Best Places To Watch The 2021 Boston Marathon In Natick

NATICK, MA — The fourth town along the Boston Marathon racecourse is Natick, and the location helps pack an important punch of energy to runners as they hit the 10-mile mark.

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 Natick, the best advice is to get there as early as you possibly can.

After the first significant upward slope in Framingham, runners start to drop off, creating a clearer lead for those at the front.

Stores and more stores line the route through Natick, and spectator spots can become a little busier.

The optimal viewing time to catch the runners in Natick is from 9:20 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.

If you plan to drive to Natick, 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.

The 'West Natick' MBTA station is near the eight-mile mark, and the 'Natick' MBTA Station is at about the 10-mile mark.

Both stations are just steps from the north side (runner left) of the racecourse.

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

MBTA Locations:

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.

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.

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.

Natick has two MBTA commuter rail stops, West Natick and Natick Center. Both stops along the Framingham/Worcester Line are less than a quarter-mile from the racecourse.

Sandwiched between Boden Lane and Brooklyn New York Pizza, the West Natick Station is right off of West Central Street where the race will be happening.

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

Natick Center Commuter Rail Station is located at 1 Walnut Street in Natick, parallel to East Central Street, where the runners will pass through.

Road Closures In Natick:

All of Central Street in Natick will be closed from 7:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Parts of Mill Street, Speen Street, Pond Street, Main Street (Route 27 intersection), Union Street, and Marion Street will also be closed from 7:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Parking In Natick:

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 West Natick or Natick Center Commuter Rail MBTA stations 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 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.

Rules and Guidelines:

Those interested in attending the race this year are also being asked for their cooperation in following reasonable and common-sense guidelines that will help ensure the safety and security of participants, volunteers, and spectators.

Spectators intending on watching the Boston Marathon from anywhere along the 26.2-mile course should expect a significant presence of uniformed and plain-clothed police officers.

Spectators entering official B.A.A. event venues, approaching viewing areas on the course, or in viewing areas on the course, may be asked to pass through security checkpoints, and law enforce

For a full list of items prohibited from the race click here.

For more information on the Boston Marathon, check out the Boston Athletic Association's website.

A Little History on Natick

Natick was originally established as a Praying Town in 1651. Praying towns were developed by the Puritans of New England from 1646 to 1675 in an effort to convert the local Native American tribes to Christianity.

When the railroad came to Natick in 1834, the town changed from a small, rural village into a bustling industrial town.

After 1945, Natick felt part of a housing boom and the development of new industries along route 9.

The Natick Common is located at mile 10 on the course route, and the midpoint is in Wellesley.

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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