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What you need to know about the 2022 Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon will be back to the historic spring season in 2022.
After a couple of weird years thanks to the pandemic, the 126th Boston Marathon is back on track.
The Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 18, marking a return to the traditional spring season which hasn’t happened since the 2019 marathon on April 15. In 2020, the race was held virtually over a week in early September, and in 2021 the race took place in October.
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“We very much look forward to returning to our traditional Patriots’ Day race in April for the 126th Boston Marathon,” Boston Athletics Association spokesperson Chris Lotsbom told Boston.com in October. “An April Boston Marathon has been a spring tradition for well over a century.”
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Last year, the marathon made a few changes to account for public health, like the rolling start, which many runners praised. This year, the start times will run in waves.
Runners who are not officially registered are not allowed to participate, and all runners will need to provide proof of vaccination prior to picking up their bib. Masks will be required on official buses and in medical tents.
The Boston Athletic Association posted the dates for the next eight marathons, all scheduled for Patriots Day. The qualifying window for the 2023 Boston Marathon opened on Sept. 1.
“Athletes from around the world strive to earn a place on the Boston Marathon start line each and every year,” Tom Grilk, BAA president and CEO, said in a June release. “The return to racing on the third Monday in April 2022 will certainly be one of the most highly anticipated races in Boston Marathon history.”
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Here are some more things to know.
The course
After 2020 was disrupted by COVID, the race will run its normal route for the second year in a row, starting in Hopkinton and running throughout the MetroWest communities until it ends in Back Bay.
You can view the full course map here.
Race day schedule
After starting at 8:02 a.m. last year, the race begins at 9:02 this year.
Men’s Wheelchair: 9:02 a.m.
Women’s wheelchair: 9:05 a.m.
Handcycles & Duos: 9:30 a.m.
Professional Men: 9:37 a.m.
Professional Women: 9:45 a.m.
Para Athletics Division: 9:50 a.m.
Wave 1: 10:00 a.m.
Wave 2: 10:25 a.m.
Wave 3: 10:50 a.m.
Wave 4: 11:15 a.m.
All start times are subject to change.
What to do
Fan Fest: A three-day event over the weekend leading up to Marathon Monday, Fan Fest features live music, activities and more in Copley Square near the finish line. The event is free and open to the public. Musical performers include Beach Nights, Dalton & the Sheriffs, and more.
A full list of activities and hours is available here.
The Expo: Runners can pick up their bib number, race packet, and t-shirt at the Expo, which will be located at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston. The Expo also promises sponsors, photo ops and more.
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Mile 27: Runners can join a post-race party at Fenway Park, which will feature live entertainment, concessions, a presentation of champions and (weather-permitting) access to the warning track. Athletes can purchase additional tickets for friends and family. The event runs from 6:30-10 p.m.
How to watch
WBZ will once again carry the race from “wire-to-wire,” per the Marathon’s website. Coverage runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The USA Network and NBC Sports app will carry the race for a national audience from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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