Best Places To Watch The 2021 Boston Marathon In Wellesley

WELLESLEY, MA — Sick of being stuck inside for the last year and a half? Want to check out the historic 2021 Boston Marathon for yourself but aren't sure where to start? Look no further.

Wellesley is the halfway point for the marathon!

Wellesley College cancels classes for the day and students begin lining up soon after Mile 12 to create what they call the 'Scream Tunnel' - a wall of sound, unbroken for the duration of the race and amplified by loud music, colorful signs, high fives, hugs, and kisses to cheer on the runners as they race past.

The 'Scream Tunnel' started in front of the college in the 1970s, when women were finally able to run the race.

One could argue that Wellesley and its students are as much a feature of the race as 'Heartbreak Hill.'

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

If you plan to drive to Wellesley, 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 optimal viewing time to catch the runners in Wellesley is from 9:40 a.m. - 10 a.m.

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

MBTA Locations:

There are three MBTA Stations in Wellesley near the north side (runner left) of the course.

'Wellesley Square' is at the 13.4-mile mark, 'Wellesley Hills' is at the 14.4-mile mark, and 'Wellesley Farms' is at the 15.5-mile mark.

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.

Wellesley has three MBTA commuter rail stops, Wellesley Square, Wellesley Hills, and Wellesley Farms. All three stops along the Framingham/Worcester Line are less than a quarter-mile from the racecourse.

Wellesley Square Commuter Rail Station is located right off of Route 16, where the runners will be racing.

To get to the Scream Tunnel, you're going to want to get off the Wellesley Square Commuter Rail Stop and walk east towards the J.P. Licks, keep going until you've crossed by Wellesley College.

Wellesley Hills Commuter Rail Station is located at 341 Washington Street, also off of Route 16, but closer to Route 9.

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

Wellesley Farms Commuter Rail Station can be found at 90 Croton Street in Wellesley. A little off the beaten path, this

Since there are so many MBTA stops in Wellesley, chances are that the areas surrounding them will be on the busier side, however, Downtown Wellesley is a bit more relaxed. There's yummy chia pudding at nearby Cocobeet or a nice salad at Cafe Mangal.

Road Closures In Wellesley:

All of Central Street and Washington Street in Wellesley will be closed from 7:30 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Parts of Grove Street, Weston Road, Wellesley Avenue, Linden Street, Forest Street, Rice Street, Oakland Street, and Walnut Street will also be closed from 7:30 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Parking In Wellesley:

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 any of the Wellesley 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 of Wellesley

Wellesley College is around the halfway point on the marathon route.

According to the BAA, Wellesley students were reported to have favored one of the runners from the first events, (A Harvard student) and began to scream when he ran by.

This tradition held on, as Wellesley became home to The Scream Tunnel. The ritual gained even more momentum in the 1970s when women were at last allowed to officially run the race.

According to Runners' World magazine, "Thousands of women line about a quarter-mile of the course, motivating runners with hoots, hollers, high-fives... even kisses! The so-called Wellesley Scream Tunnel is so loud, runners say they can hear it from a mile away."

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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