Getting From Boston to Hopkinton Race Morning | 2024 Boston Marathon Basics

[@manchestermiss]

Thanks for these Boston basics. My husband is a first timer and is anxious particularly as we are travelling from the UK and his training has been far from ideal because of illness and injury. These have been really useful.

[@EfirdStrong]

Thanks so much for commenting! I'm so glad they have been helpful. I'm so sorry to hear he's been dealing with illness and injury - I have as well this training block. Hopefully it will all workout and he has a great race! Boston is phenomenal!

[@jswbarry]

I'm heading to Boston from the UK for the first time and this video was so helpful to me. Thank you!

[@EfirdStrong]

Thank you! So Glad it was helpful! It’s an amazing experience! Hope you have a great race!

[@jswbarry]

You too!

[@arasfavorites3954]

First timer here and very anxious, so this is great information, I am a visual person and this helps a lot! Thank you.

[@EfirdStrong]

I'm so glad it was helpful! I hope you have an amazing time. The whole weekend is an incredible experience!

[@suzynjoo2100]

Thank you for these very usefull presentation!

[@EfirdStrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@waynenewcombe7600]

Awesome advice. I staid close to the start and always had people pick me up at the finish when I did Boston. Getting excited for you and others. I always watch and follow local runners from my area that do Boston. Hoping the weather Gods will be kind to you and others.

[@EfirdStrong]

Thank you! My bib # is 13134 if you want to track and send your fast vibes my way! I imagine the logistics of getting to the start line when you are staying near the start could be a whole video itself!

[@JohnCasey-gq9sk]

So so helpful thank you .. very clear . One question .. are all T stations in and around gear check area open on race day ?

[@EfirdStrong]

So glad it was helpful. Good question. According to their website: Copley Station is closed for the entire day. South Street, Kent Street and Saint Mary’s Street stations are closed from approximately 10 AM - 6 PM. You can read more here: www.mbta.com/guides/marathon-guide

[@Danielposdatarun]

thank you for sharing

[@EfirdStrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@laurentpierre7419]

Great video! I am hopeful that I can take part in 2025. Never too early to plan. My main worry will probably be to find a place to stay.

[@EfirdStrong]

Awesome! I highly recommend booking through Marathon Tours. I have gone through them the last 2 years. They usually book in May/June for the following year and have better prices than booking directly through the hotel.

[@Tri_Effort]

Gear check reminder eased my mind. I had family at the finish last year with warm clothes, but this year have been contemplating what to do as I’m solo. Forgot all about that. Thanks! And Good luck 👍

[@EfirdStrong]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great race!

[@phillipbailey5391]

Good luck and have a great race!

[@EfirdStrong]

Thank you so much!

[@jactierney6355]

Hi, thank you for the videos. This is easing so many race day nerves! I never waited around hours before a race to start... do you think it is possible to risk getting on a later bus departure, so there is less of a wait time in Athlete's Village? Wave 1 runner, 10am start time

[@EfirdStrong]

I'm so glad they have been helpful! I know I mentioned waiting in the video, but to be honest, it never felt like I waited that long. From what I read and heard last year, they worked to make it more efficient and streamlined, and there was less waiting last year than in previous years. In my personal experience, I actually ran out of time and my corral started while I was still in the porta potty. So when I first got to athletes village I got in line for the porta potty (this takes the longest), talked a bit with my friend, got in line for the porta potty again. And by that time it was time to line up in our corral. I would recommend that you get on your bus at your assigned time because it's really not that much waiting. Also if you are like me, as soon as you get out of the porta potty go ahead and just get in line again. lol.

[@jactierney6355]

Thanks so much for replying! Really appreciate the intel 😀@@EfirdStrong

[@sincleialimacourtney5315]

I’m actually going to be dropped off in Hopkinton. Do you know if we need to follow a certain bus schedule? Also, do we need to fit my running belt inside the gallon bag or can I just wear it? Thank you so much for the video!!

[@EfirdStrong]

Thanks for watching and commenting! You can definitely just wear your running belt if you plan on wearing one. No need to put it in the bag. I am not familiar with the bus schedule in Hopkinson. All I know is what the athlete guide says: "Limited parking for participants is available at the 52 and 80 South Street lots in Hopkinton. This parking is for participants only, and a bib is required to access the participant shuttle to Athletes’ Village." Sorry I can't be of more help there!

[@alphaflylizard]

Great info! Thank you for sharing! First timer here! and very nervous! Do the very last porta potty lines by the CVS get super hectic? This kinda gives me anxiety in case they call my corral and I am still stuck waiting to use them one last time.

[@EfirdStrong]

From my experience the porta-potty lines at the CVS were shorter than the ones in athlete's village. I would not stress about this though. Last year they did call my corral, and I had no clue because I was still using the porta potty and shedding layers and changing my shoes. By the time I got out there to line up, my corral had already left. But it ended up being awesome because I had the wide open road and no weaving. Because it's chip-timed, it really doesn't matter if you start behind your wave. There's about 20 min between each wave, so as long as you go in that window before the next wave you will be fine. Worst case scenario you end up going with the next wave and just have to do some weaving between people. It's such a fun and awesome race! I hope you have an incredible time and love every second of it!

[@paddydowney6269]

@@EfirdStrongthanks for this and great vid - can I ask how long there is between arriving at the CVS and the corral being called? And also if I’m e.g Wave 2 coral 2, and only leave the CVS when they call coral 3, can I still move through coral 3 and into coral 2 at the start line? Thanks again! Nearly there :)

[@roberthaung8330]

Do you need ID (driver license) on race day? For bag drop off, to get on bus?

[@EfirdStrong]

No, you only need ID for the packet pick up.

[@roberthaung8330]

Thanks. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you for making them.