The B.A.A. Is Hosting the First-Ever Boston Marathon Fan Fest

The 2017 Boston Marathon. / Photo by Madeline Bilis for “Boston Marathon 2017 Finish Line Photos” / Photo credit Madeline Bilis

Patriot’s Day is right around the corner, and the Boston Athletic Association is gearing up for this year’s race with their first-ever Boston Marathon Fan Fest. The weekend leading up to the marathon, fans and runners alike can get in the spirit with live music, family-friendly events, and the final Boston Marathon clinic of the season.

The B.A.A’s inaugural Fan Fest, taking place in Copley Square, will be free and open to the public, spanning over the three days before Marathon Monday. Kicking off on Friday, April 12, the weekend will commence with a performance by West Point’s Hellcats, the United States Military Academy’s field music group. In the evening, Fan Fest will host the final Boston Marathon Clinic with 2014 Boston Marathon Champion and this year’s Grand Marshal, Meb Keflezighi, where marathon participants can get some pro-tips on running the 26.2-mile race. Day one concludes with live music from Legends of Summer, who will cover the greatest hits of yesterday and today.

Events throughout the rest of the weekend include the annual B.A.A. Invitational Mile as well as the B.A.A Relay Challenge, where middle school students from the eight cities and towns along the marathon route can train for, and compete in, their own race on Boylston Street.

In addition, Fan Fest will host a panel of 2018 Boston Marathon defending champs, including Des Linden, Yuki Kawauchi, Tatyana McFadden, and Marcel Hug, moderated by former New England Patriot and Boston Marathon runner Tedy Bruschi. For the kids, the B.A.A is partnering with Boston’s Legoland Discovery Center, that will showcase a Lego-made model of the Boston Marathon trophy, and bring along some of their signature colorful bricks for the youngest marathon fans to build their own creations.

“Boston Marathon Fan Fest is a place where everyone can relax and soak in the spirit of the Boston Marathon over the weekend,” says Meg Reilly, director of communications at the B.A.A. “Whether you come to Fan Fest for the final Training Clinic on Friday, stop by to listen to live music, or participate in the activities that will be set up, Fan Fest is meant for everyone to enjoy.”

And Fan Fest isn’t the only way to get in the Marathon mood, there are plenty of other ways to get involved—whether you’re running or not—and to celebrate one of the greatest sporting events in the country.

April 12-14. Find the full schedule of Boston Marathon Fan Fest events at baa.org.