The Boston Marathon Spotters’ Network

Volunteering with The Spotters’ Network

What do The Spotters’ Network volunteers do?
Teams of spotters are trained to be the “eyes and ears” of Race SpotWatch. Once teams are assembled, they gather their clipboards, pens, stopwatches, phones and snacks, and are taken to their assigned course mile marker locations.

As the elite athletes pass each mile marker location, teams relay information and times via telephone back to a bank of operators in the Race SpotWatch studio. The information is, in turn, passed along to producers, graphics staff and on-air commentators.

What kind of commitment is involved in being a Spotter?
Spotters must attend one 75 minute-long training session, held either at the CBS-TV4 studio or at the participating group’s school.

Spotters must be available on race day from early morning through early afternoon.

How can I get involved?
Contact us! Please send an email to racespotwatch@tracs.net.

Schools involved in the 2006 Boston Marathon

• Framingham High School
• Hopkinton High School
• Natick High School
• Newton North High School
• Reading Memorial High School
• Westborough High School
• Xaverian Brothers High School

Spotters’ Testimonials
“I am very excited to be a part of The Spotters’ Network; I feel this is a great opportunity and it will be an experience I will remember for a long time.”
- Emily Glazier, Junior, Hopkinton High School

“It was a blast, they really make you feel involved with the community, and you get to work with kids from all over the state.”
- Callie Nealson, Former Student, Hopkinton High School

"There's a lot that goes into making something like this look so effortless... There was a real sense of accomplishment... It was just great to see everything come into fruition."
- Sara Jacobi, Student, Boston University