward Kenmore Square and Boylston Street on Monday.

Family meeting areas will be located on Clarendon Street, Saint James Avenue and Stuart Street.

A full list of Boston road closures and "no stopping restrictions" can be found here.

BROOKLINE

Beacon Street and all crossroads will be closed on Monday as early as 8:30 a.m. for the entire day.

During the Marathon, if you're on foot and need to cross to the other side of Beacon Street, there are three designated pedestrian crossovers along the route. The first is close to Washington Square at Tappan Street, the second is near Coolidge Corner at Webster Street, and the other is lower Beacon at the intersection of Hawes Street.

Boston Athletic Association volunteers and field officials will be at those locations to assist those who need to cross.

Crossings will not be permitted between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., so attendees and travelers are urged to plan accordingly.

"If you frequent the Brookline area or pass through for work make plans to divert around the town by using major highways or through other communities," Brookline police said.

NEWTON

Temporary road closures along the route start at 8 a.m. on race morning and will be in place until approximately 6 p.m. with parking restrictions in many places as well.

Here is a map of where roads will be closed and where parking will be restricted on race day. Red indicates a road closed to all traffic, Brown indicates no parking, Blue indicates one-way traffic, and Purple indicates residents access only.

A full list of Newton road closures can be found here.

"There will be highly visible uniformed officers spread out along the entire route, as well as state and federal agencies in our city for assistance," Newton police said. "As always, we need to remain vigilant and attentive at all times. If you see something, say something. Report any unusual activity to one of our uniformed officers or call 9-1-1 immediately."

WELLESLEY

Roads will close at 8:30 a.m. in Wellesley.

The Boston Marathon Route divides Wellesley in half. The race enters Wellesley on Central Street (Rt. 135) at the Natick line near Wellesley College. The race route proceeds east on Central Street through Wellesley Square. The race then continues on Washington Street (Rt. 16) eastbound through Wellesley Hills and into the Lower Falls. The race exits Wellesley on Washington Street at the Newton line.

The only way to cross over the route with a motor vehicle is to utilize Route 9 (Worcester Street) underneath Route 16 (Washington Street).

Central Street will be closed from the Natick line to Grove Street. Washington Street will be closed from Grove Street to the Newton line. There will be no traffic allowed across the race route once the road is closed. Vehicles parked in parking lots along the route will not be allowed to leave until the road is open.

Wellesley police said they expect to begin reopening the roads at about 3:30 p.m.

NATICK

Natick hosts an approximately 4-mile stretch of the famous marathon (from mile marker 7.5 -to-11.7, going from west to east).

Road closures will begin at about 7:45 a.m. and begin clearing at about 2:45 p.m. Those coming to Natick to watch the race are encouraged to use the Commuter Rail and get off at stations West Natick at West Central Street and Natick on Walnut Street.

The best place to watch is at Fisk Pond where spectators gather on both sides of the road to cheer on participants before they leave Natick Center. Spectators pack Newton Common on Center Street or with the nice backdrops of Fisk Pond and Lake Cochituate.

(Also on Patch: Boston Marathon 2024: What To Know In Natick)

FRAMINGHAM

The Marathon runs through Framingham for about three miles.

Route 135 will be closed off to drivers as runners make their way from Hopkinton to Ashland to Framingham and beyond.

Waverly Street will be closed from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on race day. A parking ban on Waverly Street and others near it will be in effect starting at midnight until 4 p.m. on Monday, police said.

The Framingham Train Depot is a great spot to watch the athletes pass by and then jump on the inbound Commuter Rail to Boston.

(Also on Patch: Boston Marathon 2024: What To Know In Framingham)

ASHLAND

Ashland roads will close at about 7 a.m.

The best place to watch the race from town is on Main Street. Spectators can then take the Commuter Rail to Boston at the Pleasant Street station to the finish line in Boston.

HOPKINTON

There will be heavy traffic around the Town Common as those visiting for the Marathon come to see the start line.

Marathon-related events, including a youth relay race, are planned throughout the weekend with traffic congestion possible.