You Don't Need Fancy Running Shoes to Watch the Boston Marathon (Though Comfy Pants Are Recommended)
The Boston Marathon – a race so legendary, even couch potatoes have heard of it. But let's face it, dragging yourself out of bed at 4:30 am to stand on the sidelines might not be your idea of a good time (unless you're into that kind of thing, no judgement here). Thankfully, technology has gifted us the glorious invention of streaming, so you can witness the glorious struggle (and hopefully, triumph!) of these athletes from the comfort of your couch.
Here's your guide to becoming a virtual spectator extraordinaire:
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| How Do I Stream The Boston Marathon |
Channel Surfing Without the Cable Bill Blues
Free Options:
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
WCVB and Local Partners: If you live in the Boston area, you're in luck! WCVB (channel 5) will be broadcasting the race live, and their signal will also be simulcast on sister stations in Manchester, Portland, and Burlington. You can also stream the race for free on their website and app – score! Just be sure to check your local listings for confirmation.
The Great Escape Called YouTube: While not always an official stream, you might find lucky live streams popping up on YouTube closer to race day. Be warned, quality can vary, so this option comes with a bit of a risk-reward factor.
For the Streamer Who Wants More:
- Subscription Services: If you're looking for a more reliable experience, popular streaming services like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV all offer ESPN, which will be broadcasting the national coverage. Check their websites for free trial options!
Bonus Tip: Be sure you have a strong internet connection to avoid buffering and missing those crucial moments when someone trips over a rogue squirrel (highly unlikely, but hey, you never know!).
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverages) and Other Essentials for Successful Streaming
- Snacks: This is a marathon, after all (for the viewers, not literally). Stock up on your favorite munchies to keep your energy levels up.
- Comfy Clothes: Sweatpants and a giant sweatshirt are perfectly acceptable attire for cheering on runners from your couch.
- Enthusiasm: This is a race, people! Get ready to cheer, groan (hopefully in sympathy, not boredom), and maybe even shed a tear or two (tears of joy, we hope!).
How To FAQ for the Aspiring Virtual Spectator:
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How To Stream for Free? Check your local listings for WCVB or explore YouTube streams closer to race day (buyer beware on quality).
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
How Much Does it Cost to Stream with a Service? Prices vary depending on the service, but some offer free trials.
How Early Does Coverage Start? WCVB starts at 4:00 am ET, while ESPN's national coverage begins at 8:30 am ET.
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
How Long is the Race? The marathon itself is 26.2 miles, but the broadcasts will likely last for several hours.
How Can I Make Sure I Don't Miss Anything Important? Set an alarm (or ten) and prepare to be glued to your screen (or phone, or tablet, you get the idea).
So there you have it! With a little planning and some comfy clothes, you can be a virtual part of the Boston Marathon. Now get out there (virtually, of course) and cheer on those runners!
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