Readers Say

The best Marathon Monday traditions, according to Boston.com readers and runners

"After crossing the finish line, I plan on connecting with friends, having a much-needed cheat meal, and doing some stretching!"

Adrianne Haslet (center) at the start of the 2018 Boston Marathon. Bill Greene/Globe Staff

updated on April 18, 2022

4 minutes to read

The Boston Marathon is obviously the main event of Marathon Monday, but there’s plenty to look forward to in and around the city before, during, and after the race.

We asked readers how they planned to spend the weekend, including Marathon Monday, and they shared some of their plans and traditions with us.

What you need to know about the 2022 Boston Marathon

“Go out to breakfast near Fenway, Sox game at 11, then head over to the Beacon Street Bridge at mile 24 to cheer on the runners!” Jen from Hanson told Boston.com.

We heard from several runners who are eagerly awaiting race day. Tim P. from South Boston said he’s using the marathon as a way to find new enjoyment out of parts of Boston he’s already familiar with by spending time in Copley with friends before the race and meeting other runners on the Michael Lisnow Respite Center running team.

“Monday morning the team will have a final breakfast together before we head to the starting line. Then after Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline, I’m hoping I’ll be in Boston 3 and ½ hours later,” he said. “If I’m still functional enough at that point to meet my wife and friends at the finish line, we’ll all head over to the Park Plaza for a final gathering with the marathon team before saying our final goodbyes.”

Here’s what Boston.com readers and Boston Marathon runners planned for Marathon Monday.

Before the race

Todd from Newton said he typically watched the race from home, but has a fun day planned.

“Battle recreation in Lexington with pancake breakfast, watch the race in Newton (preferably at Firehouse Turn), then head home for BBQ,” he told Boston.com.

Amy Comander is running the race and will spend the day before the marathon with fellow runners.

“One of the highlights of the weekend for me will be the Sunday morning meet-up of our group, “Mama Docs Run Boston 2022!” We are an incredible group of physicians and mothers from all over the United States, who share a common bond — we love to run,” she said. “We look forward to meeting up in Boston this weekend to celebrate the return of the Boston Marathon to Patriots’ Day. We are also thrilled to run the marathon on the 50th anniversary of when women were allowed to enter the Boston Marathon!”

Suggestions from readers

Visit brand pop-up shops in Copley and Back Bay
Watch a Red Sox game at Fenway
Grab a meal near Copley Square
Take a photo of the finish line

During the race

Lisa R. from Chelsea will be busy during the marathon working the volunteer booth.

“I volunteer at the Marathon! This is my 19th year volunteering in the finish area. The energy is amazing (even on rainy days).”

For runners, Marathon Monday is all about the race itself.

“I’ll wake up, pray up, stretch and warm up, show up, line up, step up then level up for 26.2 miles of smiles,” said Aaron B. from Houston.

Mary Ann R. has run the marathon several times and has her Marathon Monday schedule down pay. Along the route, she plans to “salute Fenway and CITGO and ask a spectator the Sox score.”

“[I’ll] take an evening memory stroll with Heartbreak Hill Bill down Boylston slow and easy, passing the Old South Church counting our blessings out loud,” she said. “Repeat ‘that is my last’ while I book a room for next year.”

John W. from Salem is coming into Boston for the marathon this year.

“We will: walk part of the route, eat something, end up at Fenway, eat something, watch part of the game, eat something, when the Red Sox are losing halfway through, head outside and watch the race, cheer on the runners, eat something, make our way to the finish line, congratulate runners, eat something, and take the commuter rail back to Salem, just in time for dinner,” he said.

Susan from Newton, on the other hand, is cheering on the runners along the route in Newton.

“I live on the marathon route in Newton, and my favorite things are cheering for the runners, and tracking friends through the app,” she said. “The runners are so inspirational, and admire them all!”

Suggestions from readers

Cheer on the runners at mile 24 from Beacon Street Bridge
Do a food tour along the marathon route

After the race

Yesenia A. from Revere usually watches the marathon from the sidelines, but this year she’s running, so she’s most looking forward to the moment she crosses the finish line.

“Usually, I love to stop by all my favorite local spots along the route for snacks and coffee breaks while cheering on runners! I would usually catch some sun on the Commons mid-day, too,” she said. “However, as I’ll be the one running this year, I’m looking forward to running towards my family on Boylston and digging into a Georgetown cupcake to celebrate my birthday!”

Whitney F. of Atlanta is similarly excited about her post-marathon plans.

“After crossing the finish line, I plan on connecting with friends, having a much-needed cheat meal, and doing some stretching!”

Lisa Redding is also looking forward to after the race.

“Usually, it would be cheering on the runners but this year I’m running it (for Dana-Farber) so that’s my new favorite thing to do,” she said. “Looking forward to celebrating after the race with my family and close friends at the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston Headquarters!”