2026 Boston Marathon: 130th annual route and what to know about the race

The 130th Boston Marathon is here, welcoming runners from around the globe to one of the world's most prestigious races.

The Boston Marathon is held every year on the third Monday in April, aligning with Patriots' Day, a Massachusetts holiday that commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which marked the beginning of the American Revolution. As the world's oldest continuous marathon and a part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, this race welcomes both professional athletes and enthusiastic recreational runners who qualify. This year, an exciting 30,000 runners from 137 countries and all 50 U.S. states will take part.

The race also features a variety of categories, including wheelchair, handcycle, Para Athletic, and duo divisions, with a total prize purse exceeding $1 million for all competitors.

Here is everything to know about the 2026 Boston Marathon, including how runners qualify, broadcast information, and race route.

What is the 2026 Boston Marathon route?

The race starts in staggered waves at Hopkinton, Massachusetts, on Main Street. Runners proceed along Route 135 through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley before merging onto Route 16 into Newton. From there, the course turns onto Commonwealth Avenue and ascends the challenging Newton Hills, including the famous Heartbreak Hill between miles 20 and 21.

Afterward, it passes the Chestnut Hill Reservoir and continues onto Beacon Street through Brookline and Kenmore Square. The final stretch includes the well-known right turn onto Hereford Street and a left onto Boylston Street, culminating at Copley Square beside the Boston Public Library.

When does Boston Marathon start?

Starting in 2026, the marathon will have six start waves instead of four. This change aims to improve the flow of the 30,000 participants across the course. The start schedule is detailed below:

• Wheelchair Men: 9:06 a.m.
• Wheelchair Women: 9:09 a.m.
• Handcycles/Duos: 9:30 a.m.
• Professional Men: 9:37 a.m.
• Professional Women: 9:47 a.m.
• Para Athletics: 9:50 a.m.
• Wave 1: 10:00 a.m.
• Wave 2: 10:15 a.m.
• Wave 3: 10:28 a.m.
• Wave 4: 10:41 a.m.
• Wave 5: 11:01 a.m.
• Wave 6: 11:21 a.m.

How to watch the 2026 Boston Marathon

Live coverage of the Boston Marathon will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET on April 20, with additional coverage on ESPN throughout the day. Viewers in New England can watch live coverage starting at 4 a.m. ET on WCVB Channel 5.