2026 Boston Marathon Preview: How to Watch, What’s New, and More
We’re less than a week away from the 130th Boston Marathon, which commences on Monday, April 20, Patriots’ Day. This year, three of the four reigning marathon champions are returning…
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 18: A runner’s shadow is seen crossing the finish line during the 120th Boston Marathon on April 18, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
We're less than a week away from the 130th Boston Marathon, which commences on Monday, April 20, Patriots' Day. This year, three of the four reigning marathon champions are returning to defend their titles amid a change to the starting procedure.
Here's what you need to know about the 130th Boston Marathon:
How to Watch
- Date: Monday, April 20
- TV: WCVB (Channel 5) and ESPN2
- Streaming: WCVB, Very Local App
Start Times
This year, the Boston Marathon will introduce six waves for the pack of 30,000 athletes, instead of four. Below is the schedule:
- 6 a.m.: Military March featuring members of the Massachusetts National Guard
- 9:06 a.m.: Men's Wheelchair Division
- 9:09 a.m.: Women's Wheelchair Division
- 9:30 a.m.: Handcycles and Duo Participants
- 9:37 a.m.: Professional Men
- 9:47 a.m.: Professional Women
- 9:50 a.m.: Para Athletics Division
- 10 a.m.: Wave 1
- 10:15 a.m.: Wave 2
- 10:28 a.m.: Wave 3
- 10:41 a.m.: Wave 4
- 11:01 a.m.: Wave 5
- 11:21 a.m.: Wave 6
Elite Fields
On the men's side, Benson Kipruto holds the fastest time run by any competitor in the field. The Kenyan completed a 2:02:16 finish in 2024 at the Tokyo Marathon. According to The Boston Globe, eight of the top 10 finishers from 2025 are returning, including runner-up and 2025 World Championships gold medalist Alphonce Felix Simbu.
In the women's field, Emily Sisson, Fiona O'Keeffe, and Dakotah Popehn, who composed the 2024 U.S. Olympic marathon team at the Paris Games, will be competing for places on the podium. Susanna Sullivan, Jess McClain, and Erika Kemp, who participated on the American team at last year's World Championships, also will be running.
The men's wheelchair event features Marcel Hug, Daniel Romanchuk, and Josh Cassidy, while the women's wheelchair event will include Catherine Debrunner, Manuela Schär, Tatyana McFadden, and Eden Rainbow-Cooper.
Charity Runners
One hundred ninety-three organizations have been chosen for the 2026 official charity program. In 2025, record fundraising climbed to more than $50 million. The charity program, which began in 1989, has raised over $600 million.
What's New for This Year?
A new Youth Mile for kids ages 7-14 on Boylston Street will expand participation beyond adults. Participants will receive a medal upon completion of the course. Registration can be completed at the Athletes' Village.
