Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

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twinmomrunner045

133 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Apr 9, 2007 2:26 PM

Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

I'm getting dropped off in Hopkinton for the Marathon. Can anyone tell me how much extra time I should allow above my normal drive time? Also, if I sleep in a bit, get to town after the roads close at 7:30, and take the shuttle from the industrial park, how much time should I allow for that? Any other words of advice on the commute are very welcome--I'm a nervous first-timer! Thanks.

MilebyMile

308 posts since
Aug 15, 2007

1. Apr 10, 2007 1:12 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

I am also interested in this. Where were you being dropped off. I was considering going to the state park North of Hopkinton and evidently they have a shuttle to town. Not what time I would need to leave though.

Ref041

30 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

2. Dec 27, 2007 12:08 AM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

I am getting dropped off at the Hopkinton State Park and will take the bus from there. I am undecided on time yet. Two years ago I did the same thing; but I can't remember what time we got there. I am thinking we might have been there at 9:00 for the 12:00 start**?

**Edited to add that I realize the race starts at 10:00 this year. Hope that didn't confuse anyone! I imagine I need to be in Hopkinton by 7:00 this year.

http://This message has been edited by Ref (edited Apr-10-2007).

Altair

39 posts since
Feb 9, 2006

3. Apr 10, 2007 3:42 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

I took the shuttle bus from the industrial park last year. The whole day is such a blur (but I remember it being wonderful!) that I can't remember how long it took! Maybe 15 minutes? I remember there was a surprising amount of traffic for very early in the morning (I probably got there around 8am for a 12:30 (2nd wave) start? Also I was lucky that a bus was just about to leave when my husband dropped me off. I don't know what the wait time is otherwise. It's about .7 mile from where the buses drop you off (near the start) to the Athletes' Village. Warning: I have heard that the exits off 495 get very congested as you get closer to start time.

andyroberts007

3 posts since
Mar 21, 2007

4. Apr 10, 2007 4:55 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

the race starts at 10 (wave 1) and 10:30 (wave 2) this year

snarkk

54 posts since
May 16, 2002

5. Apr 10, 2007 8:17 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

I'm getting dropped off at Hopkinton State Park, too. I was thinking of getting there at 7-7:30. I dont want to get there too early but I also dont want to miss the fun.

CliffD

40 posts since
Nov 18, 2004

6. Apr 11, 2007 12:08 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

I am staying in Natick and was thinking of taking the commuter train out to the Southborough station and walking what looks to be about a mile and change south to Hopkinton State Park. Any locals that know if this is a good / bad idea??? The best I can tell from maps it is about a mile and a half maybe to where the shuttles might be, but some local knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

snarkk

54 posts since
May 16, 2002

7. Apr 11, 2007 12:42 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

That's probably not a bad idea as long as the train schedules work out. I'm sure someone passing by would give you a lift up to the state park, too.

CliffD

40 posts since
Nov 18, 2004

8. Apr 11, 2007 1:25 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Aamos:
Great idea--I'm going to check out the mileage, if I can. Say, are you Cliff from Washington? We met before Seattle a few years ago?
grins,
A<HR>

Amy, hey.

Yeah, it is me. My dad qualified for Boston and I promised I would run with him. Now that the weather reports are what they are, I am wondering if that was such a good idea. LOL

Thanks for the link below...sounds like this may be the way to avoid all the traffic hassles...although itmeans getting to the State Park pretty early.

actonrunner

70 posts since
Dec 30, 2002

9. Apr 11, 2007 3:31 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

I've taken the shuttle from the industrial park each year for the past 4 years. When the race went off at noon, I'd try to get there by 9:30 and I had plenty of time. I'll try to get there at 7:30 this year.

To put this into perspective, a friend of mine would get dropped off at the state park at 10:30, and was never late, but I tend to be rather conservative with deadlines.

The shuttles from the industrial park run continuously. before one pulls out there's already 1-2 more busses filling up behind it.

CliffD

40 posts since
Nov 18, 2004

10. Apr 11, 2007 4:27 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

Sounds good. Have a safe trip out there.

actonrunner

70 posts since
Dec 30, 2002

11. Apr 11, 2007 5:27 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Aamos:
Actonrunner (I graduated from Maynard HIgh)-- where is the Industrial Park? I found the State Park, but can't get an address for the Industrial Park.
How'd you get to the Ind. Park when the streets are closed?
Thanks,
A<HR>

There's a map on the Hopkinton Police Department site:
http://www.hopkintonpd.org/marathonmaps.htm[/URL" target="_blank">

The exit is 21B, West Main Street, Upton. They won't let you get off at 21A, which goes into Hopkinton, but 21B heads west. Parking/dropoff is at an EMC facility on South Street. It's the first left after you get onto West Main Street.

The shuttle buses take you to Hopkinton green (near the starting line). You've got to walk down towards the High School to drop off your things on the baggage buses.

loopy069

238 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

12. Apr 12, 2007 11:10 AM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

Hi all,

I too am planning on taking the shuttle bus from the park. I have a related question -- is it OK to skip the Athlete's village entirely? I recently found out that I know someone who lives very close to the start. So, now I am planning on getting off the shuttle bus at the spectator drop-off near the start and staying at their house till the start.

I just wanted to make sure that I will have no problem just walking up to the corral near start time without making the trek from the athlete's village when the various corrals are "released." Also, when would be a good time to head over to the start? (I will be in first wave, third corral)

Thanks for any help!

Altair

39 posts since
Feb 9, 2006

13. Apr 12, 2007 12:48 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

Loopy, it is not a problem skipping the village.

loopy069

238 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

14. Apr 12, 2007 1:06 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

quote:<HR>Originally posted by altair:
Loopy, it is not a problem skipping the village. <HR>

Thanks altair!

Should 9:40-9:45 be about right for heading to the start?

Apr 9, 2007 2:26 PM

Boston logistics: Getting to Hopkinton

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