The Unofficial Guide to the 2027 Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon — run every year since 1897 — and for most runners it is the ultimate bucket-list race. The 131st Boston Marathon is held on Monday, April 19, 2027 — Patriots’ Day, the Massachusetts state holiday that shuts down much of the region in celebration of the race. The 130th ran on Monday, April 20, 2026, where John Korir set a new men’s course record of 2:01:52 and Sharon Lokedi successfully defended her women’s title in 2:18:51.

Boston is different from every other major marathon. You don’t enter a lottery. You qualify — by running a time fast enough for your age and gender at another certified marathon — or you raise money for one of the official charities. That qualifying bar is why Boston is so revered, and why a BQ (Boston Qualifier) is a running milestone in its own right.

The course itself is famously difficult: a net downhill that tricks you into running too fast early, followed by the Newton Hills that start at mile 16 and culminate in the infamous Heartbreak Hill around mile 20.5. Finish on Boylston Street and you are part of a tradition that includes Johnny Kelley, Bobbi Gibb, Kathrine Switzer, Bill Rodgers, Uta Pippig, Meb Keflezighi, and countless first-time finishers who qualified on their own.

In this unofficial guide I share what I know about Boston — qualifying, registration, the course, the expo, where to stay, what to eat, and how to plan a trip that does the race justice. All of it pulled from the official BAA site, my own time around the race, and participant experience.

Boston Marathon at a Glance

130th Boston Marathon	Monday, April 20, 2026 (Patriots’ Day)
131st Boston Marathon	Monday, April 19, 2027 (Patriots’ Day)
Distance	26.2 miles (42.195 km), point-to-point
Start	Main Street, Hopkinton, MA
Finish	Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston
Field size	~30,000 participants
Time limit	Finish line closes 5:30 p.m. (roughly 6 hours from the last wave start)
Entry fee (2026 qualifier)	$260 USD
Entry paths	Qualifying time, official charity, sponsor/invitational
Prize money	Yes — professional division + American bonuses
Title sponsor	Bank of America
Title governing body	Boston Athletic Association (BAA)
Expo (2026)	John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, Boston
Official site	baa.org

Boston Marathon History and Course Records

The Boston Marathon began in 1897, inspired by the marathon event at the 1896 Athens Olympics. It is the oldest annual marathon in the world. Women were not officially allowed to enter until 1972, but Bobbi Gibb ran unofficially in 1966 and Kathrine Switzer famously entered under her initials in 1967. Today the race is the crown jewel of the World Marathon Majors and the qualifying standard for elite amateur marathon running.

Record	Time	Athlete	Year
Men’s course record	2:01:52	John Korir (Kenya)	2026
Women’s course record	2:17:22	Sharon Lokedi (Kenya)	2025

The 2026 race was the 130th running. John Korir defended his men’s title in a course-record 2:01:52, ahead of Alphonce Simbu (Tanzania, 2:02:47) and Benson Kipruto (Kenya, 2:02:50). Sharon Lokedi successfully defended her women’s title in 2:18:51, ahead of Loice Chemnung (Kenya, 2:19:35) and Mary Ngugi-Cooper (Kenya, 2:20:07). In the wheelchair divisions, Marcel Hug claimed his ninth Boston men’s wheelchair title (1:16:06) and Eden Rainbow-Cooper won her second Boston women’s wheelchair title (1:30:51).

How to Enter the Boston Marathon

Boston is the hardest major marathon in the world to get into. Three paths: run a qualifying time, raise money for charity, or earn an invitational/sponsor bib. There is no lottery.

1. Qualifying Time (The BQ)

You need to run a certified marathon on or after September of the year prior to the Boston you want to run. That time must be faster than the qualifying standard for your age and gender, and in most years you also need to beat the standard by a "buffer" (the cutoff). For the 2026 race, the cutoff was BQ minus 4 minutes 34 seconds, meaning 8,887 applicants who had run a BQ but did not beat it by enough were not accepted.

Qualifying Standards (2026 cycle; same standards apply for 2027)

Age group on race day	Men	Women / Non-binary
18–34	2:55:00	3:25:00
35–39	3:00:00	3:30:00
40–44	3:05:00	3:35:00
45–49	3:15:00	3:45:00
50–54	3:20:00	3:50:00
55–59	3:30:00	4:00:00
60–64	3:50:00	4:20:00
65–69	4:05:00	4:35:00
70–74	4:20:00	4:50:00
75–79	4:35:00	5:05:00
80+	4:50:00	5:20:00

2. Charity Program (Bank of America Official Charity Program)

About 10% of the Boston field runs for charity. You commit to a fundraising minimum — typically $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the charity — and in exchange you get a guaranteed entry even if you have never run a BQ. Applications for each year open in late September of the prior year, with charity team selections notified in December.

Find the list of participating charities at baa.org and apply directly to the charities themselves.

3. Registration Windows

2026 registration	September 8–12, 2025 (closed)
2026 cutoff	BQ minus 4:34
2026 entry fee	$260 USD
2027 qualifying window opens	September 13, 2025 (already open)
2027 registration	September 2026 — exact dates TBD by BAA
2027 cutoff	TBD (announced after registration closes)

Boston Marathon Fan Fest & Expo

Venue as of 2026: the Boston Marathon Fan Fest & Expo moved to the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center (900 Boylston Street, Boston) after many years at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in the Seaport. The 2027 expo location has not yet been announced by the BAA. Packet pickup is in-person only — every runner must show photo ID and their bib number confirmation.

2026 Expo Location and Hours

Venue	John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Friday, April 17	10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 18	9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 19	9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admission	Free and open to the public
Pickup rules	Photo ID + bib confirmation. No race-day pickup. No mailing.

Expect the official adidas merchandise store (always the longest line), sponsor exhibits, a live stage with athlete appearances, and hundreds of running brands. The unique Boston collector-style merch is a major draw — if there is a specific jacket or poster you want, go Friday when it is least picked-over.

Getting to the Hynes Convention Center

The Hynes sits on Boylston Street, directly on the race-finish corridor — about a 5-minute walk from the Copley T station. From most downtown Boston hotels you can walk. The Hynes Convention Center stop on the Green Line is adjacent.

If you are driving, the Prudential Center (111 Huntington Ave) and Copley Place Parking (2 Copley Place) garages are within a couple of blocks.

The Course

The Boston Marathon is a point-to-point course starting in Hopkinton and finishing in downtown Boston. It is a net downhill of about 459 feet, but do not be fooled — Boston is one of the hardest major marathon courses in the world. The first 16 miles trick you into banking time, and then the Newton Hills start.

Course Profile at a Glance

Distance	26.2 miles / 42.195 km
Start	Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (~490 ft elevation)
Finish	Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston (~30 ft elevation)
Net elevation change	~459 ft net descent
Total gain / loss	~815 ft gain / ~1,275 ft descent
World record eligible?	No — too much elevation drop and potential tailwind
Famous feature	Heartbreak Hill (just after mile 20)
Surface	Asphalt, closed to traffic
Certification	USATF certified

Famous Course Landmarks

• Mile 0 — Hopkinton. Small New England town that empties completely on race morning. The Athletes’ Village at Hopkinton High School is where runners wait before moving to the start corrals.
• Miles 1–5 — early downhills. Steep descent right out of Hopkinton. This is where most first-time Boston runners ruin their race by going out too fast. The first four miles drop ~300 ft.
• Mile 6 — Framingham. Rolling terrain. Crowds start to thicken.
• Mile 12 — Wellesley College & the Scream Tunnel. Wellesley students line the course for a quarter mile, screaming so loudly you feel it in your chest. Many offer kisses to passing runners. You’ll hear them before you see them.
• Mile 13.1 — halfway. You feel great. Be suspicious.
• Miles 16–21 — The Newton Hills. Four distinct climbs, including Heartbreak Hill, spread across roughly five miles. Your legs are fatigued from the earlier downhills; the uphills feel punishing. This stretch decides most Boston finishes.
• Mile ~20.5 — Heartbreak Hill. Roughly 0.5 mile long, ~5% grade, a ~91-foot climb. Not the steepest hill in running, but at mile 20 it feels like a mountain.
• Mile 21 — Boston College. The downhill after Heartbreak is actually where many runners get their legs blown out — it is steep enough to hurt if your quads are cooked.
• Mile 25 — the Citgo Sign. Iconic neon sign above Kenmore Square. When you see it, you know the finish is 1.5 miles away.
• Mile 26 — Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston. Two of the most famous turns in running. Boylston Street stretches straight to the finish line for four-tenths of a mile. The crowd noise is overwhelming.

Aid Stations and On-Course Fueling

Aid stations are at mile 2 and every mile thereafter. Each has Gatorade Endurance (the official sports drink) and water. Medical stations are spread across the course.

Maurten Hydrogel fuel stations are at three specific points:

• Mile 11.8 (Wellesley, before the Scream Tunnel)
• Mile 17 (into the Newton Hills)
• Mile 21.5 (just past Boston College, after Heartbreak Hill)

Products offered: Maurten Gel 100 and Gel 100 CAF 100. As always, do not consume on race day anything you have not trained with.

Race-Day Logistics and Start Times

Because Boston is a point-to-point race, your hotel in Boston is 26.2 miles from the start. The BAA operates shuttle buses from Boston Common to the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton on race morning. You get on the bus in Boston; you run back to Boston. It is unique to Boston among the majors and adds logistics you do not have with Chicago, NY, or Berlin.

2026 Start Times (Updated 6-Wave Format)

For 2026, BAA moved to a six-wave start format (up from four). More waves, smaller wave sizes, less crowding on the course.

Division / Wave	Start Time (ET)
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 Division	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.
All athletes expected across start	by 11:30 a.m.
Finish line closes	5:30 p.m.

Getting to the Starting Line

Your bib number and wristband are required to board the BAA shuttle buses. Buses depart from Charles Street, between the Public Garden and Boston Common, typically starting 6:00 a.m. on race morning. Exact pickup times depend on your wave assignment and are communicated by BAA closer to race day.

Plan for a lot of waiting. You will arrive at the Athletes’ Village 2–3 hours before your wave. Bring a throwaway warm top, snacks, a sports drink, and a plastic bag to sit on (the grass can be wet). You will donate your throwaway clothing at gear check; BAA donates the collected items.

Parking and Transit

Do not drive to Hopkinton on race morning. Roads close at 7:15 a.m. and parking is impossible. Use the BAA shuttle from Boston. If you are staying outside the city and need to get into Boston on race morning, MBTA transit is your friend:

• 1-Day LinkPass — $11, unlimited subway and bus for a day
• Commuter Rail weekend pass — unlimited rail and ferry

For race morning, the closest parking garages near the shuttle pickup point:

• Prudential Center Parking — 111 Huntington Ave / 800 Boylston St
• Copley Place Parking — 2 Copley Place

Weather Considerations

Mid-April in Boston is a coin flip. You might get perfect 45°F overcast with a breeze from the southwest (the ideal), or 80+ degrees in direct sun, or rain and 35°F with a headwind. Boston has seen all of it within the last 20 years.

Typical race-day high	~55–58°F (13–14°C)
Typical race-day low	~43°F (6°C)
Ideal racing conditions	45–50°F, overcast, SW breeze (tailwind)
2012 heat race	87°F — BAA offered deferrals; widespread medical issues
1961 cold race	Snow squalls, mid-30s°F, wind gusts
2018 Nor’easter	Heavy rain, headwinds, high 30s°F — one of the toughest Boston weather days on record
Historical ≥ 80°F probability	~5% of race days

What to wear based on forecast:

• Cold (30s°F): tights or capris, long-sleeve base layer plus singlet, gloves, hat, arm sleeves. Bring a throwaway warm layer to wear at the Athletes’ Village.
• Typical (45–55°F): shorts and a singlet, throwaway gloves. Plenty of throwaway for the 2-hour wait in Hopkinton.
• Warm (60–70°F): shorts and singlet. Drink aggressively at every aid station starting mile 2.
• Hot (75+°F): lightest kit you own. Consider a hat or visor for sun protection. Slow down — Boston in heat is brutal.

Boston Marathon Course Strategy

Boston is won and lost in the first half. The net downhill from Hopkinton tempts you into banking time. Then the Newton Hills deliver their lesson around mile 16. The runners who finish Boston well are usually the ones who were most conservative in the first 10 miles.

Miles 1–3: Downhill — Slow Down

The first few miles drop significantly — about 300 feet in the first 4 miles. If you have not practiced running downhill (and most runners have not), your quads will be wrecked by mile 18. Starting slow here is not just smart; it is survival.

You will be fired up and adrenaline will flow. Hold back. Most runners who have raced Boston well will tell you: run the first few miles slower than feels comfortable. You can always make up time later on flatter ground; you cannot un-destroy your quads.

Miles 4–7: Be Conservative

Alternating downhill stretches and small rollers. If you are feeling great, that is not permission to accelerate — that is the trap of Boston. Keep your pace disciplined. You will want this energy later.

Miles 8–9: The Climb and the Sun

More climbing, with little shade. On a warm year this stretch cooks you. Do not compete with other runners, do not weave. Just run your pace.

Miles 10–12: The Wellesley Approach

Rolling terrain with continued lack of shade. Even seasoned marathoners feel the effort here. Stay on top of your fueling. You are approaching the half and the Scream Tunnel.

Mile 12–13: The Wellesley Scream Tunnel

The Wellesley College students line the course for a quarter-mile. The noise is deafening. Many students offer kisses. Take the moment — the second half is where this race gets real.

Miles 14–16: Calm Before the Newtons

You’ve crossed the half. A big downhill at mile 15 sets up a steep uphill at mile 16 that is often the first real warning sign of the Newton Hills. Hydrate, watch your heart rate, and top off your fuel.

Miles 16–21: The Newton Hills

Four distinct hills spread across roughly 5 miles. The last one is Heartbreak. The climbs are not long individually, but the cumulative effect — on legs that have already run 16 miles of downhill — is what makes Boston hard.

Mile ~20.5: Heartbreak Hill

A 91-foot climb at a 3.3% grade over roughly 0.5 mile. The hill itself is not scary in isolation. What makes it a marathon-ender is its position — you arrive at mile 20 on fatigued legs, and you still have 6 miles after it. Control your breathing, shorten your stride, and just get over it. The crowd here is massive.

Miles 21–24: Downhill Into Boston

You are nearly done, but this stretch has a surprise: the downhill off Heartbreak can hurt worse than the climb if your quads are cooked. Be kind to your legs. Watch for the trolley tracks on the trolley right-of-way — they are slick in rain. This is where you start giving it what you have left.

Miles 25–26.2: Citgo, Hereford, Boylston

The Citgo sign marks your entry into Kenmore Square with 1 mile to go. Pass under it and you are home. Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston — two of the most famous turns in running. Boylston stretches for 0.4 miles to the finish line. The crowd noise on Boylston is overwhelming. Soak it in. This is why you qualified.

8 Additional Tips for Running the Boston Marathon

1. Do not try anything new on race day. Food, gels, shoes, clothing, hydration — everything you use on race day should be something you have tested on long training runs. Bring your preferred fueling options to the start rather than trusting what is on the course.

2. Do not wear brand-new shoes. Have at least 30 days between a new pair of shoes and race day. I personally do a shoe change about 30 days out using the same brand and model I trained in, so I have fresh cushioning for Boston.

3. Use the bathroom before you line up. Port-a-potty lines at the Athletes’ Village are long, but they are longer at the start corrals. Go early.

4. Eat meals you are used to the night before. Avoid sugary desserts and saturated fats. If you normally eat pasta the night before long runs, eat pasta the night before Boston. Do not experiment.

5. Stay hydrated. Note: personal hydration systems (vest-style bladders) are prohibited at Boston. Standard manufactured fuel belts with bottles up to one liter are allowed. Plenty of aid stations on course means most runners do not need to carry much.

6. Save sightseeing for after the race. Do not spend Sunday walking the Freedom Trail. Your legs will thank you Monday. The Faneuil Hall visit can wait.

7. Give family and friends the BAA Racing App. Let them install the official app, and plan meetup spots along the course. Good spectator viewing: Wellesley Scream Tunnel (mile 12), Boston College (mile 21, right after Heartbreak), Kenmore Square (mile 25).

8. Visualize the course, especially the Newton Hills. Sit quietly and imagine yourself running the route — Hopkinton downhills, Framingham, Wellesley, Newton, Boston College, the Citgo Sign, Boylston. Do this at night before sleep and in the morning. By race day you will have run Boston in your head a hundred times.

Spectator Guide — Best Places to Watch Boston

Boston is a spectator’s marathon. The course is on public transit lines for much of its length, which means a smart spectator can catch their runner at multiple points with minimal traveling.

Viewing Spot	Approximate Mile	Why It’s Good
Hopkinton start (requires credentials)	0	Small town, controlled access, but you see the leaders and the first waves roll out.
Framingham	6	Commuter rail line drops you near the course. Relaxed crowd.
Wellesley Scream Tunnel	12–13	Classic Boston. Accessible via Route 9 and Wellesley College. Massive energy.
Newton Hills / Heartbreak Hill	16–20.5	Watch the moment the race is made or broken. Green Line C Branch (Commonwealth Ave) runs parallel.
Boston College	21	Classic college-crowd energy just after Heartbreak. Green Line B Branch to BC.
Kenmore Square / Citgo Sign	25	Dense crowds, visible T stop (Kenmore). One mile to go.
Boylston Street	26	Finish line zone — credentials / secured perimeter. Viewing is on the approach to Copley.

Spectator Pro Tips

• Commute between viewing spots on the Green Line. You can realistically catch your runner at Wellesley and then again at Kenmore Square if you plan transit timing well.
• The BAA Racing App provides live tracking with 5K splits. Use it to anticipate when your runner will pass each viewing point.
• Bring a sign. Keep it simple, funny, legible from 30 feet. Include your runner’s name so they can spot you.
• Dress for weather. You will be standing still for hours. Dress warmer than you think.

Where to Stay During the Boston Marathon

Boston hotels book up early for marathon weekend — the closer to race day you look, the fewer options and higher the prices. Book in January or earlier if you can. Two geographic choices: downtown Boston near the finish (expensive, but logistically ideal) or suburban hotels near Hopkinton/Framingham (cheaper, but you still need to get into Boston).

Downtown Boston (Near Finish Line)

The Revolution Hotel

Revolution Hotel is a cross between a hotel and a hostel — helpful staff, safe, convenient. Rooms are bare-bone; bring your own slippers for shared bath facilities. 40 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116.

Traditional Downtown Hotels

The full-service downtown options — Copley Plaza, Fairmont Copley, Westin Copley Place, Boston Marriott Copley Place — are within walking distance of the finish line and the expo at Hynes. They book early and charge premium rates on marathon weekend. If you can justify the cost, they eliminate most transportation headaches.

Suburban Hotels (Near the Start in Hopkinton/Framingham)

DoubleTree by Hilton Boston — Westborough

Near I-495, close to restaurants, indoor pool and fitness center, famous DoubleTree cookies. Pets not allowed. 5400 Computer Dr, Westborough, MA 01581.

Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Framingham

Spacious rooms with fully equipped kitchens. Older hotel, cheaper rates, get-what-you-pay-for quality. 400 Staples Dr, Framingham, MA 01702.

Courtyard by Marriott Boston Westborough

Friendly staff, clean rooms, fitness center, laundry, restaurant, complimentary parking. No pets. 3 Technology Dr, Westborough, MA 01581.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Boston Milford

About 10 minutes by car from Hopkinton Center. Basic but clean, free coffee/tea, activities for kids, indoor pool. 1 Fortune Blvd, Milford, MA 01757.

Hotel Alternatives

Airbnb

Start looking early — marathon weekend inventory goes fast. Best areas: near the start line in Hopkinton/Framingham or near the finish in Back Bay/Copley Square.

Hostels and Bed & Breakfasts

• HI Boston Hostel — 19 Stuart St, Boston. Can rival hotel pricing for shared rooms; safe, without frills, several socializing areas.
• The College Club of Boston — 44 Commonwealth Ave, Boston. Historic building near Boylston and the Public Garden. Daily breakfast included. Friendly staff.
• Backpackers Hostel and Pub — 13 School St, Everett. Close to transit, quiet, clean. Free coffee and breakfast.

Where to Eat Before and After the Marathon

Make reservations early — Boston restaurants fill up fast on marathon weekend. Especially on Saturday night and Sunday night.

Near the Start (Hopkinton)

Ocean Nutrition

Smoothies, teas, protein-enriched iced coffees. Closed Sundays. 76 Main St, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Central Public House

Regularly updated menu with clearly labeled vegetarian and gluten-free options. Good beer selection. 42 Main St, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Bill’s Pizzeria Kitchen + Grille

Pizza, pasta, panini — 25 years in Hopkinton. Gluten-free and vegetarian options. Kid’s menu. 14 Main St, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Ko Sushi and Grill

Sushi plus grilled meats. Vegan, gluten-free, and fresh-fish options. 25 Hayward St, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Near the Finish (Boston)

The Salty Pig

Pork-focused bistro with diverse non-pork options. Try the Fresno Pepper Jam, the Salty Pig Pizza, or the local burrata. 130 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116.

Abe & Louie’s

High-end Boston steakhouse with strong wine list. Wagyu, lobster, desserts. Not cheap. 793 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116.

J.J. Foley’s Cafe

One of the best Irish pubs in Boston. Good food, strong drinks list: beer, wine, cocktails. Good celebration spot. 117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118.

The Bebop

Irish pub with live music seven days a week. Brunch on weekends. Salmon, avocado toast, shepherd’s pie. 1116 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215.

Anchovies

Cozy neighborhood bar with tasty pastas, burrata ravioli, sandwiches. Good celebration spot. 433 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116.

Parish Cafe & Bar

Gourmet sandwiches and craft cocktails. Open until 2 a.m. Saturdays. Each sandwich named after a famous Boston chef. 361 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116.

Where to Wander and Relax After the Marathon

Boston is a city built for walking and photography. Here are my picks for when you are ready to be a tourist instead of a runner.

Best Photo and Walking Spots in Boston

Boston Public Garden (and the Swan Boats)

No trip to Boston is complete without the Public Garden. Live music, beautiful landscaping, picnic spots, and the famous swan boats. 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116.

Copley Square

Where you just finished. Walk it in daylight on the Tuesday after the race — Trinity Church, the Public Library (the first children’s room in the nation), and the Copley Plaza Hotel all within a block.

The Charles River Esplanade

Great for picnics, leisurely walks, and views of the city. Kid-friendly with a few playgrounds. Charles River, Esplanade, Boston.

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Gorgeous garden that peaks in spring. Kid and pet-friendly. Don’t miss the bonsai collection. 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130.

Best Museums and Historic Sites

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Floating history museum with in-character staff. Don’t miss the tea house. 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210.

Church of the Covenant

National Historic Landmark and stunning Gothic architecture. Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company made many of the stained-glass windows in the late 1800s. 67 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116.

Citizens Bank Opera House

Beautifully restored venue for musicals and concerts. Eat before — food lines can be long. 539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Replica of the original Plymouth Colony settlement. Kid-friendly, in-character staff. 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Gems, glass art (the "Glass Flowers" collection is stunning), wide-ranging animal exhibits. Ticket includes entry to the Peabody. Affordable. 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138.

The Sports Museum

Inside TD Garden. Boston-area sports memorabilia, especially Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox. Engaging staff. 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114.

Boston Marathon FAQs

When is the next Boston Marathon?

The 131st Boston Marathon is Monday, April 19, 2027. The 130th ran on April 20, 2026 (won by John Korir in a course-record 2:01:52). Boston is always the third Monday of April (Patriots’ Day).

How do I qualify for Boston?

Run a certified marathon faster than the qualifying standard for your age and gender. For the 2026 race, you also needed to beat the qualifying standard by at least 4 minutes 34 seconds to actually get in (that was the cutoff buffer). The qualifying window for 2027 opened September 13, 2025 and will run to the fall 2026 registration window.

Is there a lottery for Boston?

No. Boston is qualifier-based, plus charity and invitational paths. There is no general lottery.

Can I run Boston without qualifying?

Yes, through the Bank of America Official Charity Program. Fundraising minimums are typically $10,000–$15,000 depending on the charity. Applications open in late September for the following year’s race.

What is the qualifying standard for my age group?

See the full qualifying standards table earlier in this guide. Non-binary runners use the women’s times.

How much does Boston Marathon registration cost?

For the 2026 race the qualifier entry fee was $260 USD. 2027 fees have not been announced. Charity entries have their own program fees plus fundraising minimums.

Where does the Boston Marathon start?

Hopkinton, Massachusetts — about 26.2 miles west of downtown Boston. BAA operates shuttle buses from Boston Common on race morning.

What is Heartbreak Hill?

The final and most famous hill in the Newton Hills series, just after mile 20. About 0.5 mile long with a ~3.3% grade and ~91-foot climb. Hard on tired legs at mile 20.5.

Where is the Boston Marathon expo?

As of 2026, the Boston Marathon Fan Fest & Expo is at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston (moved from the Seaport/BCEC). It runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of race weekend. The 2027 expo location has not yet been announced by the BAA.

Can I use headphones and a GPS watch?

Yes. Personal hydration system products (bladder-style vests) are prohibited, but standard fuel belts with bottles up to one liter are allowed.

What is the time limit?

The finish line closes at 5:30 p.m. All athletes are expected to have crossed the start by 11:30 a.m. In practice, that gives each wave roughly 6 hours to finish.

What is the downhill course rule starting in 2027?

BAA announced that starting with registration for the 2027 race, qualifying times run on net-downhill courses will receive time penalties or be disqualified:

• Courses with 1,500–2,999 ft of net drop: +5 minutes added to your qualifying time
• Courses with 3,000–5,999 ft of net drop: +10 minutes added
• Courses with 6,000+ ft of net drop: ineligible

This rule matters if you are planning to qualify via a famously fast downhill marathon. Check BAA for confirmed course-eligibility lists before you commit to a qualifier.

Sources and Official Information

Race details in this guide were pulled from the following official sources. Always confirm with BAA before registering or traveling.

• baa.org — BAA homepage
• Boston Marathon event page
• Qualifying Standards
• Registration
• Course Information
• Boston Marathon Expo
• Wikipedia — Boston Marathon (history, winners, records)

This guide is unofficial. Some details may be dated by the time you read this. Always verify with BAA before making travel, training, or registration decisions.

Chasing a BQ? Explore my online coaching for a training plan built around your goal race. — Steve Carmichael, RRCA/USATF Certified Running Coach.