Boston Marathon
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 2026 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.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Moderate rolling hills
Participants
Field Size
World-class event
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Legendary crowd support
Boston Marathon 2025 Sets New Registration Record
Jan 15, 2025The Boston Athletic Association announces that the 2025 Boston Marathon received a record number of qualifying applications, with runners achieving faster qualifying times than ever before.
Boston Marathon Announces Enhanced Course Support for 2026
Feb 28, 2025The BAA unveils plans for expanded medical stations and spectator areas along the historic course for the 130th running of the Boston Marathon in April 2026.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Hopkinton Start Line
The race begins in the small town of Hopkinton.
Wellesley College Scream Tunnel
A loud and energetic section near the halfway point, where students cheer on runners.
Heartbreak Hill
A steep incline near Mile 20 in Newton, known for challenging runners late in the race.
Boylston Street Finish Line
The race ends in Boston’s Copley Square, a historic and emotional spot for participants.
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Boston, MA, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
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
Entry Methods
- Online portal (qualifiers only)
- Tour operators
- Charity
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.
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.
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.
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.
Entry is restricted to runners who meet Boston Qualifying standards or gain entry via charity, invitational, or other qualifying categories, and spectators are especially concentrated at Wellesley College, the Newton hills, and along Boylston Street—arrive early and use public transit or official shuttles for best access.
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.