Every third Monday in April, Boston ceases to be just a city and becomes the host of one of the most important races on the planet. The streets fill with banners, bells, and thousands of personal stories that all converge on a single event: the 2026 Boston Marathon, which will be held on April 20 for its 130th edition.
This is no ordinary race. It is the oldest marathon in the world, held since 1897, and one of the most prestigious events on 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 unofficially complete the race, marking a milestone in the history of sports.
When is the 2026 Boston Marathon, and what time does it start?
The 2026 Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 20. The day begins early, with staggered starts beginning at 9:06 a.m. (Eastern Time) for the wheelchair categories, followed by the professional athletes and then the 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 typically cross the finish line between 11:45 a.m. and 12:10 a.m., while the official closing of the finish line is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Where can I watch the Boston Marathon live?
For those who can’t attend, there are plenty of options for watching the race live. In the United States, the national broadcast will be available on ESPN2 and via streaming on ESPN+. Locally, WCVB Channel 5 (ABC) will begin its coverage at 4:00 a.m., while the Very Local app will also allow viewers to watch the event live.
Internationally, various networks such as Eurosport, ESPN Latin America, and the Olympic Channel will broadcast the race 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 comes into the race 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.
On the U.S. side, Emily Sisson, Fiona O’Keeffe, and Zouhair Talbi stand out, with Talbi having one of the fastest times in the country’s recent history.
Celebrities
In addition to elite athletes, the Boston Marathon will also feature well-known figures. Notable participants include Chelsea Clinton, former NHL player Zdeno Chara, actor Matt James, and astronaut Sunita Williams, who previously ran a marathon in space in 2007.
Also participating will be musician Jeff DaRosa, influencer Laura Green, and former NBA player Chris Herren, many of whom are running for charitable causes.
Tradition, route, and key highlights
The route begins in Hopkinton and passes through several towns before reaching Boston. Among the most iconic spots are the Wellesley Scream Tunnel, where students cheer on the runners, and the dreaded Heartbreak Hill, located 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
This year’s forecast is for cold temperatures, ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately zero to 7°C), with windy conditions — weather that typically favors runners.
Authorities recommend avoiding large backpacks, drones, or bulky items, and opting for public transportation or walking due to road closures.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition