- This is the start of the event and many veteran race watchers don't want to go to the start because it's so crowded. However, if you get there early and can leave your car in a good escape position, you can see the start of the event and the mass of bodies leave the starting line. It's a memorable moment and the start of a great day.
- Framingham is 5 to 8 miles into the race and the crowd is still pretty thick at the 5-mile mark but it starts to thin out about a mile later. You can get right to the edge of the course and you can see many of the leaders when they are still fresh.
- This is one of the key parts of the race in terms of strategy. The pretenders fall by the wayside at Wellesley, which begins at the 11.5-mile mark and continues through the 16-mile mark. Wellesley College students make up the bulk of the spectators at this point and they are loud and enthusiastic. These days, runners can get water at most spots on the course, but the tradition of handing runners water started at Wellesley in the 1970s.
- This is the most important strategic spot in the race. Chestnut Hill is on the campus of Boston College and it becomes part of the race at the 20-mile mark. This is where the infamous Heartbreak Hill comes into play. Try to run Heartbreak Hill when you are in less than ideal shape and your body will break down in pain. Spectators have an outstanding view of the race from this spot.
- The race is made and finished in the heart of Boston and many a runner has battled his way down Commonwealth Avenue to secure the win. Spectators line the streets and cheer on the worthy participants as they approach the finish.
