United States · Road marathon · 42.195 km
Boston Marathon
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
The Boston Marathon runs from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, with the Newton hills arriving between roughly miles 17.5 and 21. They are worth remembering during the earlier miles. Entry takes planning: achieving a qualifying time does not guarantee acceptance. For 2027, a further selection offers some eligible qualifiers who miss the cutoff another chance. The Boston Athletic Association also runs an official charity programme, with places and fundraising conditions managed by its partners.
AthRecs race guide · Updated
Upcoming dates
Planning your race weekend? These are the announced dates through 2027. Follow the organiser’s link for the latest date and race-day details. All dates and start times are local.
At a glance
- City / location
- Boston
- State / district
- Massachusetts
- Distance
- 42.195 kilometres / 26.2 miles
- Surface
- Road
- Course profile
- Point-to-point, with the Newton hills between approximately miles 17.5 and 21.
- Approximate field
- About 29,000Finishers · 2026
Based on 29,033 finishers in the organiser’s runner category; wheelchair and handcycle divisions are listed separately.
How to enter Boston Marathon
These are the organiser’s entry routes. Check the linked page for the edition, opening dates, eligibility, fees and current availability.
Time qualification
The 2027 qualifier application window was 14–18 September 2026. Applications are ranked against the applicable age and gender standard.
Official entry informationBoston Qualifier Selection
For 2027, approximately 1,000 places are randomly selected from eligible qualifier applicants whose times are not faster than the acceptance cutoff. This is not a general-public ballot.
Official entry informationOfficial charity programme
Apply through the B.A.A. official charity programme; each partner manages its own places and fundraising conditions.
Official entry informationRoute and course
Hopkinton to Boston, finishing on Boylston Street.
Past races and results
Official results archiveOpen the organiser’s results to find a runner, club or published category standing. At festivals with several distances, select the marathon results.
2026 Boston Marathon
Full 2026 resultsJohn Korir set a course record and Sharon Lokedi retained the women’s title at the 130th race on 20 April 2026.
Men
John Korir won in 2:01:52, a course record.
View result detailsWomen
Sharon Lokedi won in 2:18:51.
View result detailsMen’s Wheelchair
Marcel Hug won in 1:16:06.
View result detailsWomen’s Wheelchair
Eden Rainbow-Cooper won in 1:30:51.
View result detailsRace news, photos and video
- news2026 race report
Common questions
When is Boston Marathon?
Confirmed upcoming dates: 19 Apr 2027. Dates are local to the race.
How do I enter Boston Marathon?
Time qualification: The 2027 qualifier application window was 14–18 September 2026. Applications are ranked against the applicable age and gender standard. Boston Qualifier Selection: For 2027, approximately 1,000 places are randomly selected from eligible qualifier applicants whose times are not faster than the acceptance cutoff. This is not a general-public ballot. Official charity programme: Apply through the B.A.A. official charity programme; each partner manages its own places and fundraising conditions.
Where is Boston Marathon and how far is it?
Boston Marathon takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. This guide covers the 42.195 km full marathon (26.2 miles). Surface: Road
What is the Boston Marathon course like?
Hopkinton to Boston, finishing on Boylston Street. Point-to-point, with the Newton hills between approximately miles 17.5 and 21.
How big is the field at Boston Marathon?
The approximate field is About 29,000, based on Finishers for 2026. Based on 29,033 finishers in the organiser’s runner category; wheelchair and handcycle divisions are listed separately. Entrants, starters and finishers are different measures.
Where can I find past Boston Marathon results?
The past races and results section links to the organiser’s results. Select the distance and edition for participant searches and published category standings.
Sources and race information
AthRecs is independent of the race organiser. This guide brings together the linked race information, results and reports. Source review: . Historical details are labelled by edition; current entry availability and final instructions remain with the organiser.
More marathons in United States
Compare the route and scale of another race. Options in the same region appear first when available.
- 2XU Long Beach Marathon
Long Beach, California
Predominantly flat at sea level.
Next date: TBC
Approximate field: About 6,500 runners (Reported participants, 2025)
- Allianz Richmond Marathon
Richmond, Virginia
City road course with a downhill finish.
Next date: 14 Nov 2026
Approximate field: About 5,000 (Reported finishers, 2025)
- ASICS Los Angeles Marathon
Los Angeles, California
Point-to-point urban road route.
Next date: 7 Mar 2027
Approximate field: About 21,500 (Reported finishers, 2025)
- Austin Marathon
Austin, Texas
Rolling and hilly city course.
Next date: 14 Feb 2027
Approximate field: About 7,300 (Finishers, 2026)