*Please note that the Boston Marathon has been postponed until September 14, 2020.

Every year, Massachusetts celebrates Patriots’ Day, a fun-filled state holiday of which the main event is The Boston Marathon. The annual race began in 1897, and it’s grown to become one of the most popular, and competitive marathons in the world. The course winds through several cities throughout Greater Boston, and finishes on Boylston Street in Beantown’s historic Copley Square. 

For travelers in town during the upcoming Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20th, we put together this brief guide to attending the expansive and immersive event. 

Choosing Your Spot

Choosing the right spot is an important decision for those interested in spending the whole of Marathon Monday watching the runners. When finding a vantage point, there are a lot of options to consider. 

Which Leg of the Race Do You Want To See?

For those interested in catching the electric start of the 2020 Boston Marathon, you’ll have to take the trip to nearby Hopkinton, where runners will have their start before making the 26-mile trek to Downtown Boston. Race organizers recently released a list of start times for the various groups taking part in the race. Waves will take off from around 9:00am through just past 11:00am, and categories include wheelchair divisions, elite runners, and para athletes. 

Following the kickoff, you can pick a number of locations from which to set up for a day’s worth of spectating. Those staying in the city should check out popular race landmarks such as HeartBreak Hill, and the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Also, if you want to attend the annual Patriots Day Red Sox game, then you can step out afterwards and catch some of the race from Kenmore Square. 

Those who want to see that inspirational glory wash over runners as they pass the finish line on Boylston Street will want to get there early. Crowds pack the stands throughout the day every year, and traffic is blocked off throughout the area. Any travelers staying in Boston can easily get to the finish line of the Boston Marathon by taking the T to Copley Station. 

Staying Connected With The Boston Marathon

Runners and spectators visiting town for the big race can keep up with all of the events taking place around the race, and enjoy interactive course maps, and live tracking of participants with the B.A.A. Marathon App. 

Staying With The Whitney Hotel Boston

Book a stay with The Whitney Hotel Boston when traveling to Massachusetts for the 2020 Boston Marathon and Patriots Day.