Every third Monday of April, Boston stops being just a city to become the host of one of the most important races in the world. The streets fill with banners, bells, and thousands of personal stories that converge at one point: the Boston Marathon 2026, held this April 20 in its 130th edition.
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This is not just any race. It is the oldest marathon in the world, held since 1897, and one of the most prestigious events in the World Marathon Majors circuit. This year, it also coincides with Patriots’ Day and commemorates the 60th anniversary of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to complete the race unofficially, marking a milestone in sports history.
When is the Boston Marathon 2026 and what time does it start?
The Boston Marathon 2026 will be run on Monday, April 20. The day starts early, with staggered starts from 9:06 a.m. (Eastern Time) for wheelchair categories, followed by professional athletes and then thousands of amateur runners divided into waves until after 11:00 a.m.
In total, more than 30,000 participants from 137 countries will start in Hopkinton, covering the 42.195 kilometers to the iconic finish line on Boylston Street, in the Back Bay neighborhood.
How long does the marathon last and when does it end?
The official distance is 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers), the Olympic standard. Elite runners usually cross the finish line between 11:45 a.m. and 12:10 p.m., while the official closing of the finish line is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Where to watch the Boston Marathon live?
For those who cannot attend, there are multiple options to follow the race live. In the United States, the national broadcast will be available on ESPN2 and streaming via ESPN+. Locally, WCVB Channel 5 (ABC) will start coverage from 4:00 a.m., while the Very Local app will also allow live event tracking.
Internationally, various networks such as Eurosport, ESPN Latin America, and Olympic Channel will offer the broadcast in several countries.
Favorites and runners to watch
The 2026 edition will feature the return of the defending champions: Kenyan John Korir and his compatriot Sharon Lokedi. Korir arrives after setting a personal best of 2:02:24, while Lokedi broke the course record last year with an impressive 2:17:22.
Among their main rivals are Benson Kipruto, winner of the 2021 Boston Marathon, and Alphonce Simbu, runner-up in 2025. In the women’s category, names like Workenesh Edesa, Bedatu Hirpa, and Irine Cheptai promise a high-level competition.
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On the American side, Emily Sisson, Fiona O’Keeffe, and Zouhair Talbi stand out, the latter with one of the fastest times in the country’s recent history.
Celebrities who will run
Beyond elite athletes, the Boston Marathon will also feature well-known figures. Among the participants are Chelsea Clinton, former NHL player Zdeno Chara, actor Matt James, and astronaut Sunita Williams, who had already run a marathon in space in 2007.
Also participating are musician Jeff DaRosa, influencer Laura Green, and former NBA player Chris Herren, many running for charitable causes.
Tradition, route, and key points
The route starts in Hopkinton and passes through several towns before reaching Boston. Among the most emblematic points are the Wellesley Scream Tunnel, where students cheer on runners, and the dreaded Heartbreak Hill, in the final stretch, where many races are often decided.
The finish line, located on Boylston Street near Copley Square, is one of the most iconic finishes in sports.
Weather and recommendations for spectators
The forecast for this year points to cold temperatures, between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 0 to 7 °C), with wind, conditions that usually favor runners.
Authorities recommend avoiding carrying large backpacks, drones, or bulky items, and opting for public transportation or walking due to street closures.
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