April 16th, 2012 marks the 116th annual Boston Marathon road race. Held every year on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of April, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest and best-known road racing events. The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) manages the most widely-viewed sporting event in New England, which attracts both amateur and professional runners from all over the world, and over a half million spectators each year. The BAA plans various events during marathon weekend to encourage friends, family and fans of participants to get involved in the tradition.
On Friday, entrants are invited to pick up their bib numbers and visit the John Hancock Sport and Fitness Expo at the Seaport World Trade Center. The Expo showcases running-related products and services, and allows fans and visitors a chance to comingle with participants or ask questions of the experts and industry professionals. On Saturday the BAA’s youth running program will run the Relay Challenge. Perfect for newer or less adventurous runners, the BAA’s 5K Relay Challenge on Sunday morning starts at the Copley Square Park, just a few blocks from Clarendon Square bed and breakfast. Also, the challenge is conveniently located to all of Boston’s best shopping. That evening, the Boston Marathon Pre-Race Dinner is held at City Hall Plaza. This pre-race pasta dinner is the best chance for runners and their guests to carb-load up with a hearty meal before the big race on Monday morning. Race Day starts Monday at 9:00 AM, southwest of the city of Boston in Hopkinton, MA, where the 26.2 mile course begins. Spectators gather along the entire distance of the course, ending on Boylston Street in Copley Square, just a few blocks from our Boston Bed and Breakfast. The Charles River side of Boylston Street is open to the general public, and many fans arrive at the finish area in the early hours of the morning to secure the best viewing area. Race sponsors equip the area with a big video screen, enabling spectators to watch a broadcast of the race while they await the arrival of all the finishers.
After the race at 5:00 PM, champions and top finishers will receive their awards in the Grand Ballroom at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Back Bay Hotel. The Official Post-Race Party at the House of Blues begins at 7:30 PM with a live performance by blues legend James Montgomery of the James Montgomery Bluesband, dancing, a race video, race results, cash bar and complimentary light dinner fare. The vibe in the city after the marathon concludes is inspring. You will see runners out to dinner with medals around their necks & wrapped in the foil blankets. 
With so much energy packed into Boston Marathon weekend, consider reserving a room at an urban oasis like the Clarendon Square bed and breakfast. Our quiet and comfortable property is just a few steps away from all the action, and guests can take a well-deserved break from the excitement to relax in our roof deck hot tub, or lounge in their private guest suites. Our attentive staff will provide guidance and advice regarding all the happenings of the Boston Marathon weekend! Do not worry there are plenty of things to do in Boston if you are not running in the marathon this year.