Boston Marathon 2026: Essential Guide to the 130th Edition
The Boston Marathon, the world's oldest continuously run marathon, is set to take place on Monday, 20 April 2026, marking its 130th edition. This prestigious event kicks off a busy spring season for world marathon majors, with the London Marathon following just a week later. The race begins in the rural town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and winds its way through the scenic route before concluding on Boylston Street, adjacent to the Boston Public Library.
Elite Fields and Defending Champions
In the women's division, Sharon Lokedi of Kenya returns to defend her 2025 title, having shattered the course record with an impressive time of 2:17:22. She is joined by fellow Kenyans Irine Cheptai, who finished fourth last year, and Vivian Cheruiyot, a four-time Olympic medalist transitioning to marathon running. British hope Calli Hauger-Thackery, who placed sixth in Boston last year and has since won the Honolulu and Houston Marathons, also features prominently.
On the men's side, John Korir of Kenya aims to defend his 2025 victory, where he clocked 2:04:45, following in the footsteps of his brother Wesley. Key contenders include Benson Kipruto, the 2021 champion and recent New York winner, and Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, the 2025 world championships gold medalist seeking to improve on his runner-up finish from last year.
Wheelchair Divisions
The wheelchair races are headlined by Swiss athlete Marcel Hug, a seven-time Paralympic champion targeting his fourth consecutive Boston title and ninth overall. In the women's wheelchair division, Manuela Schar is the favourite to secure a fifth victory, especially with defending champion Susannah Scaroni absent.
Boston Marathon Start Times
All times are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is BST minus five hours:
- Men’s Wheelchair – 9:06 a.m.
- Women’s Wheelchair – 9:09 a.m.
- Handcycles & Duos – 9:30 a.m.
- Elite Men – 9:37 a.m.
- Elite Women – 9:47 a.m.
- Para Athletics Division – 9:50 a.m.
- Wave 1 – 10:00 a.m.
- Wave 2 – 10:25 a.m.
- Wave 3 – 10:50 a.m.
- Wave 4 – 11:15 a.m.
How to Watch the Boston Marathon 2026
In the United States, local viewers can tune into WCVB ABC, while national coverage will be available on ESPN2, starting at 9 a.m. EDT. For audiences in the United Kingdom, the marathon will be broadcast on TNT Sports and HBO Max, with live coverage commencing at 2 p.m. BST.
Prize Money Breakdown
The prize money for the elite men's and women's races is structured as follows:
- 1st place - $150,000
- 2nd place - $75,000
- 3rd place - $40,000
- 4th place - $25,000
- 5th place - $18,000
- 6th place - $13,500
- 7th place - $10,500
- 8th place - $8,500
- 9th place - $7,000
- 10th place - $5,500
Additionally, a course record bonus of $50,000 is available for any athlete who breaks the existing record.
Elite Runner Highlights
The women's field includes notable athletes such as Emily Sisson of the USA, who holds the American record with 2:18:29, and a diverse range of international competitors from Ethiopia, Japan, Australia, and beyond. The men's field features top runners like Milkesa Mengesha of Ethiopia, Cybrian Kotut of Kenya, and European athletes such as Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands and Richard Ringer of Germany.
This year's event promises intense competition and historic moments, with athletes vying for glory and substantial financial rewards. Whether you're watching from home or following the action live, the 2026 Boston Marathon is set to be a highlight of the athletic calendar.
