Boston Marathon 2026

April 20, 2026

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Course Map |  Marathon Events  |  Where To Watch  |  Schedule

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon, traditionally held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April. The Boston Marathon ranks among the world's best-known road racing events and is one of seven World Marathon Majors.

The event attracts 500,000 spectators each year, making it New England's most widely viewed sporting event. What started with 18 participants in 1897 now attracts over 31,000 registered participants each year.

For more information on events: baa.org 

2022 Boston Marathon Course

*Map image courtesy of BAA.org

Where To Watch / Spectator Policies
 

History

Read about the history of the Boston Marathon including the first marathon, the distance, date and gender changes over the years, as well as past winners.

Patriots' Day

Celebrate Patriots' Day in Boston - a festival commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. View parades, events, and more.

Schedule of events for Marathon:

 

Division/Program Start time   
Military March 6:00 a.m.
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.
Rolling start begins 10:00 a.m.

 

Future Marathon Dates

  • April 20, 2026
  • April 19, 2027
  • April 17, 2028

Food & Drink

From hot pot, dumplings and noodles in the nation’s third-largest Chinatown to soul-warming Italian plates in the North End, Boston’s restaurant scene truly brings something to the table for everyone.

Neighborhoods

Each Boston neighborhood tells its own story, a tale of community, culture, and eclectic commercial areas.