You Don't Need Superpowers (But Maybe Running Shoes) to Witness the Boston Marathon!
The Boston Marathon – a race so legendary, even couch potatoes feel a phantom cramp in their calves just thinking about it. But fear not, fellow spectators! You don't have to train for months (or, you know, at all) to witness this epic feat of human endurance. Here's your guide to catching all the action live, from the comfort of your very own armchair (or park bench, or bathtub – hey, no judgment here).
Channel Surfing: Your Ticket to the Starting Line (and Beyond!)
Forget the DeLorean, we've got time travel by television! Here's your cheat sheet to catching the race on the boob tube:
For the Local Legends: Boston peeps, rejoice! WCVB Channel 5 will be airing the race in all its glory, from a crack-of-dawn 4:00 AM ET to a celebratory 8:00 PM ET. That's right, folks, practically a whole day dedicated to watching people run really, really fast.
Nationwide Fanatics: Don't worry, flyover states (we see you, Idaho!), ESPN has your back. They'll be broadcasting the race live on their main channel from 8:30 AM ET to 12:30 PM ET. So grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready to cheer!
Cord Cutters? No Sweat!
Just because you're rocking the streaming life doesn't mean you have to miss out on the marathon. Here are a few options to keep you in the loop:
Subscription Services: Services like Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV offer ESPN in their packages, so you can catch the race without breaking the bank (or needing a decoder ring).
Get App-y: WCVB, WMUR, WMTW, and Very Local Boston all have apps where you can stream the race live. Bonus points for watching while pretending to be productive on your phone at work.
But Wait, There's More!
Feeling fancy? Head over to the Boston Athletic Association website (
How To...Boston Marathon FAQ
How to impress your friends with useless Boston Marathon trivia? The Boston Marathon is the oldest continuously running marathon in the world, dating back to 1897. That's older than your grandpa's knee pain!
How to avoid becoming a "sports tourist" on race day? While cheering from the sidelines is awesome, remember to be respectful of the runners and the residents along the course. Leave space, don't litter, and high-fives are always appreciated (but only if offered!).
How to decide who to cheer for? Anyone in a costume (especially the inevitable hot dog guy) deserves your vocal support. Bonus points for the most creative get-up!
How to fuel your own marathon-watching marathon? Stock up on snacks, drinks, and maybe even some celebratory beverages (for after the finish line, of course).
How to (not) get mistaken for a runner? Unless you're secretly training for the next Olympics, avoid wearing anything remotely resembling running gear while watching. Nobody wants to explain to Aunt Mildred why you're not out there conquering the course yourself.
So there you have it! Now you're officially equipped to witness the Boston Marathon like a pro (or at least a very enthusiastic spectator). Just remember, watching someone run a marathon is way easier than actually running one. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
