Best Places To Watch The 2021 Boston Marathon In Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Boston Marathon runs through Framingham every year from miles 5 - 8. Want to cheer on runners and watch them take on this historic event? You might have to get strategic to get a good viewpoint.

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

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

Framingham is a good spot to spectate, as runners encounter the first significant upward slope - along half-mile incline as they enter Framingham toward the end of the mile. This is where some runners will drop off, demonstrating a clearer lead.

Framingham is also a great place to watch the marathon because instead of taking the crowded T to watch the race downtown, fans can take the MBTA commuter rail out to the suburbs instead. Framingham is easily accessible via public transportation, which makes it a popular, but not chaotic, place to watch the race.

The optimal viewing time to catch the runners in Framingham is from 9:05 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

If you plan to drive to Framingham, please consider that roads near the racecourse will begin to close around 8:30 a.m. Traffic will be heavy, so give ample time for travel.

MBTA Locations

Like Ashland, Natick, and Wellesley, the best way to get to Framingham from Boston is on the Worcester/Framingham Commuter Rail line on the MBTA.

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

The 'Framingham' MBTA station is on the north side of the course (runner left) at about the 6.6-mile mark.

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 Framingham stop runs parallel to Waverly Street (Route 135) in Framingham, providing the easiest way to access the race.

The further away you walk from the commuter rail station though, the better the view you'll get.

Road Closures In Framingham

All of West Union Street and Waverly Street in Framingham will be closed from 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Parts of Concord Street and Irving Street will also be closed from 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Parking In Framingham

Parking restrictions along the route may be in place leading up to and on the day of the marathon.

Available side street parking might be the best course of action, but spots may be scarce unless you get there early enough.

You can park at the Framingham MBTA station if parking is still available.

Daily parking rates are $2 – $15, and you can pay in cash, credit, or on your phone.

Full Route Information

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

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.

A Little History of Framingham

Framingham houses the 6-mile mark of the Boston Marathon, a stopping point for many where communities come together with music, food, face painting, and more to help cheer on the runners.

In addition to being a significant stop along the marathon route, Framingham has significant historical ties.

In the country's infancy, Framingham was home to one of the most important patriots in the Revolutionary War – Crispus Attucks. Attucks' death in the Boston Massacre was a key event that motivated Americans to rally against the British.

Framingham is also widely known for Framingham State University, a public college situated on 50-acres in town.

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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