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Maximize Your Boston Marathon Experience: Your Ultimate Pre-Race Guide
It's like Carnival for Runners
Robert Dalto
April 14, 2025
We're one week out from the iconic, historic Boston Marathon! The first time I ran Boston the only pre race activity I engaged in was the expo, year two I met some people and went to the Bandit pop-up and a shakeout, by my third Boston each day was full of activities dawn to dusk….and that was probably too much. Point is, Boston is a running city, and no matter what you fancy before the race, you can find it.
Here’s my guide to have the best Boston experience ever! Before we jump in, make sure your friends and family are tracking you using the BAA Racing App.
Expo Extravaganza: More Than Just Bib Pickup
The Boston Marathon Expo isn't just about grabbing your race essentials. It's a runner's paradise packed with inspiration and insider knowledge. Don't miss these epic panel highlights:
Feel the Shokz, Hear the Spirit: Conner Mantz, Helen Obiri, Dakotah Popehn (Friday, 2 PM)
Post Olympic Conversations: Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, Dakotah Popehn, Susannah Scaroni (Saturday, 3 PM)
Boston Marathon Champions: Sisay Lemma, Helen Obiri, Marcel Hug, Eden Rainbow - Cooper (Saturday, 4PM)
Pro tip: This is just a small sampling. There are sessions on fueling, community, breaking barriers and so much more. These are truly worthwhile, find your favorite and stick around to watch.
Brand Activations: Free Swag and Experiences Galore
Boston becomes a runner's playground during marathon weekend. Check out these must-visit brand experiences that a fixtures for the entire weekend:
Endorphins is putting on events all weekend long at their pop-up. Check out their full calendar for talks, swag, shakeouts, and post event parties.
Sam Adams - The Boston Brewery will have fun events all weekend, and is a great choice if you are spectator heavy in your group, because, also beer and music.
Tracksmith - Will offer a weekend of activities from their trackhouse on Newbury street from welcomes to shakeouts and post race.
New Balance - On Saturday New Balance is hosting a massive marathon relay at their new track site. This unique event will feature run crews from all over the country and even New Balance olympians. Great way to spend Saturday afternoon.
Clif Bar - Opening the CLIF BAR all weekend just steps from the finish.
Now - Let's get onto events. Day by day:
Friday:
Coffee Run w/ Herm (8:30am) 671 Boylston st.
Rev’d Runs X Oofos Shakeout (11:00) 100 Huntington Ave.
Runna Welcome Party (5pm) 337 Newbury St.
Saturday:
Shokz Demo 2 Mile Run (9:00-10:30) 939 Boylston St.
Runna Shakout (9AM) 337 Newbury St.
Sam Adams Shakeout (10:30AM) 60 State St.
Runderwear Shakeout (10:45) Boston Common
Inside Marathoner Mind w/ Mario Fraioli (11AM) 939 Boylston.
Endorphins + Team Abbott Launch (2:15PM) 166 Newbury St.
Q&A with Emma Bates (3:30PM) 939 Boylston St.
Course Strategy w. Runna (5pm) 337 Newbury St.
Sunday:
Puma Shakeout (8:45) 745 Boylston St.
Oiselle x Allie Ostrander Shakeout (9AM) Landmark Center
Lululemon Shakeout (9am) 208 Newbury St.
Life in Stride Shakeout (9:30) Fiedler Field
Endorphins Shakeout (10AM) 166 Newbury St.
Plogging community cleanup (1:30PM) 166 Newbury St.
Monday:
Lululemon Cheerzone (9am-5pm) 71 Hobart St.
Endorphins Cheerzone (12PM) 1620 Beacon St.
Race Medal Portraits (2-5pm) 166 Newbury St.
Sam Adams Afterparty (4-7pm) 30 Germania St.
Aftermiles Party (4-8pm) 100 Warrenton St.
Endorphins after party (5:30-8:30) Scholars Bar
All that said - Please remember, pacing yourself through the weekend is just as important as pacing on race day. Don't overdo it in the days leading up to the marathon!
Personal Note:
As I gear up for my fourth consecutive Boston and the 2nd stop in my quet to run all 7 Abbott World Marathon Majors this year, I'm filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. It took me 13 attempts to qualify for Boston, and each year I've discovered new ways to immerse myself in this incredible experience that I view as the pinnacle of marathon running. I've learned that the magic of Boston extends far beyond those 26.2 miles.
What are you most looking forward to during marathon weekend? Hit reply and let me know - I'd love to hear your plans and maybe even meet up at one of these events!
See you in Boston!
Rob
