Data and calculations by Dr. Jack Daniels and Amby Burfoot.
To help prepare for the undulating terrain of the Boston Marathon, review the elevation changes each mile and train accordingly.
| Mileage | City/town | Elevation | Net Change | Notes |
| Start (0) | Hopkinton | 490 feet | ||
| 1 | Hopkinton | 360 feet | -130 | |
| 2 | Hopkinton | 320 feet | -40 | |
| 3 | Ashland | 265 feet | -55 | |
| 4 | Ashland | 180 feet | -85 | first 4 miles drops 230 feet) |
| 5 | Ashland | 205 feet | 25 | |
| 6 | Framingham | 180 feet | -25 | |
| 7 | Framingham | 155 feet | -25 | |
| 8 | Natick | 180 feet | 25 | (no overall drop over 2nd 4 miles) |
| 9 | Natick | 150 feet | -30 | |
| 10 | Natick | 170 feet | 20 | |
| 11 | Natick | 180 feet | 10 | |
| 12 | Wellesley | 165 feet | -15 | (15 foot drop over 3rd 4 miles) |
| 13 | Wellesley | 145 feet | -20 | |
| 14 | Wellesley | 130 feet | -15 | |
| 15 | Wellesley | 160 feet | 30 | |
| 16 | Wellesley | 60 feet | -100 | (105 foot drop over 4th 4 miles) |
| 17 | Auburndale | 115 feet | 55 | |
| 18 | Newton | 145 feet | 30 | |
| 19 | Newton | 130 feet | -15 | |
| 20 | Newton | 150 feet | 20 | 90 foot rise over 5th 4 miles |
| 21 | Newton | 230 feet | 80 | |
| 22 | Brighton | 150 feet | 80 | |
| 23 | Brookline | 95 feet | -55 | |
| 24 | Brookline | 60 feet | -35 | |
| 25 | Boston | 15 feet | -45 | |
| 26 | Boston | 10 feet | -5 | |
| Finish | Boston | 10 feet | (140 feet drop in final 6.2 miles) (220 foot drop in final 5.2 miles) |
Learn more about Dr. Jack Daniels’ Boston Training Plans to run your fastest Boston yet.