| Superfan No. 1 |
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Hi all -- I'm planning to watch the Boston Marathon next week and I'm not sure exactly what to expect, so I thought I'd ask. My girlfriend is running in the elite women's race starting at 9:30. I'm planning to get out from Boston to Framingham on the commuter rail to watch with her family there. After the women run by (maybe 10:20-30, we'll drive in to Boston on either Route 9 or 90 to Government Center. Then we want to park at the Boston Common parking garage and walk over to the finish in time to see her finish at (hopefully) 12:10 to 12:20. Any foreseeable problems? Think we could wait for the men to come by in Framingham (maybe 10:40) or is it risky? Thanks in advance. And may the force be with you. |
| David Wilson |
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The driving part ought to be feasible. I would take the Mass. Pike (90) in from Framingham; that will get you very close to the Common (might take about 30 minutes?) Route 9 is slightly more direct but liable to be clogged up with traffic, particularly at marathon time. My worry would be that the Boston Common garage might be full up. As long as you can find somewhere to park, you should be fine to wait to see the men go by in Framingham. |
| Cholly |
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It can be a little slow-going driving from downtown Framingham to the Mass Pike (Int.90) but very doable. Park strategically in Framingham and hustle on your transitions from viewing area to car. I would not attempt to park in the Common garage. I reccommend parking in the parking garage in the Theater District, just south of Tufts Medical/Wang Theater on Tremont Street. It's a couple blocks south of the Common and Boylston Street. Take South Station exit off the Pike. The toughest part will be fighting crowds as you walk towards the finish area, so plan your route accordingly and don't expect to be able to cross Boylston anywhere near the finish area. |
| Superfan No. 1 |
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Thank you very much for the replies. I will look into both the Theater and Boston Common parking. I've been to the finish line before so I know it's crazy, but we'll take our chances with the garages. See you at the finish line! |
| Boston Runner2 |
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if its not imperative to be at the finish line you can actually see her 3 times on the course 10k, 14.5ish (city sports) and then 25ish (st mary's stop). you might even be able to get to finish from 14.5 but as others have said you're better off parking elsewhere and running over to finish. i know the top part is doable as I've had family do it 6 times and i know they take route 9. look at a map...its very doable. |
| Cephus |
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I had a similar plan a few years ago when I went up with a friend to see him run. I would suggest you drive back and leave the car in Cambridge and take the subway over to near the finishline area from there. Much less risky from a parking perspective and you should have plenty of time. |
| herewego |
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Where's your girl from, they aint no Americans starting at 9:32 yo. |
| Elite Hobby Jogger |
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Very important....make sure your getaway vehicle is parked NORTH of Route135. If you park on the other side, you won't be able to cross the race route to get to 90 or 9 once the racers start coming. |
| BEM |
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I started in the elite women's field a couple of years back and my family watched me at about 10 miles and then made it to the finish line in time but they didn't stick around to watch the lead men, they left right after they saw me come through. Good luck to your girlfriend. |
| Hopkinton |
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Just a suggestion - You might consider taking the train to Natick Center. (Mile 10) and meet her family there. It'll be much easier to get away to Boston via RT9. And if, interested, you'd also have sufficient time to see your GF in Newton (@ 30K) to boot. Let me know. |
| Daily double |
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Think the parking might be problem. Parking in Cambridge and then hopping mbta or walking over might be better. Good luck |
| Jerk Store |
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Make a left at the Dunkin Donuts. |
| Superfan No. 1 |
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Great suggestions. Lots to consider, but I'm glad to hear it's possible to see them on the course and be at the finish. And she's definitely in the elite field. The elite entrants on the BAA website aren't the whole field, if that's what you're looking at. There's a bunch more people who'll be racing with them. She ran six minute miles in her last marathon for more than half, so I think she'll be doing that for a while. Not sure how far behind that puts her but I don't think she'll be alone the whole time. |
| Hopkinton |
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At that pace she'll likely trail the leaders by 4 minutes @ Framingham Center and nearly 6 minutes @ Natick Center. |