var towns = new Array (
"HOPKINTON ASHLAND FRAMINGHAM NATICK WELLESLEY NEWTON BRIGHTON BROOKLINE BOSTON"
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var bobbyBlog = new Array (
"26 at 41
Bobby Skerry, the production manager for The MetroWest Daily News, is running the Boston Marathon for the 2nd time and you can try to keep up with him on his blog."
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var jessPray = new Array (
"Featured Runner
Jessica Pray, of Hopkinton, will be running the Boston Marathon for the first time this year. Pray, who works at Genzyme in Framingham, has been a runner for 10 years."
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var townsInfo = new Array (
"HOPKINTON (miles 1-2)
General - Please forgive Hopkinton residents if they seem a little crazy for the Marathon. After all, the town has played a central role in the race since 1924, when native son and Boston Athletic Association member George Brown moved the starting line from Ashland to his hometown so the course could conform to the Olympic standard of 26 miles, 385 yards. While Ashland still curses that decision, Hopkinton has embraced its status as the Marathon's mile zero.
Best places to watch - Fans wanting to join in the annual celebration should park at Hopkinton State Park off Rte. 85 or at the South Street Industrial Park, then use the free shuttle buses to arrive by 9 a.m. at the starting line. Painted by Ashland resident Jack LeDuc, the stripe straddles Rte. 135 across from the Town Common and features a new design every year. For the closest vantage point, Hopkinton Athletic Association President Tim Kilduff recommends standing on the small hill on the southeast corner of Ash Street and Rte. 135, next to the office building at 1 Ash St. For an impressive view of the whole field of runners stretching off in the distance, Kilduff suggests going 100 to 200 yards down the course toward Ashland and crossing over to the north side of Rte. 135.
Landmarks - In addition to the runners, visitors should check out a statue of 1946 Marathon winner Stylianos Kyriakides at the one mile mark next to Weston Nurseries. A second statue will also be unveiled this year: a bronze tribute to Brown that was created by sculptor and town marathoner Michael Alfano for display at the Town Common until a permanent home can be found in Hopkinton. Those wanting to pay their respects to Brown can also visit his grave at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery, less than a mile from the starting line.ASHLAND (miles 3-5)
General - Ashland, a town of about 16,000, has two major claims to fame: Henry Warren invented the electric clock here, and the town was the original starting point of the Boston Marathon when it began in 1897. That distinction moved to Hopkinton in 1924 when organizers lengthened the route to 26 miles to conform with Olympic standards. (Ashlanders try not to hold a grudge.)
For the race - Along the marathon course, the first surest sign for a runner that they've finished the downhill slope from Hopkinton and arrived in Ashland is Marathon Deli at 250 West Union St. (Rte. 135). It's also a good spot to take in the race with a sandwich. 'The road does a little up and down, and as you come up over a little bit of a hill, Marathon Deli is at the bottom and you know you've hit Ashland,' said Assistant Town Manager/ Finance Director Mark Purple, who ran the marathon last year and plans to compete again this year. Also near the town line at 355 West Union St. is T.J. Spirits, a tavern and restaurant usually packed on Marathon day with hungry spectators.
Best places to watch - The marathon route crosses Main Street in the center of town. For those who like to be in the middle of the action, there's probably nothing more quintessentially Ashland than watching in the shadow of the nearby former Telechron building with its clock fixed on top. Headed toward Framingham, the Dairy Queen at 6 Chestnut St. roughly marks mile four on the route and another popular gathering spot for spectators with a sweet tooth. Development thins out as runners get closer to Framingham.
Landmarks - Reminders of the marathon's roots remain. Runners would have to wander off-course to see it, but there's a Marathon Park on Pleasant Street, and a mural details the route upstairs at Town Hall on Main Street.FRAMINGHAM (miles 6-7)
General - With about 67,000 residents, Framingham is the largest town in the state. Founded in 1700, Framingham flourished with the growth of mills and factories, especially the Saxonville and Nobscot neighborhoods. Now it hosts such corporations as Bose Corporation, Staples, Genzyme, Natural Microsystems, Perini, Lifeline and TJX. Recreational opportunities include the Danforth Museum and Garden in the Woods.
For the race - As runners reach downtown Framingham, they'll be keeping their eyes open for the downtown train depot, which signals the 10K mark in the race. Miles five, six and part of mile seven on the marathon course run through Framingham along Rte. 135, effectively bisecting the town.
Best places to watch - Spectators often line the course two and three deep, cheering elite runners as they streak past, and giving others a much-needed lift to keep going. With thousands of runners clogging the street, the town is a top spot for young race fans to interact with runners before the enter the leg-sapping hills later on the course. Among the best places to watch the race are in front of the downtown train depot, and the intersection of rtes. 126 and 135, where many spectators often take to lawn chairs to cheer on runners. In past years, the town was famous for restaurants which would secure one-day permits for outdoor events which included barbecues and live music, but town officials have lately cut down on such activities.NATICK (miles 8-11)
General - Established in 1651 as a community for Praying Indians, Natick became a major commercial center in the late 19th century; many of the buildings in Natick Center date from this period. At one time, the town had more than 20 shoe factories, making it one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the country. The town was also known for baseballs (the Harwood Baseball Factory is just up the street from the Marathon route), straw hats, horses and other goods. Today, Natick is considered a suburb of Boston. It is the home of the U.S. Army Development Center, which has developed everything from Tang to textiles for the military. Along Rte. 9, the Natick Collection opened in late 2007 after adding several high-end retailers, including Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, as well as luxury condos.
For the race - Natick is generally flat, with plenty of places for spectators to cheer racers on. Much of Rte. 135 between Fiske Pond and Natick Center is part of the Henry Wilson Historic District, a collection of 19th-century houses, many of which have been renovated over the past few years. The First Congregational Church in Natick Center can be seen just as racers approach the 10-mile mark; for those without a timepiece, the clock is their first indication of how they're doing as they approach the halfway mark in the race. As racers approach mile 11, they will encounter a few hills - a warmup to what lies ahead in Newton.
Best places to watch - Most places along Rte. 135 are good for spectating. In West Natick, there's the area in front of Pizza Peddler. In Natick Center, there's the rise around the old St. Patrick's School. One of the best places to watch is the town common, where locals sit in lawn chairs or pack the sidewalks three and four deep. The smell of charcoal grills pervades as the VFW, Fair & Yager Insurance and other local businesses that cook up stamina-building snacks to keep spectators focused on a long day of marathon watching. Heading toward Wellesley, try Town Line Liquors.
Note - The area around Middlesex Path (just past mile 9) is a favorite spot for runners to relieve themselves. Natick is also the infamous site of last year's motorcycle accident when a state police trooper hit Framingham resident Norma Shulman outside of the Henry Wilson Shoe Shop on Rte. 135. Shulman sustained rib and neck injuries from being knocked on her back.
Landmarks - Fiske Pond along 135; First Congregational Church; Natick Common; St. Patrick's Church; old Commonwealth Armory.
Local Connections - Lots of Marathon runners use Rte. 135 for their training; on weekends leading up to Marathon Monday, it's common to see dozens of runners making their way through Natick and Wellesley.Wellesley (miles 12-16)
General - Established in 1881, when 'West Needham' broke away to form its own town, Wellesley has become known for its high-priced homes, abundance of open space and good schools. It's home to Wellesley College, MassBay College and Babson College, as well as Dana Hall School. Wellesley is also home to some major companies such as SunLife Insurance. Central Street (Rte. 135) is one of the town's main commercial centers, a mix of local and chain stores. Linden Street, one block north of Central, is another major commercial center that is undergoing renovations.
For the race - Wellesley marks the midway point of the Marathon (in fact, you can see the '1/2' mark near the intersection of routes 135 and 16). Racers will go past Wellesley College, through downtown Wellesley, then head down Rte. 16 on their way to Newton.
Best places to watch - the lawn in front of Wellesley Town Hall; along Wellesley High School; the park around the clock tower between routes 9 and 16; along St. John's School toward Lower Falls.
Note - Due to bridge construction at the Route 9/16 bridge (between miles 14 and 15), spectator space could be limited.
Landmarks - The Wellesley College 'scream tunnel' between miles 12 and 13; Wellesley Town Hall, built by H.H. Richardson; the Wellesley High School athletic fields; the clock tower at Wellesley Falls.
Local Connections - Last year, at least one Wellesley College student offered to kiss runners to help them along.Newton (miles 17-21)
General - Established in 1630, Newton is another community that prides itself on its schools; it's also been cited as one of the safest cities in America. It's also a city with plenty of history; the Jackson Homestead, home of the Newton History Museum, was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Boston College calls Newton home, as well as the Carroll Center for the Blind and Newton Country Day School.
For the race - The terrain in this city is legendary; it tests the mettle of even the most experienced runners. 'Heartbreak Hill' at mile 19 has turned many a runner's dream into disappointment.
Best places to watch - The corner where Rte. 16 turns onto Commonwealth Avenue, Brae Burn Country Club, Heartbreak Hill/Newton City Hall, along Boston College.
Note - The Woodland MBTA station (Green Line) can bring spectators to Rte. 16, just before the turn to Commonwealth Avenue (Rte. 30).
Landmarks - Newton Fire Station at mile 17, Heartbreak Hill, the Johnny Kelley statue (both at Newton City Hall, between miles 19 and 20), Boston College (mile 21).
Local Connections - In 2003, two runners, Laura Snider and Pat Duprey, took a break at the 19-mile marker to get married on the Newton City Hall steps.Brighton (miles 22-23)
General - Established in 1807 and annexed to the city of Boston in 1874, it was originally known as 'Little Cambridge,' and was a prosperous farming community in the early 19th century. By the middle 1800s, both Brighton and neighboring Allston were part of a large cattle industry that lasted well into the 20th century. Allston-Brighton recently celebrated its bicentennial. Portions of Harvard University and Boston College are in Brighton.
For the race - Racers will continue to trek down Commonwealth Avenue. Around Cleveland Circle, the marathon takes on a bit of a party atmosphere, as spectators, many of them college students, enjoy the race and cheer on the racers.
Best places to watch - Cleveland Circle, Beacon Street
Note - Police are usually out in force looking for booze and students hanging out of apartment windows along Beacon Street.
Landmarks - Roggie's Brew and Grill
Local Connections - In 1997, women's wheelchair champ Jeanne Driscoll was denied an eighth straight title when her wheels got caught on the trolley tracks in Cleveland Circle and she tumbled. The tracks have since been removed.Brookline (miles 23-25)
General - Established in 1705, the settlement was originally known as Muddy River. A farming community in the 1700s, it changed into a suburb with large estates by the late 19th century. The Olmsted Estate, the Larz Anderson Transportation Museum and the Longwood Medical Center are just a few of the local landmarks in this community. The town is best known as the home of Theo Epstein, Conan O'Brien, Barbara Walters and other celebrities. But on Marathon Monday, it's the runners who take center stage, as they pace through Beacon Street toward the 'home stretch.'
For the race - Beacon Street is a straight shot lined with shops, restaurants and handsome brick buildings. When runners see the Citgo sign at Kenmore Square, they know they have less than 2 miles to go.
Best places to watch - Beacon Street, Coolidge Corner
Note - Leave the car at home (you don't need it, you don't want it). The Green Line (C Line) runs the length of Beacon Street.
Landmarks - Washington Square; the Tudor-style S.S. Pierce Building in Coolidge Corner
Local Connections - Brookline is a favorite spot to watch the race. Boylston Street has the finish line, and Heartbreak Hill has the schadenfreude, but Beacon boasts a mellow, festive scene with tons of pubs, cafes and sidewalk marathon parties.Boston (mile 25-finish)
General - Although the race is named after Boston, the race goes through less than 2 miles of the city. However, these 2 miles lead down Boylston Street to the finish line near the John Hancock Tower in Copley Square.
Best places to watch - Along Boylston Street.
Note - The MBTA usually closes the Copley Square T station. If you're heading to the finish line, try the Kenmore, Hynes, Arlington or Boylston stations.
Landmarks - Prudential Center (the old finish line), Hancock Tower, Copley Square, Trinity Church, Boston Public Library. Newbury Street is one block over."
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