Where and when does the Boston Marathon take place?
The Marathon begins in the town of Hopkinton. The first half of the race runs along Route 135. Near Wellesley College the runners head to Route 16. At Mile 17, the runners take a right onto Commonwealth Ave. This is the beginning of the infamous Heartbreak Hill. Heartbreak Hill is actually the third hill in a series of hills (over four miles) that summit at Boston College. Then it is a quick right onto Chestnut Hill followed by a left onto Beacon Street. The runners eventually meet up again with Commonwealth Avenue, and finish by taking a right onto Hereford and a left onto Boylston. The Marathon finishes near the John Hancock Tower in Copley Square. A terrific map can be found at bostonmarathon.com. The Marathon start time is Monday at 12 noon. Wheelchair racers begin just before then. The winners will complete the Marathon in approximately one and a half hours (wheelchair) and just over two hours (running). It may be a short while later that the first HBSer crosses the line.
