Boston Marathon route for 2018: Best places to see the competitors

The 122nd annual Boston Marathon commences at 8:50 a.m. on Monday, April 16, with the start of the mobility-impaired portion of the race. The commencement will continue through the 11:15 a.m. start of the marathon’s fourth wave.

Through where will competitors wind their way over the ensuing several hours? The race traditionally starts along Main Street in Hopkinton and ends in Copley Square in Boston. This map from the Boston Athletic Association, the race’s organizer, provides further details.

Suffice to say, there are several points along the 26.219-mile route for spectators to cheer and to gape at those who got their acts together and competed. Prime spots in and near Boston proper include north of the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, Coolidge Corner, Kenmore Square, and Boylston Street, along the run-up to the finish line at Copley Square.

Choice farther-out spots include the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Centre Street in Newton (a.k.a. Heartbreak Hill) and along Waverly Street in Framingham.