The Swellesley Report

Some 30,000 Boston Marathon participants streamed through town Monday, boosted by the Scream Tunnel and crowds from Wellesley Square into Lower Falls. Wellesley includes the halfway point of the 26.2-mile race.

Temps in the 40s, with a mix of clouds, sun, and a tailwind, made for record-setting running day and solid spectator weather.

 

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When marathoners enter town, things get gritty. The MBTA is working on an interlocking system that gives Wellesley something of an industrial look, and then the next thing you know a commuter rail train zips by in the opposite direction.

The Wellesley College students and friends made themselves heard and seen—with encouraging and spicy signs—as always, with some daring to smooch sweaty runners (a sampling of more sign photos, courtesy of Wellesley College student Iris Zhan).

Wellesley fans did it up as always, with the sideline spreads more spectacular than ever—people were there for the day, and it looked maybe even longer. Clearly not everyone in town had headed elsewhere for school break, as we came across dozens of locals we know on our walk along the course from Natick Center into Wellesley Hills to take photos and video.

Wellesley’s fastest male runner was Peide Li, who covered the course in just over 2 hours and 38  minutes, while the fastest female was Amanda Li at 3:12:18. Overall, more than 70 Wellesley runners finished the race.

Related: 2026 Boston Marathon Wellesley guide

Wellesley Square claims the mid-point of the annual Boston Marathon, but Wellesley also accounts for 4-2 miles of the course in all starting just before the 12-mile mark near the Wellesley College entrance on Rte. 135 and stretching to the cusp of mile 16 near the Newton line.

We welcome marathon stories, snippets, and photos: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

The 2026 Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 20. The first participants leave Hopkinton just after 9am, and the last wave of runners departs at 11:21am. Wheelchair athletes should be hitting Wellesley before 10am. Depending on whether you’re on the lookout for fast runners or plodders among the 30,000 participants, you’ll need to adjust your schedule accordingly. The pro runners, who start between 9:37-9:47am, should be hitting Wellesley Square before 11am after passing through Ashland, Framingham, and Natick.

Beware that roads in Wellesley that are on and near the course will be closing at 8:30am and many won’t reopen to at least 3:30pm (more details).

You’ve got quite a selection of spots in Wellesley to watch the race from. Many residents who live on the course and businesses located along the route party is up.

Things get really zany along the Wellesley College “Scream Tunnel” section, where students do indeed scream for—and sometimes smooch—sweaty runners. You’ll find some of the more clever, racy, and inspirational signs here as well. This segment used to feel more like a tunnel, with spectators on both sides of runners, but due to security and other changes over the years, fans are now located behind a barrier on just one side of the course.

A short walk or run from there up to Wellesley Square is another festive site, with fans lined up on both sides of Central Street. Local businesses get in on the action a well, some with giveaways, some with their own outdoor exercise displays (stationary bikes or rowing machines, for example).

The segment of Rte. 135/16 in front of Town Hall and the library makes for good picture taking, with a great backdrop on either side of the street. Simons Park next to the library also offers a bit of running around space for kids and pups.

At the 13.5-mile mark, in front of the Tolles Parsons Center at 500 Washington St., will be a sensory friendly viewing area—cowbell free. Learn more if you plan to attend here.

The crowds are strong, but thin out a bit, as you head into Wellesley Hills. The race passes by Hunnewell Fields at mile 14, so that’s another area where if you’re there with kids they can take a break on the playground, courts and fields.

For some high flying action, consider setting up near the top of the hill past the 15-mile mark that zips past the Wellesley Recreation Center on the right. This is an especially wild spot for watching the wheelchair and hand-cycle racers speed by.

About 50 Wellesley residents are participating in the 2026 Boston Marathon, per the Boston Athletic Association:

Learn about runners from Wellesley and/or running for Wellesley non-profits.

WCVB-TV visits Wellesley as part of its series on the marathon course.

One other Wellesley twist this year: Couch, a band with serious Wellesley roots, is headlining the post-race party.

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