Marathon12
First held in 1897, the Boston Marathon is the longest-running marathon in the world. And the longest stretch of it is in Newton.
Every year, Newtonians line the race route to cheer on the runners and the wheelchair racers as they push past en route to the finish line.
Unlike last year, which gave us warm sunny weather for Marathon Monday, this coming Monday looks to be a little cooler with some afternoon rain.
If you can’t make it to the marathon in person but want to follow along and check on specific runners, you can download the Boston Athletic Association’s Racing App. The app lets you track runners live and has course maps, social media integration and lots of information about the race.
You can also watch the marathon live on TV and get updates on social media.
Here are some things to know for Marathon Monday.
The route
The Boston Marathon starts in Hopkinton, with the first participants (wheelchair users) taking off at 9 a.m. Other groups start between then and 11 a.m.
Then the marathon heads through Ashland, Framingham, Natick and Wellesley before reaching Newton at the 16th mile. Typically, runners reach Newton just after 10 a.m.
Newton’s portion of the marathon runs from just about the 16th mile marker to right after the 21st mile marker and stretches from Washington Street at the Wellesley line to Auburn Street and then Commonwealth Avenue the rest of the way into Brookline.
If you’re taking the T to the race route, you’ll want to take the Green Line to either the Woodland stop near the 17th mile marker or the Boston College stop near the 21st mile marker and the Heartbreak Hill area.
Map of road closures along the Boston Marathon route. City of Newton
The road closures
Roads near the marathon route will be closed off to traffic starting the night before.
Here’s a rundown of parking restrictions throughout the day Monday.
No parking, now through Monday at 7 p.m.:
- Commonwealth Avenue Carriage Lane, from Washington Street to the Boston line
No parking, Monday 12 a.m. until 7 p.m.:
- Washington Street from the Wellesley line to Auburn Street
- Commonwealth Avenue from Auburn Street to the Boston line
- All feeder streets along the route within 60 feet of the route and on the fire hydrant side of the street
- Algonquin Road, even side
- Beacon Street from Washington Street to Dorset Road
- Beacon Street Extension (north of Washington Street)
- Centre Street from Homer Street to Ward Street
- Chestnut Street from Beacon Street to Highland Street
- College Road from Beacon Street to Commonwealth Avenue
- Concord Street from Hagar Street to Washington Street
- Dorset Road from 1947 Beacon St. to 215 Dorset Road
- Evelyn Road from 192 Evelyn Road to Fuller Street; from Paulson Road to MaryEllen Road
- Evelyn Road from Beacon Street to Paulson Road, odd side
- Fuller Street from Day Street to Evelyn Road
- Grant Avenue from Montvale Road to Ward Street
- Grove Street from Washington Street to Woodland Road
- Hammond Street from Ward Street to Beacon Street
- Homer Street from Commonwealth Avenue to Centre Street
- Lowell Avenue from Commonwealth Avenue to Hull Street
- Maple Street from Woodland Road to Auburn Street
- Old Colony Road from Priscilla Road to Commonwealth Avenue
- Quinobequin Road from I-95 Southbound ramp to Washington Street
- Waban Hill Road, even side
- Walnut Street from Homer Street to Mill Street
- Ward Street from Centre Street to Manet Road
- Woodland Road from Grove Street to Washington Street
Roads closed Monday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
- Washington Street from the Wellesley line to Auburn Street
- Commonwealth Avenue from Auburn Street to the Boston line
- Commonwealth Avenue Carriage Lane from Washington Street to the Boston line
- All feeder streets along race route 60 feet back from the route
- Beacon Street from Washington Street to Dorset Road
- Beacon Street Extension (north of Washington Street)
- Beacon Street From Hammond Street to Boston line (residents only)
- Centre Street from Homer Street to Ward Street
- Chestnut Street from Beacon Street to Highland Street (residents only)
- College Road from Beacon Street to Commonwealth Avenue
- Concord Street from Hagar Street to Washington Street
- Evelyn Road from 192 Evelyn Road to Fuller Street
- Fuller Street from Day Street to Evelyn Road (residents only)
- Grant Avenue from Beacon Street to Ward Street (residents only)
- Grove Street from Washington to Moulton Street
- Hammond Street from Ward Street to Hammondswood Road
- Helene Road/Cotter Road from Paulson Road to Fuller Street
- Homer Street from Commonwealth Avenue to Centre Street
- Lowell Avenue from Commonwealth Avenue to Hull Street (residents only)
- Old Colony Road from Priscilla Road to Commonwealth Avenue
- Quinobequin Road from I-95 Southbound ramp to Washington Street
- Walnut Street from Homer Street to Mill Street (residents only)
- Ward Street from Hammond to Manet Road (residents only)
- Woodland Road from Cheswick Road to Washington Street
One-way streets Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- Maple Street from Woodland Road to Central Street
- Evelyn Road from 118 Evelyn Road to 180 Evelyn Road
- MaryEllen Road from 180 Evelyn Road to 110 Evelyn Road
“Expect traffic delays as no vehicles will be allowed to cross the Marathon Route or access the Carriage Lane of Commonwealth Ave. until the route is reopened,” Newton Police Chief George McMains wrote in a statement to the community.
The security
Newton police will be on high alert the whole day, making sure the marathon is a safe time for both runners and spectators.
“For the safety and convenience of residents, spectators and runners, all bags, backpacks, coolers and baby carriages/strollers are subject to be searched by Police,” Newton Police Chief George McMains said in a statement to the community. “There is no alcohol or grills allowed on public property along the course route.”
And if you’re not running the marathon, stay off the marathon course.
“Any person on the course without an official race bib or accreditation will be directed to leave the course immediately,” McMains warned.
You may see low-flying aircraft along the route, as the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized surveillance and safety checks.
Police are urging everyone to report any suspicious activity or package they see.
The runners
There are two ways someone can run in the Boston Marathon. One is to meet a particular qualifying time in another marathon. The other way is to run on behalf of a charity.
There are 44 Newtonians running the Marathon this year in support of charitable organizations. You can read their bios on a website the city made.
Here’s a quick run-down:
Aideen Doneski
This is Aideen’s first time running the Boston Marathon, and she is doing so on behalf of Family ACCESS of Newton, which provides support, childcare services, and early intervention for young mothers and families.
Alexis Gentile
Alexis is the daughter of Newton firefighter Lt. Mike Gentile, and she is running to support the Newton Fire Children’s Fund, which provides financial support to children whose firefighter parent died in the line of duty.
Alicja Januszewicz
Alicja is a dedicated runner who has run over 250 races, and she is also running to support the Newton Fire Children’s Fund.
Andrew Gambrell
Andrew is a police officer who ran the Boston Marathon last year for the Newton Police Memorial Association, and he is excited to raise money again this year for the organization, which provides financial assistance to injured police officers and their families, as well as donating to other local charities.
Andrew Gambrell is running the Boston Marathon to support the Newton Police Memorial Fund. Courtesy photo
Ann Quandt
Ann has run four marathons and 15 half marathons, and she previously ran the Boston Marathon in 2006. She is running on behalf of the Newton Food Pantry, which provides food to Newton residents in need.
Anna Walker
Anna is a high school senior who grew up watching the Marathon by her home near Mile 18, and always wanted to run it herself. She is running on behalf of the Second Step, which helps people who are survivors of domestic violence.
Charles Pendergast
Charles is a longtime runner and Newton firefighter, and he is running on behalf of the Newton Fire Children’s Fund.
Christine Roecker
Christine has run several other marathons, and is excited to be able to run Boston’s, which will be the sixth of the major world marathons for her. She was married at the Lenox Hotel and watched the Marathon from the rooftop. She is running on behalf of the Newton Fire Children’s Fund.
Dan McAuliffe
Dan is a lifelong Newtonian, former Marine, and current Newton firefighter. He has always wanted to run the Marathon, and is happy to be able to do so on behalf of the Newton Fire Children’s Fund.
David Braun
Community Veterinary Clinic at UMass Amherst Mount Ida Campus
David previously ran and enjoyed the NYC marathon, and when he moved here, he wanted to run the Boston Marathon. He is raising money on behalf of UMass’ Community Veterinary Clinic, which provides low-cost veterinary services.
Anna Walker is running the Boston Marathon to support The Second Step. Courtesy Photo
David Padgett
David Padgett is Assistant Athletic Director at Newton South High School, and has two children who attend Newton Public Schools. He is running on behalf of the Newton Schools Foundation, which provides financial support to Newton schools.
Demetrios Comodromos
Demetrios is an architect and is running on behalf of the Centre Street Food Pantry, which provides food to area residents in need.
Liz Puleo
Liz is a mom of four, and she and her kids have greatly benefited from the West Suburban YMCA. She is running in honor of the late Y board member Fred Greene and in support of the WSYMCA’s financial aid program that makes it possible for all to have access to the Y.
Emily Craven
Emily is a Newton North alumna who grew up watching the Boston Marathon and has since run several marathons elsewhere. She is a junior at the University of Vermont and is running on behalf of Fig City News.
Erling Donnelly
Erling has run several full and half marathons, and he hopes to be able to run all six major world marathons before he turns 50. He is running on behalf of the Newton Fire Children’s Fund, in thanks to the Newton firefighters who spent significant effort in rescuing his cat when she was stuck in a tree on a freezing night last November.
Fiona Cusack
Fiona is an avid runner and is running on behalf of HEARTplay, which provides care and support for children, teens, and young adults who have experienced loss.
Henry Wu
Henry is a physician and dedicated runner who has run 15 marathons, including five of the world’s six major marathons, and Boston will be his sixth major marathon. He is running for the Newton Police Memorial Fund.
Ivy Casavant
Ivy is a lifelong Nonantum resident who has run 12 marathons, including four of the six major ones, and she is running for the Newton Police Memorial Fund in honor of her late grandfather, who was a Newton police officer.
Dan McAuliffe is running the Boston Marathon to support the Newton Fire Children’s Fund. Courtesy photo
Jean Carabuena
Jean is an anesthesiologist at Brigham and Women’s, and she is running on behalf of the Newton Police Memorial Fund, in thanks for the significant contributions they make to the community.
Jeffrey Dawe
Newton Police Memorial Fund
Jeff is a sergeant in the Derry, New Hampshire, police department, and he is running for the Newton Police Memorial Fund.
Jeffrey Phillips
Jeff is a physician and is running the Boston Marathon for the second time on behalf of Pathway to Possible, which is an organization that helps people with cognitive and developmental disabilities. He is grateful for the support they have provided for his sister Kristin.
John McGourty
Arabic Baptist Church Food Pantry
John is retired from the US Navy and is running on behalf of the Arabic Baptist Church Food Pantry, which provides food to area residents in need.
John Schicitano
John is a Newton firefighter who is raising money on behalf of the Newton Fire Children’s Fund. This will be his second Boston Marathon, and he is also running in honor of his late mother Elaine.
Joseph Trask
Joseph is a Newton firefighter and Newton South alumnus who is running for the Newton Fire Children’s Fund. He previously ran the Chicago Marathon.
Julie Costello
Julie is a dedicated runner who is happy to be able to support the work of the Newton Police Memorial Fund.
Julie Hannon
Julie is a nurse at BIDMC. She grew up watching her father run the Boston Marathon and decided to start running it herself as a senior at Boston College. She has since run several marathons and is happy to be able to run on behalf of the Newton Fire Children’s Fund this year.
Katelyn Budreau
Katelyn is a teacher for the visually impaired at the Carroll Center for the Blind, and she will be running on their behalf. The Center helps people who are blind or visually impaired live more independent lives.
Kelly Schultz
Kelly is a dedicated runner and Newton mother of three who is running on behalf of Newton Athletes Unlimited, which is an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities, including Kelly’s son, access sports.
Lauren Planas
Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA)
Lauren is a Registered Dietitian who works with many people suffering from an eating disorder, which is why she is running on behalf of the Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA), which provides services for people with eating disorders.
Lindsey Thornton
Lindsey is a dedicated runner who is happy to be able to support the work of the Newton Police Memorial Fund.
Sara Schiller is running the Boston Marathon to support the New Arts Center. Courtesy photo
Marie Walsh
Marie is a sophomore at Boston College who has run three half-marathons this year, and is dedicated to promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities, which inspired her to run on behalf of Understanding Our Differences, an organization that fosters inclusivity through education.
Mark Hoerrmann
Mark is a retired sergeant for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and he is running on behalf of the Newton Police Memorial Fund.
Maureen Cummings
Maureen is a nurse who is running the Boston Marathon for the fourth time on behalf of Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast, which provides pasteurized donor milk to premature infants.
Meg Palmer
Newton Police Memorial Fund
Meg is an avid runner who is happy to be able to support the work of the Newton Police Memorial Fund.
Maggie Chaviano
This will be Maggie’s second marathon, and she is pleased to be able to run on behalf of Newton Community Pride and support their mission of providing arts programming for the community.
Nick Johnson
Nick is running on behalf of the Rotary Club of Newton, which provides scholarships and other financial support for members of the community.
Nishi Waghray
Nishi ran her first marathon as a sophomore in college and has since run several marathons and half-marathons, and she is running on behalf of Story Starters, which provides anti-racist education for children.
Olivia Carrick
Olivia is a psychiatrist at Boston Children’s, and this will be her 16th marathon. She is running for the Price Center, which provides support for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Priya Wagner
Priya is a physician and the founder of Newton Turkey Trot, a Newton fun run that raises money for food pantries and non-profits that support those with disabilities. She is running on behalf of the Turkey Trot nonprofit.
Sadie Winton
Sadie was diagnosed with endometriosis eight years ago and was treated at the Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery Department at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She’s running to raise money for the hospital and advocate for more research and funding for the hospital’s MIGSD.
Sara Haven
Sara is a nurse who has been running since 2012, and has completed several marathons, including while pregnant. She is running on behalf of the Newton Theatre Company.
Sara Schiller
Sara is the mother of a disabled teenager and is running on behalf of the New Art Center, which provides art education to people at all ability levels.
Sarah Viadero
Sarah has been running since 2006 and is a teacher at Service Stars, which provides service learning opportunities to children. She will be running on their behalf.
Sophia Snell
Sophia is an avid runner, and this will be her third marathon. She has always wanted to run the Boston Marathon as a lifelong Newtonian, and is running on behalf of the Newton Police Memorial Fund, in thanks for the police department’s dedication to keeping Newton safe.
Stephanie Kotob
Stephanie ran her first marathon last year in Chicago, and she is excited to run in the Boston Marathon this year on behalf of the Newton Fire Children’s Fund.
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