Boston Marathon Kenya Project (9:30 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.) Franklin Park Zoo, Boston
Representatives of John Hancock, the marathon's chief sponsor, teach Boston elementary school kids about Kenyan georgaphy, culture, and language, as well as the Kenyan legacy at the Boston Marathon.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13
Kenyan runners visit Hopkinton Elementary School (10 a.m.) Elmwood Elementary School, Hopkinton
As they have for years, the top Kenyan runners will get a rock-star welcome at a pep rally held at Elmwood Elementary School.
"Cheers" to the Boston Marathon (6:30 p.m.) Hampshire House, 84 Beacon St., Boston
An opening ceremony that includes the lighting of the replica BAA lamp, this event signals the official start of race week, and features other race traditions.
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
Boston Marathon Bib Number Pick-up (9 a.m.– 6 p.m.) Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston
Registered athletes pick-up their official bib numbers.
John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo (9 a.m.– 6 p.m.) Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston
The 29th annual John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo featuring more than 150 exhibitors. Complimentary admission courtesy of John Hancock, Conventures Inc., and the BAA. Shuttle bus service is being provided from South Station.
BAA Kids Relay Challenge (11:30 a.m.– 1 p.m.) Boylston Street at Copley Square Park
An event for youths who are part of Club 109, a BAA Youth Running Program. This event is presented by the BAA, in partnership with adidas and the City of Boston.
SUNDAY, APRIL 16
Boston Marathon Bib Number Pick-up (9 a.m.– 6 p.m.) Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston
Registered athletes pick-up their official bib numbers.
John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo (9 a.m.– 6 p.m.) Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston
The 29th annual John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo featuring more than 150 exhibitors. Complimentary admission courtesy of John Hancock, Conventures Inc., and the BAA. Shuttle bus service is being provided from South Station.
BAA Freedom Run (8 a.m.) Starts and finishes at Copley Square Park
A friendly 2.8-mile warm-up run through scenic Boston, including parts of the Freedom Trail. The event is open to all Boston Marathon entrants, family members, and friends.
Pre-race Dinner (4:30– 9 p.m.) City Hall Plaza
Boston Marathon Pre-race Dinner for athletes and guests. This year the Big Apple Circus will be hosting mini-performances under the Big Top on a first-come, first-served basis.
MONDAY, APRIL 17
110th Boston Marathon; Hopkinton This year the Boston Marathon will feature a two-wave start, effectively dividing the main field into two groups of 10,000 runners. The first wave, fronted by the elite men, will start at noon; the second wave at 12:30. As in the past two years, the elite women will start 29 minutes before the main field.
Mobility Impaired Division start time: 10 a.m.
Wheelchair Division start time: 11:25 a.m.
Elite Women start time: 11:31 a.m.
Elite Men and main race Wave 1 start time: noon
Wave 2 start: 12:30 p.m.
Boston Marathon Awards Ceremony (6–7 p.m.) Fairmont Copley Plaza: Grand Ballroom
The champions and top age division finishers will receive their awards.
Post-race Dance Party (8 p.m.–12:30 a.m.) The Roxy and the Matrix, 275-279 Tremont St., Boston
The post-race party features dancing at two Boston nightclubs. There will be a cyber cafe to find race results and a video of the race will be shown.
