Frequently Asked Questions 2018 PRE-RACE Team Eye and Ear Good Luck Dinner Saturday, April 14 5:30p.m. - 7:30pm Hotel Commonwealth, 500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston We invite you and your family to join us (kids welcome!) for this team celebration on marathon weekend! Join special guest three-time Olympian and Boston Marathon Champion Meb Keflezighi, get last-minute tips from Team Coach Fred Treseler and be inspired by your fellow team members! RSVP with names of your guests to marathon@meei.harvard.edu by April 6. Are there Team Eye and Ear shirts for my friends and family to wear on race day? Yes! Each team member will receive supporter shirts (sizes youth XS - XL and unisex S - 3XL) at the Team Eye and Ear Good Luck Dinner on April 14 to be worn on race day. If you cannot attend the dinner, please contact us at marathon@meei.harvard.edu to request your supporter t-shirts be mailed. How do I get my marathon bib? You will need to personally pick up your marathon bib at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo held at the Seaport World Trade Center (200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston). The Seaport World Trade Center is located within the Seaport District area of Boston; if you are commuting via public transit, the MBTA Silver Line Waterfront (SL1) provides service between South Station and the Seaport WTC station. Friends or family will not be allowed to claim your bib number for you. Bib pick-up will be available on the following days and times: Friday, April 13 Saturday, April 14 Sunday, April 15 11:00am - 6:00 pm 9:00am - 7:00 pm 9:00am - 6:00 pm Runners are required to bring their bib number pick-up card that was mailed to them in the Runner s Passport AND a government-issued photo I.D. in order to pick up their bib number. (If you have lost your Runner s Passport, a duplicate will be issued upon presentation of a government-issued photo I.D.) You will not be allowed to pick up your bib on the morning of the marathon. Please note: The official bib that is assigned to you by the B.A.A. must be visible at all times while on/in B.A.A. buses and other B.A.A. vehicles; entering, and in, the Athletes Village in Hopkinton; in the start area corrals and start area; on the race course; and in the finish area in Boston. Your bib number may not be altered or copied in any way and may not be transferred to another participant or another B.A.A. event.
How do I get to the start of the Boston Marathon? Official B.A.A. Buses: The recommended way to get to the start in Hopkinton is by using the official B.A.A. buses. The B.A.A. buses will make trips to Hopkinton from 6:00am - 9:30am from Charles Street between the Public Garden and Boston Common, based on your wave. These buses are for official runners only. Each runner must show his/her bib number upon boarding. The B.A.A. is not able to provide transportation to the start from Boston for family and friends. Please arrive earlier than you think is needed to the bus loading. This will allow ample time to find the Team Pre-Race Facility before heading to the starting line. Drive/Drop-Off: Please plan for traffic delays; roads close in Hopkinton promptly at 7:00 am There is no parking available at the Team Pre-Race Facility, but runner drop-off is possible before roads close at 7:00 am If you arrive in Hopkinton after 7:00 am, please park or be dropped off in the South Street parking lot (52 South Street, Hopkinton) and take the B.A.A. shuttle from this lot to Athletes Village (note: the shuttle from the State Park will not go to Athletes Village). Follow the directions on page 4 to find the Team Pre-Race Facility from Athletes Village. Extremely limited runner parking is available at the South Street parking lot. The State Park lot is reserved for spectators and a shuttle to Athletes Village will not be available. page 2
What can I bring with me on race day? Runners may carry the following allowable items on race day. Any such items are subject to inspection. Fanny pack (no larger than 5 inches x 15 inches x 5 inches) to carry food, nutritional products, medicine, identification, cell phone, home/hotel key or other similar and necessary small items (only one fanny pack per runner). Standard manufactured fuel belt (bottles must be one liter or smaller). Armband, which can carry a cellular phone or small camera. The use of headphones is discouraged, but permitted. A one gallon clear plastic bag to carry food items or sports drink only. This bag is subject to search. (only one clear plastic bag pack per runner). This clear, one gallon plastic bag will be allowed on the official buses to Hopkinton. Please note: Additional layers of clothing may be worn on B.A.A. Shuttle Buses and in Hopkinton for warmth before the race. Clothing that will not be worn during the race must be discarded in Hopkinton and will be donated to a local charitable organization. There are two options for dropping off your gear bag: Gear drop off with Team Eye and Ear: Runners will have the opportunity to drop off a gear bag at the team Good Luck Dinner on Saturday, April 14. These bags will be available for pick up at the post-race Team Eye and Ear Shower & Family Meeting Area at the Boston Sports Club at 505 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. The bags used must be the clear plastic bags distributed at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo. The bag must be labeled with your full name and cell phone number. Gear Check with B.A.A: If you choose not to drop off your gear with Team Eye and Ear, a gear check opportunity will also be available through the B.A.A. on the morning of the Boston Marathon. You may check your gear at the designated gear check tents on Boylston Street between Arlington and Berkeley Streets. The bag to be used for this purpose will be provided at Number Pick-up by the B.A.A. No other bags will be accepted at gear check. Any items that participants would like to have at the conclusion of the race must be placed inside this bag. Participants must leave this bag at the gear check area on Boylston Street prior to boarding the B.A.A. shuttle bus to the start in Hopkinton. This area is two blocks east of the finish line and one block west of the Boston Public Garden. Gear check tents will be color coded and will correspond to the color of the wave to which you will be assigned (red, white, blue, or yellow). Note that only you may check your bag; you will not be allowed to have someone check your bag for you. Bags may be checked between 5:30-8:45am, and must be claimed from 12:30pm - 6:00pm No bags will be allowed in certain areas at or near the start in Hopkinton, at or near the finish in Boston, or along the course. Bags will not be allowed on buses from Boston to Hopkinton, and bags will not be transported from Hopkinton back to Boston. What is prohibited to bring on race day? On race day, official participants are prohibited from carrying any of the following items when entering or within any Marathon venue, including B.A.A. shuttle buses and B.A.A. vehicles, Athletes Village in Hopkinton, the start area corrals and start area, the race course, and the finish area in Boston: Backpacks, any similar item carried over the shoulder, or handbags of any size Glass containers Containers capable of carrying more than one liter of liquid Strollers, including baby strollers Suitcases & rolling bags page 3
Personal hydration system products (such as CamelBak, Thor, etc) Weight vests or any sort of vest with pockets (Note: lightweight running vests are allowable) Costumes covering the face or any non-form fitting, bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body Props (including sporting equipment and military and fire/gear and signs/flags larger than 11 x17 ) The use of selfie sticks or similar items is prohibited while running the Boston Marathon Any item larger than 5 x 15 x 5 Folding Chairs Other products/materials security deems inappropriate Where can I meet up with other Team Eye and Ear members before the race? 6:30 11:00am Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton Team Eye and Ear has an exclusive heated meeting location near the start line on race day. It is located at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (98 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton) and available between 6:30-11:00am. Restrooms, areas to stretch and warm-up, and pre-race refreshments will be provided. Due to limited space, this prep area is only for Team Eye and Ear members. Unfortunately, friends/ family will not be permitted to join you in the prep area. See map and instructions below to find this facility. Grove Street tent tent Bus Drop-Off Location #2 Hayden Rowe Street (Rt. 85) B.A.A. Athletes Village tent Team Eye and Ear Prep Area Bus Drop-Off Location #1 If you are taking the B.A.A. buses from Boston or the South Street Lot Shuttle: 1. You will be dropped off at one of two bus drop-off area locations found in blue on the map above. These drop-off areas are located within the secured area of Athletes Village. 2. Please follow signs or ask a volunteer how to exit the village. The exit to the Village is the same as the exit to the start You may also see signs for Mass. Eye and Ear Runners or Team Eye and Ear that you can follow. 3. Once you have exited the village, take a right onto Grove Street. This immediately turns into Hayden Rowe Street. The Team Eye and Ear facility is located just past the High School entrance on the right. page 4
How do I line up to start the race & what time does the race start? You will leave for the starting line from the Athletes Village (next door to the Team Eye and Ear meeting facility). You must show your bib number upon entering. In order to exit the Village and enter the corrals in an efficient and orderly fashion, runners will leave the Athletes Village according to their assigned wave, bib number, and corral assignment, and will be directed down Grove Street to Main Street. Your starting corral is printed beneath your runner s number on your bib. It can also be found on your Number Pick-up Card and Baggage Label. If you are at the Team Eye and Ear Pre-Race Meeting Facility, please allow yourself 15-20 extra minutes to walk to and re-enter Athletes Village before loading into the corral. You cannot load into your corral without going through Athletes Village first. Please see below for the corral loading times and start times. DURING THE RACE Where will I be able to get fluids and fuel while I am racing? Water and Gatorade stations will be set up along the course beginning at Mile Two. Note that the stations are staggered on each side of the road, i.e., the station on the right side will fall immediately prior to a similar station on the left side of the road. At miles 11.8, 17, and 21.5, Clif SHOT Energy Gels will be available in both caffeinated (Mocha & Citrus) and non-caffeinated (Vanilla & Razz) flavors. What if I am hurt? Stop for assistance at one of the 26 Red Cross first aid stations along the course. If you are unable to finish the course, sweep buses pick up runners at Red Cross stations with drop-off at the Finish area medical tent. Will there be toilets along the course? For your convenience and use during the race, the B.A.A. provides toilets at every water and Red Cross station, as well as at additional locations along the course. Please respect the communities through which the Boston Marathon runs by taking advantage of these facilities, if needed. page 5
What are the policies for spectators? Several viewing areas in Hopkinton have heightened security rules. Spectators entering these areas will be required to pass through security checkpoints and all bags and items being carried will be subject to screening by B.A.A. personnel, contracted private security personnel, and law enforcement officers. Unattended items may cause delays. Spectators along the course are discouraged from possessing any of the items listed below: Weapons or items of any kind that may be used as weapons (firearms, knives, mace, etc.) Backpacks or similar item carried over the Large blankets/comforters, duvets, sleeping bags shoulder Handbags or packages or bulky items larger than Suitcases and rolling bags/rollers 12 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches Coolers Costumes covering the face or any non-form Glass containers or cans fitting, bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks or explosives Any container capable of carrying more than 1 liter of liquid Props (including sporting equipment and military and fire gear) Spectators are encouraged to carry personal items in clear plastic bags. Using a clear plastic bag to carry personal items will enhance public safety and speed security screening. In all cases, spectators should keep their personal items under their immediate control at all times. Unattended items may cause delays. The B.A.A. and all public safety agencies supporting the Boston Marathon encourage the public to actively participate in the See Something Say Something campaign. Spectators should be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious conduct or items to the closest law enforcement official or by calling 911. Public safety officials are also asking the public to assist in creating a No-Drone Zone along the entire course. The use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) anywhere in the area of the course, including above runners and spectators, is strongly discouraged. Where can my friends and family cheer me on during the race? 12:00pm 4:30pm Corner of Lowell Avenue & Commonwealth Avenue, Newton We encourage your family, friends, and supporters to join us at the Team Eye and Ear Cheering Section located at the corner of Lowell Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue in Newton. We will have Team Eye and Ear cheering supplies and light refreshments available for supporters. Please see the map below and enclosed handout for driving and MBTA directions. Please allow plenty of time to travel to this location. Team Eye and Ear Cheering Section Lowell Avenue Spectators arrive from this direction Parking We recommend parking at Newton North High School s parking lot (about 0.4 miles up Lowell Avenue) on the side of Lowell Avenue or one of the other side streets. Boston Marathon Route please note: You will not be allowed to cross the marathon route. page 6
POST-RACE What happens in the secure finish area? You will receive your medal, a heatsheet or mylar blanket, fluid replacement (Poland Spring water and Gatorade) and food. You will also be able to visit the medical tent if you need to. Participants who choose not to check gear on Boylston Street will have the option to leave the secure finish area early at three designated locations prior to Arlington Street to meet with family and friends. Please see map below. Where do I retrieve my baggage after I finish the marathon? If you choose to leave your bags with Mass. Eye and Ear Staff at the Good Luck Dinner, you can find your bags at the Post Race Family Meetings & Showers location at the Boston Sports Club at 505 Boylston Street. If you decide to take advantage of the B.A.A. gear check opportunity on Boylston Street, you will walk 2 blocks east from the Finish line to the gear check area to retrieve your bag. Please see map below. How do I meet up with my family and friends after the race? 11:00pm 7:00pm Boston Sports Club, 505 Boylston Street, Boston Team Eye and Ear has partnered with Boston Sports Club (BSC) this year to organize an exclusive Team Eye and Ear Family Meeting Area at the Boston Sports Club s 505 Boylston Street location. There will be room to stretch, shower facilities with amenities, along with post-race snacks. After finishing, runners can exit Boylston Street to the left on Berkeley Street. When you exit the barricades on Newbury Street, take a left and then use the sidewalk against the building to access the entrance to the BSC on Boylston Street. Signage and volunteers will help guide you! Sidewalks will be open for family and supporters to access the meeting area. From the finish line, we recommend using Newbury Street to travel south toward the meeting area and then taking a right on Clarendon Street and a left on Boylston Street. Signage and volunteers will be visible guides to help, as well! Alternatively, the B.A.A. also designates a Family Meeting Area located on St. James Avenue and Stuart Street, from Berkeley Street to Clarendon Street. Large alphabetically-lettered signs enable parties to meet at the sign with the first letter of the athlete s last name. You are urged to make plans for meeting prior to race day on exactlywhere to reunite. Another option is to designate a specific location to meet your supporters that is further from the finish line facilities, however, be sure to check whether that location will be accessible on race day! BSC page 7