Boston Marathon 2024: Where To Eat, Drink, Banned Items, Toilets, and More

“Ready, set, go!” With these words, the excitement builds for the awaited 128th Boston Marathon 2024. As the sun rises on Patriots Day, in Boston on Monday, April 15th, athletes from all corners of the world will gather to start their journey. Known as the World’s oldest marathon, it commands attention as one of the six esteemed World Marathon Majors.

From the town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, to the city streets of Boston, participants will take on the challenging 26.2-mile course. Deciding on the location to catch the Boston Marathon requires thoughtful planning. Factors like timing, crowd size, and food offerings all come into play. As experienced viewers understand, proximity to the finish line widens the dining options. So, where’s your favorite spot to enjoy the marathon and grab a bite?

Where can you eat and drink at the Boston Marathon 2024?

As numerous individuals tie their shoes to join the race and more spectators come together to show their support, the Boston Marathon represents more than a competition; it embodies the spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and, naturally, delectable cuisine and beverages. Whether you’re taking part in the event or watching from the sidelines, here are some spots along the Boston Marathon 2024 route where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy a drink.

Starting at Hopkinton, just before the starting line, Bill’s Downtown Pizzeria & Bar offers a carb-loaded haven opening at 3 p.m., featuring pasta and pizza to fuel both spectators and participants alike. Blue Square Pizza, also in Hopkinton, opens earlier at 11:30 a.m., tempting diners with their selection of sourdough pizzas.

Moving along the route to Framingham, downtown offers a refreshing pitstop at Jack’s Abby Brewing, where a festival starting at 10 a.m. boasts live music, vendors, and, of course, beer. Wellesley provides a perfect morning pick-me-up with Quebrada Baking Co. serving coffee and pastries from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Lockheart offers a savory midday escape with tacos and sliders from 10 a.m. onwards.

In Newton, while most eateries aren’t directly on the route, Blacker’s Bakeshop offers early morning delights of coffee, cookies, and muffins. Nearby, Brighton’s Cityside Tavern opens its doors at 8 a.m., providing a diverse menu of burgers, appetizers, and a whiskey selection. Cafe Landwer, with multiple locations including Cleveland Circle, offers a pasta deal for those in need of carb-loading.

Brookline’s Stoked Pizza Company presents a Marathon Monday special, featuring a delicious mushroom and onion pie. Further along the route, Fenway-Kenmore’s Eastern Standard and Hotel Commonwealth cater to both early risers and midday diners with breakfast buffets and marathon specials.

Finally, as spectators near the finish line in Back Bay, Parish Cafe offers inventive sandwiches, while Rochambeau extends its brunch hours, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy before, during, and after the race. But are there restroom facilities available?

1,400 porta-potties set up for the Boston Marathon 2024

To make sure that both the runners and spectators have a great experience at the Boston Marathon, detailed planning and coordination are crucial. One vital element that requires attention is the porta potties. Leading this mammoth effort is the field office manager from Northborough for United Site Services playing a role in positioning more than 1,400 porta potties along the entire 26.2-mile race route stretching from the charming town of Hopkinton to the lively streets of downtown Boston.

More than half of the toilets totaling 730 units will be set up at the starting point in Hopkinton to reduce waiting times for both runners and onlookers. They are strategically placed for convenience. There will be around 50 toilets designated for individuals with disabilities and 30 four-way urinals to help manage crowds, near the start line. However, have you ever thought about carrying your hydration systems to the race? Is that permitted?

List of banned items at the race

The Boston Athletic Association organizers of the 2024 Boston Marathon have made a list of items that are permissible and what are not. Here’s the list:

Permissible items include a one-gallon clear plastic bag for food and sports drink consumption, waist packs for essential personal belongings, standard manufactured fuel belts, armbands for cellular phones or small cameras, and the discretionary use of headphones.

Conversely, prohibited items encompass personal hydration systems, weight vests, weapons, backpacks, props, glass containers, selfie sticks, strollers, costumes covering the face, oversized items, folding chairs, and action cameras such as GoPros. But now if you think which is the best place to watch this race here is your answer.

What are the great spots to watch the race?

There are many spots along the route from Hopkinton to Boylston Street where you can watch this race. While visibility may be limited at the starting line in Hopkinton but energy at that point is high which makes it worthwhile to stop. As you continue along the path, Ashland provides a setting for those looking for a more tranquil viewpoint. Transitioning to the location Framingham offers an atmosphere, around the 10K milestone.

Further along, Natick boasts lively crowds around the 10-mile mark, with options to either join the energetic hub or opt for a quieter viewing spot at the West Natick rail stop. Wellesley, home to the renowned Wellesley College scream tunnel, offers a vibrant midway point to cheer on the runners before heading closer to the finish line.

As the race progresses, the Newton Hills presents a crucial juncture where runners need encouragement, particularly around Heartbreak Hill. Spectators can provide a final push of support at strategic spots such as the Newton Fire Station or the Boston College stop on the Green Line. Finally, gathering at Cleveland Circle and Kenmore Square offers an electrifying atmosphere as the race nears its conclusion, culminating in the emotional finale along Boylston Street.