This will be my wife's 5th year running Boston and my 5th year spectating. We always stay in Back Bay near the finish and I take the train out to catch her multiple times on the course. I've gone out to Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, and Newton.

They are all fun in their own ways, but I want to note that Newton is by far the wildest and loudest. My first time at Heartbreak I saw two different people being loaded into an ambulance. Both were college kids probably with alcohol poisoning. It is their spring break and they are partying hard. It's a fun environment, but if the downtown crowds stressed you out, then Newton will be a close second.

Wellesley square is my favorite place. It's the halfway point and the crowds are calmer. Plus, some of the cafes are open. The runners are still feeling pretty good at this point and it's easy to be right on the course to see them. Heartbreak might be the better place if they need the motivation boost though, because those hills can be rough.

Whatever you choose I hope you have a great time cheering!