Where to watch the marathon

HOPKINTON
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.

ASHLAND
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.

FRAMINGHAM
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
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.

WELLESLEY
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.

NEWTON
The corner where Rte. 16 turns onto Commonwealth Avenue, Brae Burn Country Club, Heartbreak Hill/Newton City Hall, along Boston College.

BRIGHTON
Cleveland Circle, Beacon Street

BROOKLINE
Beacon Street, Coolidge Corner

BOSTON
Along Boylston Street