The Boston marathon is the world’s oldest annually contested marathon. It was formed by the B.A.A. which is among the oldest athletic clubs and was established in 1887.

The marathon is held on the third Monday of April (Patriots’ Day). Since its inception, the Boston Marathon has been held on the holiday commemorating Patriots’ Day. From 1897 to 1968, the Boston Marathon was held on April 19, unless the 19th fell on a Sunday. Since 1969, the holiday has been officially recognized on the third Monday in April.

The following short article is about the towns the marathon runners travel through and tips about the course.

One important tip I found out from a coach is this “Think of the 21st mile as the halfway point”.

Approximately 500,000 spectators line the 26.2-mile course annually, making the Boston Marathon New England’s most widely viewed sporting event, according to estimates by police and public safety officials from the eight cities and towns along the route.

And of course here is the course map.

So here are some tips city by city.

Hopkington (leave Hopkington at 1.9 miles)

Just like any marathon or long distance event you must fight off the urge to go fast at the beginning. Boston is no exception and it might be more critical to follow this advice because you start off by going downhill. Try and not weave in and out of the crowd. Just try and relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

As you approach Route 135 be careful as the crowd becomes more narrow.

You elevation starts at 490feet and you leave Hopkinton at 360 feet.

Mile 2 landmark is TJ’s Food and Spirits biker bar.

Ashland (leave Ashland around mile 4.95)

Still going downhill and it is a gradual one so be careful and don’t make the mistake of picking up speed. This is why mile 21 is the halfway point, the course is deceptive. You drop from 360feet to 180 feet.

Framingham (leave Framingham around 7.5)

This is the first section of relatively level running (about a 4 mile stretch). This is also the first time that the course opens up and you get a little breathing room. This would be a good time to relax, breath and look for the water stations. Framingham actually climbs from 180 to 205 then back down to 155 feet.

Around the 10-K mark in Framingham, the course traverses the first of seven sets of railroad tracks.

At the intersection of Route 135 and Mill Street in Natick, however, it does pass the proudly preserved workspace of Henry Wilson, a local cobbler who went on to become Ulysses S. Grant’s vice president.

Natick (leave Natick round 11.7)

This is a relatively flat section of the course. You should be able to relax and check out your running stride/form and see how you feel. At about the 8 mile mark you will hit a slight uphill and you approach Lake Cochituate. Focus on even effort.

Wellesley (leave around mile 16)

You’ve all heard of the Wellesley girls. You will not be disappointed.  This is the site of the the most enthusiastic and loudest fans on the course (Boston College is pretty loud too). You will hit this group of fanatics around 12.5 but the way the course bends you actually will hear the roar of the crowd way before you actually see them. It is an amazing experience.

Be careful not to use up too much energy slapping fives and stuff. You are about to meet the steepest decent on the course. Around 15.7 miles you will start at 165feet and drop to 60feet.

Newton (leave around mile 21.35)

This is probably the toughest and most challenging parts of the course both mentally and physically. This is the beginning of Newton Hills. Great landmark is at 17.5 (Newton Fire Station).

The hills

#1 is at 16.2 just after you cross the Charles River. Can be windy and starts right after the steep downhill. This could be one of the most challenging of the 4 hills

#2 at 17.8 miles right after the Newton-Wellesley Hospital

#3 at 19.5 miles which is by the great landmark of the Newton Cemetery

#4 at 20.6 miles is the dreaded Heartbreak Hill. The good news is that when you see Boston College on your right you are about to go downhill.

The hills are challenging and you will feel them but really it is a nice change of pace. The crowds are really supportive and almost all are cheering you up to the top. Try and avoid the tv coverage where the reporter tries to interview you as you run. Annoying.

So what is the elevation ? You start at 60 feet and end at 230 feet. Not too bad.

Brookline (leave little under 25 miles)

There is a nice downhill (only about a half mile) and you will enjoy flat running as you come onto Cleveland Circle. Around the 23 mile mark you will notice a slight downhill and the crowds are getting thicker. You can feel it in the air. You’ve come this far and it really is the easiest part of the course.

Boston

You are only in Boston for about 2.6 miles but it is the most exciting part. You will see the Prudential Center at around 25.5 miles. There is a slight hill around Kenmore Square (you will go over the Mass Pike) but it really isn’t anything to worry about. Once you cross over the bridge you will see the 1 mile to go sign. Holy crap you are almost there.

The best sign in the world is the Citgo sign. You will see this as you leave Cleveland Circle. For Red Sox fans this is an exciting part of the course and you can sniff the end.

Try to enjoy the course and embrace the crowd.