Sports

Boston Marathon 2019: What Time Does It Start, Weather, How Fast

Are you planning on finding a spot to watch the Boston Marathon April 15? Here's what to know.

This year is the 123rd running of the Boston Marathon.
This year is the 123rd running of the Boston Marathon. (Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff)

BOSTON — Marathon Monday is fast approaching and there's plenty to know about how to watch your favorite athletes as they push through the 26.2-mile course with thousands of folks cheering them on. Even if you don't know anyone running the race, it's hard not to get swept up in the day's excitement. There's nothing quite like standing along the route and watching as runners push mental and physical limits - yes, even if it's raining.

The Marathon goes back to 1897 when it was called "The American Marathon," and for folks here in town, it's still the marathon. The 123rd running is Monday, April 15.

It's also the first time the race has landed on the same date, April 15, as the Marathon Bombings in 2013.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forest-Lake Bluffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here's what you need to know about the route, when the race starts and what to bring. We'll keep adding to this. So check back. Got a question we haven't answered yet? Shoot us an email at jenna.fisher@patch.com and we'll get to it!

26.2 miles. What's the route?

It was 24.5 miles until 1924 when it changed to line up with the Olympic standard. Boston’s course begins in Hopkinton and winds through eight municipalities, ending on Boylston Street.

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Via the BAA official spectator guide

How many people are running?

About 30,000. Since 2015, the marathon has had a cap of about 30,000 runners except for two years. In 1996, for the century anniversary of the running, the race took about 38,000 entrants. In 2014, the year after the deadly bombings at the finish line, the Boston Athletic Association expanded the field to include 36,000, in part to accommodate anyone who wasn't able to finish the race the year before on account of the bombing.

What time does the race start?

Different athletes start at different times. The first batch head off at 8:40 a.m., and the final wave starts at 11:15 a.m.

  • Mobility Impaired: 8:40 a.m.
  • Men’s Push-Rim Wheelchair: 9:02 a.m.
  • Women’s Push-Rim Wheelchair: 9:04 a.m.
  • Handcycles and Duos: 9:25 a.m.
  • Elite Women: 9:32 a.m.
  • Elite Men: 10 a.m.
  • Wave One: 10:02 a.m.
  • Wave Two: 10:25 a.m.
  • Wave Three: 10:50 a.m.
  • Wave Four: 11:15 a.m.
Credit: BAA

How do you track a runner?

There are three options that aren't creepy. Here's How To Track A Runner.

What about results?

Save this link to check in on the live results, leaderboard, winners.

What's the weather going to be like?

The forecast as of 3 p.m. Sunday was for an 80 percent chance of showers, with a low of 42 degrees F and and a high near 68.

The average start temperature is typically high 40s to low 50s, but there have been several extremes. In 2012, the start temperature was 77 degrees and rose to 84, sending many into the medical tents to treat heat exhaustion. In 2015 and 2018 runners had to deal with a steady cold rain, sending hundreds to medical tents to warm up and to treat symptoms of hypothermia.

American winners

The last time an American man won the race was 2014 the year after the bombings. Meb Keflezighi was the first American to claim first place since 1983. Keflezighi is serving as this year's marathon grand marshal on the anniversary of his win.

Last year, Desiree Linden was the first American woman to win since Lisa Larsen Weidenbach in 1985. Linden is set to run again.

How fast do people run the marathon?

Some people run this race fast. In order to qualify to run the Boston Marathon without having to raise money for a charity men between the ages of 18 and 34 have to prove they've run a 26.2 mile marathon course recognized by the folks at the BAA in 3 hours and five minutes or less. For women in that age group they must run it in three hours and 35 minutes or less.

Of the race’s 30,000, some 80 percent are time qualifiers and roughly 20 percent sign up to run with a charity.

Those who run/ walk the race to raise money for charity will often take a bit longer. A couple years ago a man with a disability and his support team started the race Monday morning with everyone else, but didn't finish until everyone had gone home, well after midnight.

Where can I watch the Boston Marathon?

Live local Marathon coverage can be seen on WBZ-TV or on the CBS local stream online. There are a couple of ways to catch it on your mobile device or on television. Check out our handy guide How To Watch here.

Security: What to bring?

So far officials say they've been working security for the past six months. So far no credible reports of threats on the six-year anniversary of the bombings at the finish line. But there are a few things officials said you should not bring the Boston Marathon.

Where can I grab a bite to eat?

Here are a dozen spots to eat in Brookline On Marathon Monday if you need some inspiration.

And the T?

Don't even think about getting off at Copley station.

What's this talk of an expo?

It's like Times Square for runners, with everything from vendors selling new kicks to talks by past marathon winners. Last year it was held way out in the Seaport. This year it's back at Hynes Convention Center.

  • Friday, April 12, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 13, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 14, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Learn more about the Boston Marathon Expo.

New this year, a three-day celebration for the fans. Fan Fest will be at Copley Square just steps from the finish line and feature experiences with official Boston Marathon sponsors, live music, returning champions and a race weekend clinic

  • Friday, April 12, 12:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 13, 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 14, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).


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