Hopkinton Marathon Alert: Safety and Traffic for Race Day

HOPKINTON, MA — On Monday, April 18, Hopkinton will once again be the launching pad, funneling some 30,000 runners in the Boston Marathon on to the 26.3 miles through Ashland, Framingham, Natick and Wellesley to Route 16 into Boston on Route 30.

The Hopkinton Police Department shared important information about the day.

The town prepares for the 120th running of the Boston Marathon early. The roads around the common close at 6 a.m., and the roads in Hopkinton close by 7 a.m.

The runners start in waves, coming from "Athletes' Village" at Hopkinton High School down to the starting point on Main Street, and the timeline is as follows:

• The Mobility Impaired will start at 8:50 a.m.
• The Wheelchairs will start at 9:17 a.m.
• The Hand­cycles will start at 9:22 a.m.
• The Elite Women runners will start at 9:32 a.m.
• Wave 1 of the runners (7500) will start at 10 a.m.
• Wave 2 of the runners (7500) will start at 10:25 a.m.
• Wave 3 of the runners (7500) will start at 10:50 a.m.
• Wave 4 of the runners (7500) will start at 11:15 a.m.

There is a shuttle services for spectators and runners from the Hopkinton State Park on Cedar Street, which is also Route 85 and from South Street. It is suggested that registered runners ​board the buses on South Street and spectators only​​board the buses at the State Park.

The shuttle buses start at 6 a.m. and run continuously until noon. After the race the shuttles run continuously returning spectators to the parking areas. Screening areas will be established at all shuttle service locations.

The spectator​​shuttles leaving from the Hopkinton State Park drop passengers at the corner of Cedar St, (Route 85), and A Street. The intersection of Main Street and Cedar Street, Routes 135 and 85, is a short walk away. Spectators can walk up Main Street to the Common area to watch the start of the race. The shuttles leaving from South Street will drop passengers off at the corner of Main Street and Pleasant Street. From here, spectators can walk up Main Street to the Common area for the start of the race.

Registered runners boarding the buses on South Street are transported directly to Athletes Village.

For spectators who wish to return to to their vehicle after the race, wait for the buses in the same place you were dropped off by the bus. Runners will be transported back to Hopkinton from Boston post­-race.

"Please plan for additional time to get to your intended location," said police. "There will be a series of ‘screening zones’ established around the Start area and Athlete’s corrals leading to the Start; both spectators and athletes alike arriving downtown will be subject to screening and compliance with the ‘no bag’ policy established for this year’s race."

Check here for specifics on the bag policy.

"We urge all residents and business owners to pay close attention to additional pre-­event information that may be provided," said the announcement. "We also request all residents and business owners in weeks leading up to Marathon Monday to report any unusual activity near or around their property to the Hopkinton Police Department at 508-497-­3401 or 911 in an emergency."

If you see something, say something.

There will be no on street parking allowed in or near the center of town on Marathon Monday. Numerous roads in Hopkinton will be posted with "no parking" signs. Parking is allowed only in designated parking lots on South Street and at Hopkinton State Park. Parking is not allowed on South Street or Cedar Street. All violators will be ticketed and towed. Parking on school property is prohibited unless authorized.

"Residents, please allow ample time to leave your residence to go about your daily business," said police. "Once the roads have closed you will not be allowed to return until the roads reopen. Businesses, please advise your employees of the road closing times. Unless you have an authorized vehicle pass, you will not be able to reach your destination."

For runner information, visit the Boston Athletic Association or call 617-­236-­1652 or 508­-435-­6905.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons