The Boston Marathon course is one of the most iconic and challenging routes in distance running, known for its point-to-point layout, unpredictable weather, and legendary hills.
Here’s a breakdown of the course:
The race begins in Hopkinton, a small town west of Boston.
The first few miles feature a steep downhill descent, which tempts runners to go out fast — often too fast.
The course passes through Ashland and then Framingham, where the terrain levels out slightly.
The route continues through Natick and into Wellesley.
At Mile 13, runners pass the famous “Scream Tunnel” outside Wellesley College, where students cheer loudly and offer high-fives and kisses.
These miles are slightly rolling but generally manageable and can be deceptive before the hills begin.
After a sharp downhill at Mile 15, the course enters Newton, where the real challenge begins.
Runners face four hills over the next several miles, culminating in the infamous Heartbreak Hill just after Mile 20.
Though not steep by elevation standards, Heartbreak comes late in the race and tests runners’ resolve.
After Heartbreak Hill, the course flattens and descends through Brookline and into Boston.
The final stretch includes the iconic Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston, leading to a thrilling finish in front of thousands of spectators near Copley Square.
Net elevation drop: ~459 feet (140 meters), but the Newton Hills more than compensate.
Course record (men): 2:03:02, Geoffrey Mutai (2011, wind-aided)
Course record (women): 2:19:59, Buzunesh Deba (2014, adjusted due to Rita Jeptoo’s DQ)
April in New England can bring sun, rain, wind, or cold — sometimes all in one race. The variable conditions are part of the Boston mystique.
The Boston Marathon course is a true test of strength, strategy, and tradition — it’s not about chasing records, it’s about racing legends.