Running a Marathon? Portable Toilets Along the Race Route

Here in Boston we are in full marathon mode today for one of the most important events in the city’s history. We thought we would share some tips for marathon runners regarding locating and using portable toilets at any marathon.

Have you ever been in the middle of a race when the call of nature strikes? If so, you’ll know that it can slow you down if you don’t know where the portable toilets are along the race route. Your finish time will most definitely be affected if you can’t find a respectful place to go, like a designated portable toilet. So what do you do? Many runners have found success with proper pre-race planning. This post will tell you what you need to know to make sure the call of nature does not slow you down.

If you are looking to run a smooth race and accomplish your personal best, follow these marathon portable toilet restroom usage and planning tips:

• Do your homework! Check the event website for information about what to expect on race day, including the placement of toilets along your race route. The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A) lists on their site everything you can expect along your race route, including fluid replacement, course clocks, toilet placement and more. The Boston Marathon will have portable toilets at the following locations on the course:

Mile 3 – Ashland 
Mile 7 – Framingham
Mile 10 – Natick
Mile 12 – Wellesley
Mile 18 – Newton
Mile 23.5 – Brookline

• Get to the start early. Allow ample time to do your pre-race business. Almost every runner knows that it’s important to “go” at the race start, but allowing ample time is key. Lines are typically long at the start of a marathon. Here’s a bonus tip: look for the lines with the most men in them. Men typically move a little quicker in the loo.
• Food and liquid intake. While training for a marathon, test out different eating and drinking plans. It’s important to learn your system. Know ahead of time what you can eat and drink before the race and at what points during the race you will need to relieve yourself.
• Don’t forget your belongings. Most runners will have some personal items on them like running sunglasses. In the sea of portable toilets and the lines of people waiting to use them, it may be difficult and time-consuming to go back into the porta potty to retrieve your items.
• And don’t forget to lock the door. Runners will be on the lookout for porta potties that look as if they are unoccupied. If you forget to lock the door, you will literally get caught with your pants down. You certainly don’t need that embarrassment on an already stressful day.
• Now that you have some marathon portable toilet usage and planning tips, you’re ready to take off to your personal best race time without letting the call of nature slow you down. Good luck, runners!

If you are a race organizer planning a marathon, check out our marathon restroom planning tools for a planning checklist and calculator. If you need race route restroom planning help, feel free to give us a call or request assistance online.