Marathon Fundraising Ideas & Tips for Charity Runners

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There’s something about Boston that feels both historic and electric at the same time. Whether you’re headed there for a Red Sox game, a quick weekend getaway, or the iconic Boston Marathon, this city has a way of blending tradition with fun. I recently put together a Boston travel plan for a summer weekend, and it reminded me why runners and travelers alike should add this city to their list. Check out these general travel essentials for visiting Boston with this travel guide!

Boston Baseball Gameday Vibes: Fenway Park

If you’re busy (like most of us!), Boston makes for the perfect long weekend trip! It’s really walkable, packed with history, the airport is very close to the city, and full of experiences that don’t require a ton of planning. Here’s a peek into my highlights from a recent trip to Boston and a few tips you can steal for your own adventure.

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Where We Stayed: Boston Marathon Hotel Options Steps from Boston Common

Instead of a hotel, we booked a StayNue rental (similar to Air BnB) near Boston Common, and the location was perfect. Staying central meant we could walk to the Public Gardens, the bar that inspired the TV show Cheers, the Freedom Trail or a Duck Boat tour pickup location fairly quickly. We also were able to wander through downtown without juggling complicated transport.

• If you’re considering Boston Marathon hotels, staying near Boston Common puts you right in the heart of the action and close to the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street. The neighborhood is the perfect destination for runners or spectators during marathon weekend (although book early as it can be pricey).
• Overall, Boston is very walkable and connected. Every neighborhood has perks and highlights, so book what’s within your budget.

Related Post: Shop for your next luggage options with this shopping guide!

Boston Baseball Game Day Vibes: Fenway Park

Our first night kicked off with dinner at Sweet Cheeks Q (yes, the biscuits are as legendary as everyone says) before heading to Fenway Park for a Boston Red Sox game against the Miami Marlins. After spending the day on the North End, Boston Public Market and a long nap, we were ready for the game. I loved experiencing the energy inside Fenway, especially since it reminded me a lot of Wrigley Field in Chicago. The experience is unique and even if you’re not a diehard baseball fan, it’s worth the bucket-list experience.

• Pair casual, comfy clothes with sneakers—you’ll be on your feet a lot. I wore my Dr. Scholl’s Time Off sneakers for comfortable walking miles all weekend.
• Arrive early to wander outside the park; the street food and music scene are really lovely and make it feel like a festival.

Exploring Boston’s Food & Drink Scene

Boston’s food scene did not disappoint! With a city right on the harbor, we expected plenty of seafood options like lobster rolls and oysters. We found a few local options and have our list below.

• Ernesto’s Pizza on the North End was so good, we went there twice! The cheese slice was thicker than a New York slice but thinner than a pan crust. A “single slice” is cut in half (which was perfect for sharing). 
• Brunch at Black Lamb (South End) felt both chic and relaxed, perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring. They have a daily oyster special (“two buck shuck”) with $2 oysters until 5pm. The cornbread with pimento cheese was incredible and I enjoyed a burrata toast as my main course.
• We strolled the Rose Kennedy Greenway, an urban oasis dotted with art and food trucks. We stopped for a beer at one of the Trillium Brewing beer gardens on the greenway.
• The Sam Adams Taproom was a relaxing, laid-back way to watch the Red Sox and relive the night before with fun pours and community tables. We ordered at the counter and it was a really relaxing spot. While we didn’t take the brewery tour, a few friends recommended it.
• Stop at Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry in the North End for a cannoli. We tried Mike’s and they have a variety of flavors (Brian ordered the limoncello cannoli and I ordered the Oreo cannoli).
• For seafood lovers, Boston oysters are unbeatable. The line outside Neptune Oysters lines up before they open so get there early (or go to Black Lamb for the oyster special).

Is the Boston Duck Boat Worth The Money?

One of the quirkiest (and most memorable) parts of our trip was the Duck Boat tour. We saw the Duck boats driving through Boston on the first day with no intention of taking a tour. After seeing the boats for two days, we decided to buy tickets for Sunday morning before our flight home (it regularly sells out).

Not only did we cruise around Boston’s landmarks, our con-DUCK-tor has run the Boston Marathon three times for charity and wore his bib for our tour (his name was “Harvey Heartbreak”). We drove over the Boston Marathon finish line (my first time seeing it) as part of the tour and later straight into the river.

As part of the tour, there was a lot of great historical information and Boston Marathon fun facts. Once we entered the water, we had a nice cruise. I even got to drive the boat (which was an unforgettable experience). It’s touristy in the best way. If you’re short on time, this is one of the most efficient ways to see the city highlights. I’d recommend doing this early on your trip to figure out additional places to explore.

Walking Along The Freedom Trail: Boston’s Historic Core

We laced up our sneakers and walked through most of the city. There is a brick trail that runs throughout the city connecting many historical landmarks called the Freedom Trail. This route is Boston at its core: historic, engaging, and a reminder of the city’s role in American history. I loved how much historical significance is rooted in Boston’s identity.

If you’re planning on seeing Boston on foot, here are some tips for your trip:

• Wear breathable clothing and good walking shoes (the summer heat can sneak up on you). 
• Pack a small umbrella or rain jacket, since New England weather changes quickly. 
• Bring a light backpack for day trips within the city! I use my Cotopaxi Batac 16L backpack.

Related Post: Want tips to create the perfect packing list for your trip? Check out these tips for using AI to create a perfect packing list!

Marathon Inspiration: Bound for Boston

No trip to Boston feels complete without a nod to the marathon (it is incredibly motivational). Even if you’re not running, it’s impossible not to feel the pull of the event. Boylston Street alone made me so emotional.

• Visit the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street. It’s a permanent installation on the street, and they repaint it for the race every year.
• Check out this Boston tip: The Bank of America on Boylston has a photo opportunity in the ATM lobby with the Boston Marathon unicorn head.

How to Run the Boston Marathon Without Qualifying

The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world. Most runners who participate in the marathon enter based on a qualifying standard since there is no general lottery. Even if you meet the eligibility standards, you may not get selected to run if you don’t make the cutoff based on all the applicants. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to run the Boston Marathon without qualifying, you can run the marathon for charity. Charity entries are an incredible way to be part of the experience! Thousands of runners each year join through organizations that give back to the local community in exchange for fundraising for their cause. The charity entries tend to be highly competitive, and the minimum fundraising amount for a Boston Marathon entry is usually at least $10,000.

Related Post: Looking to run your first World Major Marathon? Consider Chicago for your first World Major!

Interested in Running Boston for Charity?

Learn how to pick a charity as a marathon fundraiser with this guide and some of the best fundraising ideas! I’ve put together a list of everything you need to know about running the Boston Marathon for charity, including when applications open and how to prepare for your charity interview.

Related Post: Running the Chicago Marathon? Use this guide to plan your weekend!

Quick Takeaways for Your Boston Travel Plan

Perfect for Pinterest boards or a screenshot reminder to plan for your next trip! Save these Boston travel tips for later!

• Stay central near Boston Common to save time if you can find a spot priced within your travel budget.
• Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway if they’re in town. This is a total bucket-list experience.
• Eat local: Brunch at Black Lamb, Neptune Oysters, Mike’s Pastry, Sam Adams Taproom, and Ernesto’s Pizza are great options.
• Try a Duck Boat tour for a unique perspective of the city and fun adventure.
• Walk the Freedom Trail for both history and your step counter.
• Boylston is rich with Boston Marathon inspiration, whether you’re a runner or not. It’s worth a visit.

Why Boston Belongs on Your Runner’s Travel List

Boston blends history, food, sports, and running culture into one compact, easy-to-explore city. My Boston travel plan for a weekend left me feeling both energized and inspired, especially with the marathon spirit woven into every corner of the city.

If you’re planning your own trip—whether for the marathon or just for fun—don’t overthink it. Pack light, stay central, and let the city’s energy guide you.

Have you been to Boston, or are you dreaming about toeing the line at the Boston Marathon someday? Share your story in the comments below—or join my newsletter for more running + travel tips straight to your inbox. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest.