starting line of boston marathon

baystater

Most everyone has heard of or watched the Boston Marathon. While I would not go out of my way to see the start line, it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. The best time to go is within a month or so after the race as the starting line is freshly painted each year in early April. There is a statue commemorating the race. There really isn't much more than that. But it is fun to go at an off time and photograph yourself at the start line and then to drive eastward toward Boston along the route just to see where they run.The town of Hopkinton is pretty, as is the square that is by the beginning of the race. Stop by the Water Fresh Market just south of the square for lunch and to see their hydroponic garden.

oxforddoc

A site of great historic and cultural interest. You will see a 300 yr.old cemetery, a stone inn where George Washington ahd a meal, a charming New England church, fascinating old homes all around a common. Quaint, authentic.

robert-not-home

364 days a year (365 on leap year) this is simply a stripe of paint (well OK more than just a stripe, but basically just a small painted area across the road) in a quaint New England town next to a pretty little common with the occasional local event. But that one day a year when the Boston Marathon is run the place comes alive with thousands of runners, media, and a well orchestrated gathering. While the finishing line in Boston is where it ends and the winner emerges, there is something special and amazing watching a sea of runners starting their 26.2 mile journey.

Opinionsareus

I wouldn't suggest you make any major detour to see this as there's not much to see. There's a painted area and that's about it. But it's located right at the center of Hopkinton, which is a nice classic NE town. So if you are nearby it's well worth the trip.

Boanet

I had done the finish line in the past and decided to see what the start was like. I enjoyed the start more than the finish. The level of excitement and viewing of 10's of thousands of runners coming down the street was awesome. Everyone was very excited and into cheering on the runners. Have to get there early as roads close by 7 and only a couple of public parking areas. buses ran us back and forth and did a great job. Felt very safe with all the extra security.

WINEandTRAVEL

If you're in Hopkinton definitely check out the starting line where the most famous marathon in the world begins. You can see the starting line faintly painted during the whole year. Also, check out the new statue of Team Hoyt (Dick and Rick Hoyt) the famed father-son marathon team nearby.

LizE802

Living in Hopkinton, I take for granted the amazing site every Patriots Day, when thousandsof people from all over fill our town. It is quite an experience! Best view is right bythe Dough Boy statue where the starting line is. Prepare to be there a couple of hours beforefirst send off!

KennyJH

I was very impressed with the organization of this event!!! Each town tries to out do the other. the girls school is the loudess and they all want a kiss. If it is a cool morning you can leave behind your extra clothes be donated to the Boys & Girls Club. Tons of vendors and Boston is great for history. Will be wroking to go back.

kendrick

Lots going on near the Start Line - food, vendors, music all on the Town Common. And yes, despite what previous review stated, this is all open to the public. You just have to get in to town before 7:30 am or park on the outskirts of town & walk in or take a shuttle bus from the state park.

IrishGirlinWI

You will need extra clothing at the start line, something you can leave behind to be donated, which they do donate to the Boys & Girls Club. I was not aware of this little bit of information, and I was very cold and would have liked something to sit on that I could leave behind at the Athlete's Village prior to the start line (the grass was wet). Other than that, I was very impressed with the organization of this event. I will be going back next year for sure. It was a wonderful experience, despite the tragedy that befell the event. BOSTON STRONG!

Woopiedo

Well---only for the runners! I drove through the small town of Hopkington (sp), the starting line for the Boston Marathon. There was one huge banner already hung welcoming runners with the corporate logo of John Hancock Insurance Company. Very little to see. A town green. I guess the real action is on Marathon Day, yet the public will not be allowed in this area. Better watch the action on TV.

nausetsunriseCK

Ok, so you are in the middle of a typical New England small town with gazebo and green and there is a painted line in the street. Exciting? Well, if you run or appreciate running, this is like mecca, and I do not mean that irreverently. It is a spiritual experience to "be" there and to witness the line that marks the iconic race that is Boston. Like posters you can find in Marathon Sports locations, "all other marathons are just qualifiers" and it then depicts Boston, the starting line is meaningful. So, after visiting, you can then watch on t.v./online each year and recognize where you were in the news coverage.

kataylor35

I used to sell T-Shirts for the Hopkinton Boosters on the common on Marathon Day. It was always a festive atmosphere and I got to meet people visiting from all over the world.

Liaedith

Tuve la oportunidad de estar en Boston cuando se corrió la 104° Marathon que se celebra cada año en Abril Bien organizado los maratonistas eran permanentemente alentados a lo largo del recorrido, alcanzándoles bebibas y a su vez ellos regalando al público algún recuerdo como una vincha o muñequera. Hermoso espectáculo con una organización al minuto porque pude ver carpas con servicio médico y ambulancias para recuperar a aquellos que lo necesitaban. La previa también está pactada ya que un familiar participó ella. La desconcentración se hizo en forma ordenada. Ese día en Boston es feriado. La ciudad es hermosa, muy limpia y tal como la imaginaba.