The Boston Marathon Finish Line in 1910.
The 116th Boston Marathon’s registration process opened today. It is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s best-known road racing events. It is one of five World Marathon Majors (the other four comprised of Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, and New York City).
The course runs through 26.22 miles (42.195 km) of winding roads, following Route 135, Route 16, Route 30 and city streets into the center of Boston, where the official finish line is located at Copley Square, alongside the Boston Public Library. For this reason, the MBTA suspends service to the Copley Square stop for the day, and runs increased service to the general area. The race runs through eight Massachusetts cities and towns: Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston.
Each of these locations has its own perks including scenic walks, historic tours, shopping, and special events. See this list of things to do in Boston if you plan on touring this gorgeous city soon. You can join the approximately 200000 spectators who watch the marathon or go some other time.
The 2012 Boston Marathon will take place on April 16, Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts. Check the local specials before you plan on going so you can save yourself time and money before you even cross the border:
