Wellesley Square claims the mid-point of the annual Boston Marathon, but Wellesley also accounts for 4-plus 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.
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The 2025 Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 21. The first participants leave Hopkinton just after 9am, and the last wave of runners departs at 11:15am. 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 from the Wellesley Police Department.
You’ve got quite a selection of spots in Wellesley to watch the race from. Things get 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.
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).
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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.
New this year, 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. The area is for those who prefer a quieter, less crowded space to experience the marathon. “Many people viewing from this area may have autism, a disability, or sensory needs,” according to the BAA, which is partnering with the town as well as representatives from the Flutie Foundation and Boston Marathon volunteers. Accessible bathrooms will be available inside the Tolles Parsons Center. Those wishing to access this space are encouraged to park at Wellesley High School.
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 70 Wellesley residents are participating in the 2025 Boston Marathon, per the Boston Athletic Association:
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