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What you need to know about the 2026 Boston Marathon
Everything to know about the 130th Boston Marathon: schedule, how to watch, and more.
Boston’s most iconic race day is almost here.
On Patriots Day, Monday, April 20, tens of thousands of runners will gather in Hopkinton to begin the 26.2-mile journey to Copley Square for the 130th running of the Boston Marathon.
As the world’s oldest annual marathon and a cornerstone of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the race continues to draw elite competitors and everyday runners from across the globe.
This year’s race features 30,000 participants from more than 130 countries and all 50 U.S. states – a testament to the event’s international prestige and enduring appeal. Organized by the Boston Athletic Association, the marathon blends world-class competition with a deeply rooted community tradition.
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New to this year’s race are six start waves, as opposed to four in years prior. The 2026 field will once again feature top professional athletes like 2025 Men’s Elite champion John Korir and Women’s Elite champion Sharon Lokedi, chasing victory alongside thousands of charity runners supporting causes close to their hearts.
Whether you’re running, cheering, or simply taking it all in, you’ll find everything you need to know about the race in this guide – from course details and spectator tips to event highlights and how to watch the marathon.
How do I get to the start line?
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The BAA recommends runners use the official BAA buses located on Charles Street between the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common. Pick-up for Wave 1 runners begins at 6:45 a.m.; Waves 2 and 3 at 7:30 a.m.; Waves 4 and 5 at 8 a.m.; and Wave 6 at 9 a.m. The last bus to the start line leaves at 9:30 a.m. All participants must show their bib number in order to board the buses.
There is limited parking for participants at the 52 and 80 South Street parking lots in Hopkinton. A bib number is required to access the shuttle bus to the Athletes’ Village.
Para-athletes and their guides and support runners can board accessible transportation to the start line from the Sheraton Boston Hotel located at 39 Dalton St. on race morning, beginning at 5 a.m. See specific check-in times for different divisions here.
View more information on getting to the start line here.
The course
Runners start the Boston Marathon on Main Street in Hopkinton and follow Route 135 through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and then into Wellesley, where Route 135 joins Route 16.
Runners continue along Route 16 through Newton Lower Falls before turning onto Commonwealth Avenue (Route 30). They continue through the infamous Newton Hills and past the reservoir onto Chestnut Hill Avenue.
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The route then turns left on Beacon Street and continues through Brookline and Kenmore Square before going under the Massachusetts Avenue overpass. The home stretch includes a right turn onto Hereford Street and left onto Boylston Street before finishing at Copley Square.
For more information about the course map, view this map.
Race day schedule
Men’s wheelchair: 9:06 a.m.
Women’s wheelchair: 9:09 a.m.
Handcycles/Duos: 9:30 a.m.
Professional men: 9:37 a.m.
Professional women: 9:47 a.m.
Para athletics division: 9:50 a.m.
Wave 1: 10 a.m.
Wave 2: 10:15 a.m.
Wave 3: 10:28 a.m.
Wave 4: 10:41 a.m.
Wave 5: 11:01 a.m.
Wave 6: 11:21 a.m.
The finish line closes at 5:30 p.m.
Have a friend or family member running? Search the field of runners here. Download the B.A.A. Racing App to track runners on the course. The Family Meeting Area is located on Stuart Street between Berkeley Street and Clarendon Street, and has alphabetical signs to support finding family.
What to do
Expo (April 17-19): Runners can pick up their bib number, race packet, and a t-shirt at this three-day event at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center on Boylston Street. There’s also sponsor exhibitors, an Adidas Boston Marathon store, and photo opportunities. The Expo is free and open to the public. View the full schedule of Expo events here.
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Fan Fest (April 17-19): Free and open to the public, this three-day event at City Hall Plaza features appearances by Boston Marathon champions, live music, activities, food, and more.
Mile 27 Post-Race Party (April 20): This party takes place at City Hall Plaza starting at 12 p.m. The event features a livestream of the race, a special beer garden from Sam Adams, sponsor activations, and plenty of food options from Carmelina’s, Modern Pastry, Legal Seafood, Sal’s, Greco, and more. Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy a concert from local band Couch. Kids under 12 get in for free, and tickets ($10) can be purchased here.
How to watch
Boston-area viewers can watch live coverage of the Boston Marathon on WCVB Channel 5 (ABC), beginning at 4 a.m. on April 20.
Live streaming of the Boston Marathon is available through the Very Local app.
The Boston Marathon will also be simulcast regionally on WCVB Channel 5’s Hearst Television sister stations: WMUR News 9 ABC (Manchester, NH), WMTW Channel 8 ABC (Portland/Auburn, ME), and WPTZ NBC5 (Burlington, VT/Plattsburgh, NY).
For more information, visit wcvb.com/boston-marathon and verylocal.com/cities/boston.
View international broadcasters covering the marathon here.
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