the course for the race is set in boston's back bay neighborhood. it follows a closely looped format, heading west to east with charles street acting as both the start and finish point of the race. the race begins by following the perimeter of the public garden before heading west along commonwealth avenue and bay state road. after reaching the halfway point near the intersection with babcock street, the course loops back on itself and runs along commonwealth avenue until the finish line on charles street. the course passes city landmarks including the cheers beacon hill bar and the campus of boston university.