Friend is running the Boston Marathon for the first time this year. For any that have been, what are the must as far as where to stay regarding distance from the finish. Any info/ logistics would be appreciated. Thanks

There is a Sheraton and Hilton off dalton street. I would start looking there and move out. There are a few options in that area that are all easy walks to finish line.

There is an expo and reg pick up on Boylston street so you will need to plan on time for that. There is also a blessing of the runners morning of near the finish that is a cool experience. I would spend some time on the end game and where you want to have a post race meal and have some options at the ready. Public transportation is pretty great but not all the race is on the rail line, so if you are wanting to follow along and see them at multiple points it will take some planning, it's doable but you will need to have a plan. There is a long steady incline toward end, I think they call it cardiac hill, might be a nice surprise to post up at end to see them and have a snack or drink for them. The finish is kind of a cluster if I remember correct, may be helpful to have a pre determined meeting spot for post race. North end is a touristy little Italy, but I've always enjoyed it, as well as freedom trail. Enjoy

I've done the marathon multiple times, my wife has spectated a couple. Her biggest advice would be to only try and see your runner once along the course. It's a point-to-point and they are likely speedy so unless you have a vehicle, it's too hard to see them multiple times.

We've never stayed near the finish line, just preferred to save $$ and stay a bit further out, public transit is good and I've always used it to access the start line for the busses. We've done Cambridge, North End, Winthrop, West End. Must-dos for us are Mike's, Parker Rolls at Omni Parker House, Yankee Lobster, and Harpoon Brewery. When we've had newcomers we've done the Duck Boat Tours too.