Boston Marathon raises the wow factor with Fan Fest

The B.A.A. has created something new for 2019: a festival of past champions, speakers, sponsors, live music and clinics to entertain runners and spectators near the finish line area in Copley Square during race weekend.

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Wait, you say–isn’t that what the expo is for? Sort of, but not really. Fan Fest will have all the excitement of the expo, but with live music, and without the vendor booths. Plus, it’s outdoors, and right in the centre of the action in Copley Square, just east of the finish line.

Highlights

Fan Fest opens at noon on Friday and continues until 8:30 p.m. 2014 Boston Marathon champion and this year’s Grand Marshal Meb Keflezighi will be offering last-minute tips at 5:00 p.m.

The B.A.A. Invitational Mile and Middle School 1K at 10:30 a.m. and the B.A.A. Relay Challenge at 1:00 p.m. are part of the festivities on Saturday, and don’t miss the LEGO replica of the Boston Marathon trophy, on view from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.

On Sunday, the Boston Marathons Defending Champions Panel, hosted by Super Bowl Champion and Boston Marathon runner Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots, kicks off at 12:15 p.m. Come and see 2018 champions Des Linden, Yuki Kawauchi, Marcel Hug and Tatyana McFadden talk about the experience of winning one of the toughest editions of the Boston Marathon.

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For a complete schedule of events, click here.