A video posted to YouTube on April 17 that already has 1,606,565 views answers all the questions you’ve ever had about how spectators cross the street at the Boston Marathon without getting in the way of those participating in the race.
While arrows and rope gradually guide runners to one side of the street, those wishing to cross are corralled in a giant rectangle made of tape in the middle of the street. Once no runners are in the way, everyone is ushered out of said rectangle and onto the sidelines. The video shows the process happen a couple of times, each demonstrating that race organizers on Beacon Street have this down to a science.
