Tag Archives: Boston 3-Day

A Preview of the Boston 3-Day Route

If you are headed to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in Boston, get ready for an incredible event. Founded in 1630, Boston is one of America’s oldest cities and rich with history at every turn. From its scenic harbor and colonial landmarks to legendary sports teams, Boston is packed with character. We’re excited for you to experience everything Boston has to offer during your 3-Day journey.  

Day 1

The 3-Day journey will start with an inspiring Opening Ceremony at the Marriott Copley Place, then participants will hit the pavement for their first 20 unforgettable miles. Walkers will pass Boston icons like the Citgo sign, a Boston landmark and skyline staple since its installation in 1940, and wind through the tree-lined streets of Brookline, Chestnut Hill and Brighton with support from cheer stations along the way.  In Allston, you’ll walk past Boston University, a Komen Grantee advancing breast cancer research through groundbreaking studies in genetics, environmental risk factors, therapies and early detection methods.

Crossing the Charles River, you’ll enter vibrant Harvard Square in Cambridge. This vibrant hub is home to historic Harvard Yard, eclectic shops, restaurants, bookstores and street performers. Don’t miss Graffiti Alley, a colorful area where graffiti and street artists can legally express themselves. Perfect for a Pink Bubble photo op! 

You’ll end the first exhilarating day back at camp with a warm meal, refreshing shower, a chance to unwind in the Bank of America massage chairs and the Celebration of Champions.

Day 2 

Day two kicks off through the Underground at Ink Block, an urban art park located beneath the I-93 expressway in Boston’s South End neighborhood. This innovative use of space transformed a previously underutilized area into a vibrant community hub adorned with murals and walking paths. From there, you’ll make your way past the Fort Point Channel and Boston’s historic Old State House. Built in 1713, it’s one of the oldest public buildings in the United States and a powerful reminder of Boston’s role in early American history.  

Next, the Pink Bubble community will head over to the iconic Cheers bar made famous by the long-running TV sitcom of the same name, where “everybody knows your name,” and then to the classic energy of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912. The venue is recognized as America’s oldest Major League Baseball park. 

You’ll then pass Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where Komen-funded research is conducted and pushes us closer to a world without breast cancer. From there, you’ll continue toward beautiful Jamaica Pond, a stunning 68-acre freshwater pond. Next up is a stroll past the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery where the renowned beer is brewed daily, before walking past the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, which collectively contain over 500,000 works of art. The day winds down through the lush Back Bay Fens, originally a tidal marshland transformed into a lush oasis in the middle of the city, before coming to a close at the 124-year-old Symphony Hall. Back at camp, you’ll enjoy some delicious macaroni and cheese and the heartfelt Honor Ceremony.

Day 3

On the final day in Boston, you’ll make your way to the historic Boston Common and Frog Pond, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Follow the footsteps of centuries past as you explore the storied Freedom Trail that connects 16 sites which are historically significant to the American Revolution. As you walk the trail, you’ll be able to admire the USS Constitution, Old North Church, Paul Revere’s House, and more before immersing yourself in the stories of the Boston Tea Party.  

For a touch of whimsy, make a stop at the Hood Milk Bottle, a unique landmark that is sure to bring a smile to your face as you head toward the Finish Line Festival. Continue your walk through South Boston, and see the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, the Boston Public Market and Trinity Church before heading to the Finish Line Festival at the Marriott Copley. 

As you complete your New England 3-Day journey through Boston, you will have experienced the city’s historical charm, vibrant neighborhoods and notable attractions. From the cobbled streets of Harvard Square to the fabled Fenway Park, each step will reveal a new facet of this captivating city. Boston’s rich backstory and warm hospitality will leave you with memories that are sure to last a lifetime.  

From Walker to Medical Crew: Kirstin B.’s Inspiring 3-Day Journey

Kirstin B. began her journey with the medical crew in 2016 as an emergency medical technician at the Philadelphia 3-Day.

Kirstin B. first participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® when she was just 15, walking in memory of her godmother who passed away from breast cancer when Kirstin was a child. Today, as a registered nurse, Kirstin plays a vital role on the 3-Day medical crew.  

She began her journey with the medical crew in 2016 as an emergency medical technician at the Philadelphia 3-Day. After becoming a registered nurse, she volunteered at all 3-Day events starting in 2022, except for San Diego, where she still walks as a participant. 

“When I started the 3-Day, I did it for my godmother, now I do it for everyone who is here walking,” Kirstin said. “I am so grateful to use my skills to help encourage and assist participants in achieving their walking goals.” 

Kirstin and her parents at the Komen 3-Day.

The medical crew is an essential part of the 3-Day, offering support to walkers in need of medical assistance. These dedicated volunteers, who are licensed health care providers, staff the medical tents at each 3-Day location. They are available daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., ready to treat everything from blisters and knee pain to dehydration and bee stings. The crew also provides medical support at the pit stops, along the route and at camp. 

“We’ve seen some serious medical problems like stroke and choking,” Kirstin explained. “In those situations, we immediately call 911 and make sure the person gets to the hospital.” 

While the days are long for 3-Day medical crew members, the reward is more than worth it for Kirstin. 

“It’s so fulfilling to listen to someone’s story of why they walk while I patch up their blisters or help them with their medical issue,” she said. “It’s even more rewarding to see them out the next day, continuing their journey, and to encourage them throughout the event.” 

One memorable moment for Kirstin took place at the 2022 Boston 3-Day, when she met a couple whose daughter, Ashley, died at the age of 36 from breast cancer.  

“I was helping them with their blisters, and they told me about Ashley. She was a mother of four, and her youngest was only 18 months old when she passed away,” Kirstin recalled. “I felt privileged to help them fulfill their commitment to walk 60 miles in memory of their daughter.” 

Kirstin had the honor of walking across the 3-Day finish line with Ashley’s parents. “Moments like that keep me coming back to the medical crew every year,” she added. 

In 2023, Kirstin served as a medical crew captain in Chicago, and this year, she will do the same in Boston. 

In 2025, Kirstin Brown will be the captain for the New England 3-Day.  

Are you interested in joining Kirstin on the medical crew? If so, send us an email at: 

2025crew@the3day.org or visit the 3-Day for more information. 

Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment. 

2019 New England 3-Day Wrap-Up

We returned to New England with a splash this past weekend and could not have asked for a better three days on the East Coast! From Fenway to Boston Commons to the Freedom Trail and beyond, this weekend was one for the books.

Our journey began on Friday morning at our host hotel, the Revere Hotel Boston Common, with a special Opening Ceremony complete with stories from local walkers. Our survivors, and those living with breast cancer, were also honored before they led us out of the hotel and into the morning sunshine.

Our walk began through Boston Common and the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, which gave walkers a real taste of the history of the city’s architecture and environment. Everyone loved both the natural calm of the Common as well as the cobblestones and homes in Beacon Hill. From there, we entered Cambridge, passing through Riverbend and North Point parks before settling in for lunch.

The weather stayed cool for our entire first day, giving walkers great weather to make quick work of a 20-mile day! After lunch, they passed the USS Constitution (or Old Ironsides to the locals) and the Bunker Hill Monument, both of which were excellent photo opportunities as well as being peeks into the history of the city.

Before being welcomed back to our hotel camp by our amazing crew team, walkers passed L Street Tavern, which many recognized from the movie Good Will Hunting. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful Day One! 3-Day BINGO, and the much-loved Bank of America massage chairs, awaited walkers and Crew at Friday’s camp. After that, it was straight to sleep in the comfy hotel beds to be well-rested for Day Two.

Saturday dawned with bright and beautiful fall weather, perfect for another day of walking! The morning was also jam packed with historical sites, including Trinity Church, Old South Church and the Boston Public Library…all in the first mile of walking! From there, we followed the Boston Marathon route in reverse, and walkers had fun celebrating “crossing the finish line” a little early in the weekend.

From there, we walked through Brookline and Brighton before arriving at our halfway celebration at lunch. Walkers lounged on the Mohawk pink mats before jumping up to dance in our celebration flash mob with Mark as Bon Jovi blared across our lunch site.

The second half of the day began with wide smiles leftover from lunch. We headed back into Boston proper, getting more city views before taking the Commonwealth Mall path back to our hotel. The shady tree-lined avenue gave relaxing shade and a respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

When our last walker arrived back at camp, we began our emotional Honor Ceremony and saluted those who inspire and motivate us to commit three days, year after year. We walk for them, and this ceremony celebrated that commitment. Tears were shed, hugs were shared, and we went to bed feeling fulfilled and ready to take on Day Three.

Sunday was our sunniest and warmest day yet for the weekend! The day began with a walk-through the Boston Public Garden and a stop by Cheers, the bar that inspired the titular beloved TV show. It wasn’t open yet, but walkers loved stopping for a photo!

They also posed outside Fenway Park, and declared their allegiance to home teams from across the country. We missed the game that day, but in honor of New England, 3-Dayers cheered on the Red Sox in spirit.

After Fenway, we walked through Brookline and Jamaica Plain before making our way back into the Boston city limits. We passed under the Chinatown Gate and over the Charles River, even passing the site of the Boston Tea Party. Just one more historical landmark in a weekend full of them!

Our walk ended at the Lawn on D, with lots of space for friends and family to come celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Our last walkers began our Closing Ceremony with excitement, which continued as our Crew entered the ceremony area. Then, shoes were raised to honor the strength of our survivor community, and for those living with breast cancer. They are the reason we will continue to walk, and to fundraise, for a world without breast cancer.

And fundraise we did! The 1,100 walkers and 200 crew members of the New England 3-Day raised an amazing $2.9 million in the fight against breast cancer. That’s an accomplishment worth celebrating! As we danced and soaked in the moment, many walkers already registered to return to the New England 3-Day in 2020. They know that the work is not done. And though our weekend has ended, we will not stop here. We will never quit.