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State Hwy 16/Boston Marathon Mile Marker 16

State Hwy 16/Boston Marathon Mile Marker 16, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462

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Marathon: Mile Marker 16

Mile Marker 15 > Mile Marker 16 > Mile Marker 17

Town: Newton Lower Falls, MA

Street: State Hwy 16 (See a street level view of this location)

Overview

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Description

This mile marker is the last one in Wellesley and comes just before the course crosses over Route 128/95. It also marks the beginning of the infamous stretch of hills that runners encounter as they make their way through Newton.

There's a lot of focus on the Heartbreak Hills (which so unkindly come when your glycogen stores are at their lowest). But beware of the less-known but much feared incline that awaits you as you pass over Route 128. In the words of Race Director Dave McGillivray, "To me, the climb over 128 has always been the toughest part of the whole race." What makes it even tougher, is the wind that often blows directly in your face. If it's a cold raw day, this stretch can feel particularly bleak. On a hot day, it feels like a sauna. It's stark, unscenic (traffic is flying past down below), and the hill just seems to last forever. What's worse, is knowing in the back of your mind that this is just a primer for the Newton Hills which await you!

Run the Marathon from this Mile Marker!

FOR RUNNERS

Get to know Mile 16 of the course before race day.

FOR SPECTATORS

Get to know the neighborhood around Mile 16.

Runners Insights

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Helpful Hints

At exactly 16.00, you cross the Charles River and enter Newton and immediately begin to climb the first of the 4 "Newton Hills". From 16.00 to 16.62 is an uninterrupted 93 foot climb, followed by about a 20 foot drop to the 17 mile mark. 1 hill down, 3 to go !

Spectator Tips

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Where to Watch

Mile 16 is a great place to catch the runners. It's convenient because it's right off of 128 and you don't have to deal with all the traffic of going downtown. A popular landmark around here is the Newton Fire Station, which is a popular place for people to congregate and watch the race.