Boston Marathon’s porta-potty plan

As thousands of eager runners gear up for the 128th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, a logistical marvel is unfolding behind the scenes as the city prepares to accommodate the bathroom needs of 30,000 marathoners (with another 10,000 participants in the B.A.A. 5K). Here’s how race organizers ensure a smooth running (and peeing) experience for all.

A portable fleet of toilets

At the heart of the marathon’s bathroom logistics lies an impressive fleet of porta-potties, strategically stationed along the 42.2K course, GBH News reported. United Site Services, the company that provides the toilets at the race, determines that number using a standard ratio for live events: one porta-potty per 100 people.

Pit-stops with a purpose

Boston Marathon’s bathroom logistics become more challenging than the average concert because the marathon covers a large geographic area. From Hopkinton to Boylston Street in downtown Boston, each section of the marathon course presents unique challenges and opportunities for bathroom placement.

While the start line sees a concentration of toilets at 730 potties (more than half) to accommodate pre-race nerves and preparations, hydration stations and medical tents strategically host additional facilities to cater to runners’ needs throughout the race. Runners will have access to four or five porta-potties at each hydration stop along the course (there are 24) with a few more at each medical tent.

United Site Services says there are also about 50 accessible toilets throughout the course for people with disabilities. Each location is carefully selected to ensure accessibility and convenience for participants.

There will also be three @MaurtenOfficial Hydrogel stations located at miles 11.8, 17, & 21.5. If all of these fluids are worrying you, don’t stress, as there will be toilets at every water station & all 26 medical stations, as well as at additional locations along the course.

— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon) April 2, 2024

Finish-line finesse

As marathoners approach the finish line, they’ll have one final (probably unappreciated) surprise in store: the “best of the best” porta-potties, to freshen up in before celebrating achievements. These 115 pristine facilities, with crisp stickers and no scuffs in sight, are chosen to be set up where most cameras are, so as not to add an unsightly reminder of gastric distress to finish-line photos.