At an early morning breakfast press conference, held at the Newton Mariott, this morning. The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) along with Newton Mayor Setti Warren announced a surprise route change to this year’s 120th running of the Boston Marathon’s route through Newton … stunning members of the running community.

It was announced that there have been ongoing negations with representatives of some of the elite runners. Apparently complaints had been lodged with the B.A.A. stating that when the course turns from Washington Street onto Commonwealth Avenue, by the fire station, heading up the hills of Newton  runners found themselves becoming tired and sweaty. Due to this they threatened a boycott of this years event.

2015 elite runners run the hills of Newton on Comm Ave.                                                           Keith E. Jacobson/Photo

After protracted negations a new acceptable route was created preserving the official length of the Marathon while eliminating the challenging hills section.

The new route will go straight across Comm. Ave. at the fire station following Washington Street into West Newton and on to Newtonville. Runners will then turn right onto Walnut Street allowing them to cross Comm. Ave.  passing the Johnny Kelley statue and the VIP viewing stand will be moved from Comm. Ave. to the Walnut Street side of city hall. Runners will proceed to Newton Highlands where they will make a left hand turn onto Route 9, a section eastbound will be closed for the day, following it to Chestnut Hill Avenue in Brookline. At Chestnut Hill Ave. they will turn left and follow it to Cleveland Circle … turning right on Beacon Street and following the traditional route to the finish line in Boston.

                                                            Johnny Kelley statue at Comm. Ave. and Walnut Street      Keith E. Jacobson/Photo