Boston Marathon
Everything to know about the 130th Boston Marathon: schedule, how to watch, and more.
The starting line of the 129th Boston Marathon in Hopkinton. (David L. Ryan/Global Staff)
Boston’s most famous 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 trek to Copley Square for the 130th Boston Marathon.
As the world’s oldest annual marathon and the cornerstone of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the race continues to attract elite competitors and everyday runners from around the world.
This year’s race includes 30,000 participants from more than 130 countries and all 50 US states – a testament to the event’s international standing and enduring appeal. Organized by the Boston Athletic Association, the marathon blends world-class competition with deep-rooted community traditions.
New to this year’s race are six starting waves, compared to four in previous years. The 2026 field will once again feature top professional athletes such as 2025 Men’s Elite Champion John Currier and Women’s Elite Champion Sharon Lokidi, seeking 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 starting line?
The BAA recommends that riders use official BAA buses located on Charles Street between Boston Public Garden and Boston Common. Gathering 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 am. The last bus to the start line leaves at 9:30 AM. All participants must show their chest number in order to board the buses.
There is a limited amount of parking for participants at the 52 and 80 South Street parking lots in Hopkinton. A chest number is required to access the shuttle bus to the Athletes Village.
Athletes with special needs Guides and their supporting runners can take accessible transportation to the start line from the Sheraton Boston Hotel at 39 Dalton Street on the morning of the race, beginning at 5 a.m. See specific check-in times for different departments here.
View more information about getting to the start line here.
Course
Runners start the Boston Marathon on Main Street in Hopkinton and follow Route 135 through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and then to Wellesley, where Route 135 joins Route 16.
Runners continue along Route 16 through Lower Newton Falls before heading onto Commonwealth Avenue (Route 30). They continue through the notorious Newton Hills and pass the reservoir to Chestnut Hill Road.
The route then turns left onto Beacon Street and continues through Brookline and Kenmore Square before passing under the overpass at Massachusetts Avenue. The house extension includes a right turn into Hereford Street and a left into Boylston Street before ending at Copley Square.
For more information about the course map, watch this Draw a map.
Race day schedule
Men’s wheelchair: 9:06 am
Women’s wheelchair: 9:09 am
Hand/duo bikes: 9:30 a.m
Pro Men: 9:37 a.m
Professional women: 9:47 a.m
– Athletics Department for People with Special Needs: 9:50 am
Wave 1: 10 am
Second wave: 10:15 am
Third wave: 10:28 am
Fourth wave: 10:41 am
Wave 5: 11:01 AM
Wave 6: 11:21 AM
The finish line closes at 5:30 p.m
Do you have a friend or family member who runs? Research in the field of runners here. download BAA racing application To track the 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 family finding.
What to do
Exhibition (April 17-19): Runners can get their bib number, race bag and jersey at this three-day event at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center on Boylston Street. There are also sponsoring exhibitors, an Adidas Boston Marathon store, and photo opportunities. The exhibition is free and open to the public. View the full schedule of exhibition events here.
Fan Fest (April 17-19): This free and open to the public, 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 concert will be held at City Hall Plaza starting at 12 noon. The event features a live race broadcast, a special Sam Adams beer garden, sponsor activities and plenty of food options from Carmelina’s, Modern Pastry, Legal Seafood, Sal’s, Greco and more. Starting at 6pm, enjoy a concert by local band Couch. Children under 12 can enter for free, and tickets can be purchased ($10). here.
How to watch
Boston area viewers can watch Live coverage From the Boston Marathon on WCVB Channel 5 (ABC)Starting at 4 a.m. on April 20.
Live broadcast of the Boston Marathon is available through Very local application.
The Boston Marathon will also be simulcast regionally on WCVB Channel 5’s 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.
Watch the global broadcasters covering the marathon here.
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