The 5K (3.1 mile) flat, loop course begins on Boylston Street at the Copley Square fountain, near the intersection with Clarendon Street, and ends at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. It passes several Boston landmarks, including the Massachusetts State House, the Boston Common, and the Public Garden. As the race begins, it proceeds straight on Boylston Street, making a left on Tremont Street, then a left on Park Street up a short hill before making a left on Beacon Street, running down Beacon Hill alongside Boston Common and the Public Garden. Runners then take a left on Arlington Street and a right onto Commonwealth Avenue. At Berkeley, runners take a left back to Boylston, then a right on Boylston and a right on Clarendon, returning to Commonwealth Avenue. There, runners will take a left and continue until taking a left on Hereford and then a left on Boylston to the Boston Marathon finish line.

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