MarathonOpening SoonBQ

Boston Marathon

April 19, 2027 · 10:00 AMBoston, MA, United States

Save

Race snapshot

Race Day

52°F

39–61°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

891ft

Moderate rolling hills · Net elevation change −460 ft

Participants

30K

World-class event

Crowd Rating

9/ 10

Legendary crowd support

The Lowdown

The Boston Marathon, first run in 1897, is the world's oldest annual marathon and one of the most storied events in road racing. Held each Patriots' Day, the 2027 edition continues a rich tradition that blends elite competition and mass participation; the race is organized by the Boston Athletic Association and has been a focal point of marathon history, memorable performances, and community resilience. The event attracts top international elites, committed amateurs, and thousands of spectators, making it a landmark on the global running calendar. The point-to-point course begins in Hopkinton and traverses rolling New England terrain through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, and Newton, finishing on Boylston Street in downtown Boston. Signature features include the fast opening downhill, the famed Wellesley College scream tunnel, the series of Newton hills capped by Heartbreak Hill, and the triumphant run past cheering crowds into Copley Square. The atmosphere is electric — neighborhoods line the route with bands, signs, and volunteers, creating a uniquely supportive and historic runner experience. The Boston Marathon course is officially AIMS-certified and is sanctioned as a World Athletics Platinum Label road race.

2026 · Marathon

Loading the course…

Course Highlights: 01Hopkinton Start Line – The race begins in the small town of Hopkinton.
02Wellesley College Scream Tunnel – A loud and energetic section near the halfway point, where students cheer on runners.
03Heartbreak Hill – A steep incline near Mile 20 in Newton, known for challenging runners late in the race.
04Boylston Street Finish Line – The race ends in Boston's Copley Square, a historic and emotional spot for participants.
Also on this race weekend: 5K
Time Limit: 6 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online portal (qualifiers only)
Tour operators
Charity
Early registration may be offered to runners with a streak of 10 or more consecutive Boston Marathon finishes; B.A.A. Athletes Services verifies the streak and contacts the runner directly.
Eligibility: Must be 18 years of age or older on race day
Must meet Boston Athletic Association (BAA) qualifying time for your age group and gender (verified on certified course) within the published qualifying window
Qualifying times must be achieved on certified marathon courses or BAA-approved events and submitted with proof (official results)
Registration priority is given to runners who meet or beat the published qualifying standards; additional entry methods include invited elites, BAA charity entries, and officially sanctioned legacy entries
Wheelchair, handcycle, and visually impaired divisions have separate qualifying standards and rules; guides for visually impaired runners must be registered according to BAA policies
Proof of identity and age (government-issued photo ID) is required on race day and may be required at registration packet pickup
Runners must comply with all BAA race rules, health and safety protocols, and code of conduct
Entries are non-transferable; deferrals and bib transfer policies follow BAA rules and deadlines
International runners are eligible if they meet the qualifying standards or enter through charity/elite/other approved programs (no U.S. citizenship requirement)
Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing conditions; participants must disclose medical information per BAA requirements if requested
Required Documents: photo ID
Digital Number Pick-Up Pass
Complete medical and emergency contact information
Cancellation & Refund Policy: The Boston Athletic Association is proud to offer you the option to protect your registration through its Registration Protection program. Athletes can elect to upgrade to the Registration Protection program at the point of registration.
This program authorizes you to get a refund of your race entry fees, but must be selected during the event registration process.
The B.A.A. maintains a no refund policy for those who do not purchase registration protection.

Book Stay

01: The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon (first run in 1897) and is one of the six World Marathon Majors, drawing elite and amateur runners from around the globe.
02: The point-to-point course begins in Hopkinton and finishes on Boylston Street by Copley Square, with the famous Newton Hills including 'Heartbreak Hill' between miles 20–21 as the race's most challenging section.
03: Packet pickup is at the B.A.A. Health & Fitness Expo the days before the race, and the B.A.A. provides organized bus transportation to the Hopkinton start area, official gear check, medical tents and post-race recovery/food at the finish.
04: Entry is restricted to runners who meet Boston Qualifying standards or gain entry via charity, invitational, or other qualifying categories. 2027 qualifying standards have been published by the BAA.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer891ft gain, 52°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

Running this race?

MarathonOS puts your race countdown on your Lock Screen and keeps every race-week checklist on your phone. Checklists and your race report are free for your first race.

Scan to download

Community

Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.

Community Reviews

Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.

Race snapshot

The Lowdown

Explore the course

Prepare for This Race

Community

Community Reviews