2026 Official Boston Marathon Program

CELEBRATE THE 130TH BOSTON MARATHON®

Make your mark with every step when you run in the adidas 2026 Boston Marathon® Collection.

Dear Boston Marathon Participants and Friends,

On behalf of the Boston Athletic Association, welcome to the City of Boston and the 130th running of the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. On Patriots’ Day, April 20, more than 30,000 athletes will aim to meet the moment, conquer 26.2 miles, and become celebrated Boston Marathon finishers.

Athletes from nearly 130 countries and all 50 U.S. states will gather in Hopkinton ready to embark on their Boston Marathon journey, the culmination of countless miles of training. As they pass through the eight cities and towns leading to the finish on Boylston Street, all will experience the essence that distinguishes the Boston Marathon from other events — a camaraderie and spirit that is sure to uplift every athlete.

We at the Boston Athletic Association have worked tirelessly to make sure your race experience is memorable, no matter if you’re an athlete, dedicated volunteer, enthusiastic spectator, or welcoming community member. We encourage you to celebrate the entirety of Boston Marathon week and take in all that the event and city has to offer.

As our race hits a milestone 130th running, we recognize the significance of its parallel with the 250th anniversary of America. Fittingly, a patriotic field of decorated Americans will compete for top honors, including national record holders Conner Mantz and Emily Sisson, Paralympic gold medalists Susannah Scaroni and Daniel Romanchuk, and 2024 Olympic marathoners Clayton Young, Dakotah Popehn, and Fiona O’Keeffe. Susannah eturns to Boston as reigning champion, seeking her third women’s wheelchair title.

Sharon Lokedi and John Korir, both of Kenya, and Marcel Hug of Switzerland also return as defending champions. Lokedi clocked a women’s open course record 2:17:22 a year ago, while Korir overcame an early fall to run 2:04:45, the third fastest time in race history. Hug has eight wheelchair division wins and owns the 1:15:33 course record, set in 2024.

Beyond the professionals, the 130th running of the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will exemplify that the marathon is far more than a race from start to finish. It’s a celebration that unites all in the pursuit of athletic excellence, raises more than $50 million for charitable endeavors, inspires many to get active, and fosters lasting memories. Nearly 10,000 volunteers will give their time and energy, serving as event ambassadors ready to go the extra mile to support those around them.

The Boston Marathon wouldn’t be possible without the support of many state, local, and federal officials who coordinate public safety efforts from start to finish, as well as the countless community members who line the course and bring energy each Marathon Monday. A special thank you to the eight cities and towns who welcome the world on Patriots’ Day — Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston.

We wish you a memorable 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, and look forward to a triumphant Patriots’ Day ahead. We’ll be ready to welcome and celebrate you at the finish!

Sincerely,

Jack Fleming President & Chief Executive Officer

Peter Brown Chair of the Board

04.20.2026

Carry on a legacy with the adidas 2026 Boston Marathon® Collection.

Discover the top things to see and do on your visit to Boston, as chosen by the experts at Yankee Magazine.

Where to Run When You’re Not Running Boston

Race Weekend Happenings

Course Map 80 What's to Come for 2026

ON THE COVER : Ali Feller greets Samantha (Hanson) Shriver at the finish of the 2025 Boston Marathon.

BY MEGHAN MURPHY

Boston Athletic Association

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Peter Brown

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Jack Fleming

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Scott Stover

DIRECTOR, RACE COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA

Chris Lotsbom

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Celia Oswitch

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Rich Brothers

Yankee Custom Marketing

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Ernesto Burden • ernestob@yankeepub.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

John Goodwin • johng@yankeepub.com

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

Jodie Hall • jodieh@yankeepub.com

GRAPHIC PRODUCTION ARTIST

Christian Seyster

PUBLISHER

Brook Holmberg • brookh@yankeepub.com

ADVERTISING:

VICE PRESIDENT

JD Hale • jdh@yankeepub.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Dean DeLuca • deand@yankeepub.com

SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Janet Selle • janets@yankeepub.com

MARKETING:

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Kate Hathaway Weeks • katew@yankeepub.com

MARKETING MANAGER

Valerie Lithgow • valeriel@yankeepub.com

MARKETING ASSISTANT

Natalia Rivera • nataliar@yankeepub.com

For advertising information, call 800-736-1100 58 Fun Beyond the Marathon

The Boston Marathon Official Program is published under official sanction of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and Yankee Publishing, which is wholly responsible for its contents. BOSTON MARATHON®, B.A.A. Marathon, and the B.A.A. Unicorn Logo are registered trademarks of the Boston Athletic Association. Use of these trademarks without written permission from the Boston Athletic Association is prohibited.

© Copyright 2026 by Yankee Publishing, Inc. and the Boston Athletic Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission, by any method whatsoever, is prohibited.

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

April 2026

Dear Friends: O

n behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I welcome you to the 130th Boston Marathon.

Massachusetts is proud to be home to one of the world's oldest and most historic marathons. Each year on Patriots' Day, thousands of runners, wheelchair competitors and Para athletes gather in Hopkinton to begin the legendary route across 26.2 miles of our state. They'll journey through eight of our cities and towns—running through the Wellesley scream tunnel, trekking up Heartbreak Hill, and ending with a right on Hereford and a left on Boylston to cross the iconic finish line.

This year, the 130th Boston Marathon continues to honor and embrace the theme of "Meet the Moment." Together, we celebrate the moments that power athletes from the start line to the finish line on Patriots' Day. Whether it's practicing the course on a Saturday morning, pinning on your bib on race day, or planning exactly where on the route to spot your family and friends, this moment is a recognition of the hard work and perseverance you put into training, and of the people who helped you get there. The Boston Marathon is more than just a race; it's a celebration of community. We see it in the dedication of every racer, hear it with the strength of every cheer and feel it in the history of this prestigious race. This is your moment to be part of something bigger.

We look forward to welcoming 30,000 participants from 125 countries and all 50 states to Boston. We are grateful for the nearly 10,000 volunteers who signed up to support race weekend festivities, and to all of the racers who supported one of 193 nonprofit organizations, aiming to surpass the record $50.4 million in charitable donations set last year.

Whether this is your seventh marathon or your first, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I want to commend all the runners, wheelchair competitors and Para athletes for this awe-inspiring achievement and thank everyone who chose to travel to Massachusetts for this momentous event. We wish all participants good luck and look forward to a safe, exciting and lively race.

Sincerely,

Kimberley Driscoll Lieutenant Governor

Staff, Volunteers, Sponsors, Spectators, and Racers:

Iam honored to welcome you to the 130th Boston Marathon. The City of Boston is proud to partner once again with the Boston Athletic Association to host the world’s oldest—and greatest—marathon.

To our staff, sponsors, and volunteers: Thank you for the careful planning, the generous support, and the thousands of quiet acts of neighborliness that make Patriots’ Day what it is.

To our spectators: Thank you for choosing to spend your holiday in Boston, rows deep on sidewalks and front steps, losing your voices for runners you may never see again.

And to our racers: You might be reading this on the Green Line after the Expo, or on a Boston Public Schools bus rumbling out to Hopkinton. You might be reading it while loading carbs in the North End or worrying about cramps—or both. You’ve probably been replaying your training in your head, wondering if you did enough through a long, cold, snowy winter. Maybe you missed a few runs. Maybe the ice stole a workout. Maybe you’ve been checking the weather app five times a day for the past two weeks.

At some point—hot or cold, headwind or tailwind—this course is going to hurt. There will be a hill you’re not happy to see, and it will be in Newton. There will be a stretch where the cheers blur and it’s just you and your breath. There may be a moment when doubt creeps in and asks why you signed up at all. When that moment comes, remember what makes Boston different. Nowhere on Earth does an entire region close schools, take the day off, and line the streets just to rally strangers home. We have always run toward one another in times of challenge, from 1776 to 2013 to today. So when your legs grow heavy and your spirit dips, lift your eyes just slightly, and you will see us. We will be there, rain or shine, cheering our hearts out for you. If you are out there giving Boston your all, we will have your back.

Run with determination, optimism, joy, and openness. Know that, when you turn left onto Boylston, the roar will make every one of the past 26 miles worth it. And remember that on Patriots’ Day, Boston is a home for everyone—even New Yorkers.

Sincerely,

Mayor Michelle Wu City of Boston

Dear Friends:

Welcome to the 130th running of the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America.

We’re honored to stand alongside the Boston Athletic Association in welcoming athletes, volunteers, supporters, and fans from around the globe. Each year, this iconic event brings people together in pursuit of personal goals, community impact, and the shared joy of taking on a historic 26.2-mile challenge.

The power of sport and the pursuit of excellence are on full display here— fueled by teamwork, resilience, and community. Sports create a spirit that unifies and defines communities worldwide, and the Boston Marathon embodies that spirit.

Over the past year, we have worked closely with our partners to ensure the 2026 Boston Marathon delivers for runners, the philanthropic organizations it supports, and the communities across eastern Massachusetts that proudly host this event. The Marathon’s impact extends far beyond race day, boosting the local economy, strengthening neighborhoods, and inspiring generosity from Hopkinton to Boylston Street.

Through this collaboration, fundraising athletes reached a new milestone in 2025, raising $50.4 million for the 176 organizations in the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, while the event generated an estimated $500 million in annual economic activity for Greater Boston and the broader Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

We know the journey to a marathon finish line takes commitment, discipline and countless hours of preparation. We admire the work you’ve put in, and the family, friends, and supporters who helped you get here.

As race day approaches, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who makes the Boston Marathon possible, including athletes, charitable partners, volunteers, local businesses, public officials, and the public safety teams who uphold this tradition year after year.

On behalf of all my teammates at Bank of America, it’s an honor to be a part of this extraordinary tradition once again.

Best of luck to all the athletes and enjoy the race!

Sincerely,

Miceal Chamberlain President Bank of America Massachusetts

Spirit of America

Come to where the nation found its stride.

“Meet the Moment" celebrates the people who bring the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America to life: the volunteers who give their time, the spectators who line the course with endless energy, the fundraisers who thrive in their generosity, and the communities that open their streets and hearts each year. It’s a tribute to the collective spirit that defines Boston, where every cheer, cup of water, and moment of support helps runners reach the finish line. This theme honors the countless unsung heroes who turn race day into something extraordinary — a shared moment of pride, perseverance, and connection

Run for the Hoses 50 Years Later

Entering the 1976 Boston Marathon, American Jack Fultz’s one focus was his time: He needed to run under 2:20, which would qualify him for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Turns out, that mentality wound up winning him a Boston Marathon title.

With temperatures climbing near 100 degrees and the race beginning at high noon, Fultz and a field of nearly 2,000 athletes departed Hopkinton, knowing it would be a challenging day.

“(My opponents) truly were in my mind my allies. They freed me from the bondages of any possible anxiety, competition anxiety, and sent me free,” Fultz said of his approach. “I just ran an even pace.”

As the miles clicked by and he began picking off exasperated athletes one by one, Fultz sensed that something special was taking shape in Wellesley. He’d worked his way towards the front of the race and—upon making the famed turn at the Newton Firehouse at 17.5 miles—could spot the leader, Richard Mabuza of Swaziland, up ahead.

Fultz snuck up and passed Mabuza

on the Newton Hills, and now only the press truck was in front of him. Ironic enough, officials had trouble identifying Fultz as the leader due to the lack of a bib number on his shirt; his No. 14 had shriveled up and all but disintegrated from sweat and water doused over his head.

The press truck in Fultz’s eyeshot wound up playing a memorable part in the 1976 race’s moniker: The Run For The Hoses.

On the front of the press bus, a fellow athlete had attached a banner that read “Hose the Runners” with hopes that spectators could offer a slight reprieve from the heat. At that time, there were no official water stations along the route.

Meeting the moment, supporters did everything they could to help the runners.

“A lot of people were out with all their garden hoses and whatnot—it washed my bib number off—and kids were coming out handing you oranges and cups of water,” Fultz recounted. “It was a very transcendent experience.”

Kim Merritt, the 1976 Women’s Champion, concurred, noting that spectators made all the difference on race day. If it wasn’t for those dolling out ice, water, and cheers of encouragement, she may not have finished.

“I took ice from them every chance I got, and that saved me,” Merritt recounted recently. “I did have to stop and walk late in the race, but every time the spectators were up close to you yelling and cheering that you couldn’t help but keep running again. They were loud. I was cramping, but I had to keep going.”

Fultz would win the men’s title by nearly a minute in 2:20:19. The

1976 BOSTON MARATHON FAST FACTS

• 80th Running of the Boston Marathon

• 1,161 finishers (1,133 men, 28 women)

• 96 degrees: reported temperature along the course

• 40% of entrants did not finish largely due to heat

• 3:30 cut-off: timing ceased 3 hours and 30 minutes after the start

victory became a pivotal moment in his life, spurring a deep connection to the area that would only strengthen in the subsequent decades.

Fultz taught sports psychology at nearby Tufts University for 27 years, emphasizing the power a focused mindset can have. And for more than three decades, he’s been coach of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team, guiding thousands of fundraising runners to their own meaningful moments on Boylston Street.

“It really is why I’m here now. The personal relationships, the places you end up, the experiences, the journey. The seed of the real change in my life happened when I won Boston in ‘76,” he said.

Merritt won the women’s race in 2:47:10, more than five minutes ahead of runner-up Miki Gorman. While she’d set American records and win marathons in New York and Honolulu, it’s Boston and “The Run for the Hoses” that became the most memorable race of her very decorated career.

“I remember the wonderful people of Boston and how supportive they were,” she said. “It was unlike any other race I’d run. I can’t believe it’s been 50 years.”

• American Sweep in the Bicentennial: Jack Fultz of Virginia and Kim Merritt of Wisconsin were victorious in America’s 200th anniversary.

• Finish at the Pru: The race course finished in front of the Prudential Tower, where athletes were rewarded with beef stew.

60 Years Since ’66

On April 19, 1966, Bobbi Gibb burst out of the bushes in Hopkinton and stunned the world, completing the Boston Marathon course in 3:21:40 to become the first woman in history to run Boston. Now, 60 years later, Gibb reflects on what Patriots’ Day means to her.

On running the Boston Marathon:

"Everybody wants to be able to run this and be part of this celebration. Basically, it’s a celebration of life. The fact that you’re breathing air, that you’re putting one foot in front of the other, and then you’re sharing this with thousands of people. It is amazing.”

On the Spectators in ‘66:

"I remember going by Wellesley that first year, a lot of the women out at Wellesley College, the women would get into the street and they’d make with their hands above them two lines and the runners had to go through, ducking down under the tunnel. They’d be yelling and screaming and so forth … the spectators are incredibly supportive."

On the Support around the Marathon:

"The volunteers, the race committee, everybody who makes this thing possible, they are as much a part of this as the runners. It wouldn’t happen without the runners, and it wouldn’t happen without the volunteers—the people who create this thing, maintain it, and work day and night."

What do you look forward to most on Patriots’ Day?

"It’s human nature at its best, I think. People helping people, people loving people, people coming together and creating something."

THEN AND NOW: 1966–2026

Top Song:

1966: "California Dreaming" by The Mamas & The Papas

2026: "The Fate of Ophelia" by Taylor Swift

Cost of Gas: 1966: $0.32 per gallon | 2026: $2.84 per gallon

Participants in the Boston Marathon: 1966: 540 | 2026: 30,000

Winning Times: 1966: 2:17:11 men, 3:21:40 women | 2025: 2:04:45 men, 2:17:22 women

Here Come the Champions

After crossing the finish line in a remarkable 2:17:22 last year, defending champion Sharon Lokedi of Kenya returns to Boston after breaking a course record that had stood since 2014.

Sharon Lokedi will be joined by arguably the deepest American contingent in race history, featuring 12 U.S. athletes who have run under 2:26. The entire 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon team will be on the start line, including Emily Sisson, Fiona O’Keeffe, and Dakotah Popehn, plus the 2025 U.S. World Championships team of Susanna Sullivan, Jess McClain, and Erika Kemp. Also from the U.S.A. is former half marathon national record holder Sara Hall. Returning after a fourth-

place finish last year is Kenya’s Irine Cheptai, while Magdalena Shauri from Tanzania carries momentum from a third-place finish at Chicago last fall. Kenya’s Mary Ngugi-Cooper has placed in the top 10 five times in Boston, and Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa won the Sydney Marathon in 2024 and both Osaka and Hamburg in 2025. Don’t sleep on Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot, a four-time Olympic medalist on the track and winner of the 2018 London Marathon.

TOP 5 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN CHALLENGERS

Sharon Lokedi

Kenya

PERSONAL BEST:

2:17:22

Beyond a course record and win last year, Lokedi finished 2nd in 2024 and won the 2025 B.A.A. 10K.

Irine Cheptai

Kenya

PERSONAL BEST: 2:17:51

Irine stuck with the lead pack through 18 miles last year.

Workenesh Edesa

Ethiopia

PERSONAL BEST: 2:17:55

Edesa knows the course well, having finished 6th and 7th in 2021 and 2024.

TOP 5 AMERICAN WOMEN CHALLENGERS

Emily Sisson

Arizona

PERSONAL BEST: 2:18:29

Sisson is making her Boston debut, though enters as the marathon national record holder.

Jess McClain

Arizona

PERSONAL BEST: 2:22:43

Jess is back after a seventh-place and top-American finish at Boston in 2025.

Sara Hall

Arizona

PERSONAL BEST: 2:20:32

Finished as runnerup at the Houston Marathon on January 11.

Magdalena Shauri

Tanzania

PERSONAL BEST: 2:18:03

A 2024 Olympic marathoner, Shauri has podiumed in Berlin and Chicago.

Mary Ngugi-Cooper

Kenya

PERSONAL BEST: 2:19:26

Mary’s finished 2nd (2021) and 3rd (2022) at Boston—this could be her year for a win.

Susanna Sullivan

Virginia

PERSONAL BEST: 2:21:56

Placed fourth overall at last year’s World Championships Marathon in Tokyo.

Fiona O’Keeffe

North Carolina

PERSONAL BEST: 2:22:10

Won her first-ever marathon at the Olympic Trials in 2024, then placed 4th at NYC in 2025.

Boston in 2025 was beyond expectations. Breaking the course record, earning a victory, and racing against some of the best women in the world made 2025’s race a career highlight. We’re training hard to run it back in 2026 . ”

— Sharon Lokedi, course record holder

John Korir overcame a fall at the start of last year’s Boston Marathon to win in 2:04:45— the third fastest time in event history. By claiming the olive wreath, Korir joined his brother Wesley (2012 champion) to become the first set of siblings to win the Boston Marathon. Most recently, Korir clocked a 2:02:24 win at the Valencia Marathon on December 7, moving into eighth on the all-time fastest marathon list.

There will be 25 athletes who’ve run under 2:07 for the marathon lining up in Hopkinton— among them are 2025 world championships gold medalist Alphonce Felix Simbu (Tanzania), and last year’s third-placer Cybrian Kotut (Kenya), plus Benson Kipruto (Kenya), the 2021 Boston champion. Hailemaryam Kiros of Ethiopia, the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon champion, will also be competing.

Headlining the U.S.A. charge is Conner Mantz, returning after a fourth-place, 2:05:08 run a year

ago—the highest finish by an American man since 2018. Now Mantz is the American record holder thanks to a 2:04:43, fourthplace run at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon last October. Mantz’s teammate and last year’s seventh-place finisher Clayton Young returns as well; he clocked 2:07:04 in ‘25. 2:05:45 Houston Marathon winner Zouhair Talbi and 2:06:53 star Biya Simbassa contribute to the deep roster of American talent. Dusseldorf Marathon winner Alex Maier will be making his Boston debut.

TOP 5 INTERNATIONAL MEN CHALLENGERS

John Korir

Kenya

PERSONAL BEST:

2:02:24

Ranks as the 3rd fastest Boston Marathoner in history, despite falling hard in the first few steps of last year’s race.

Cybrian Kotut

Kenya

PERSONAL BEST: 2:03:22

If it comes down to a sprint, watch out. Kotut charged hard down Boylston Street in ‘25.

Benson Kipruto

Kenya

PERSONAL BEST: 2:02:16

All Benson does is win—including a thrilling victory last fall in New York City.

TOP 5 AMERICAN MEN CHALLENGERS

Conner Mantz

Utah

PERSONAL BEST: 2:04:43

Inches shy of the podium last year, Mantz is fired up with eyes set on the podium.

Clayton Young

Utah

PERSONAL BEST: 2:07:04

Like a metronome, Young rattles off top finishes at major marathons, including a 7th in Boston and 9th at Worlds in 2025.

Zouhair Talbi

Colorado

PERSONAL BEST: 2:05:45

Talbi serves in the Army Reserves, and set a new course record at Houston in January.

Alphonce Felix Simbu

Tanzania

PERSONAL BEST: 2:04:38

In 2025 finished 3rd in Boston then won gold at the World Championships Marathon.

Alex Maier

North Carolina

PERSONAL BEST: 2:08:33

In January, Maier and his teammates traveled to train on the Boston course in the snow. He’s ready for any weather.

Hailemaryam Kiros

Ethiopia

PERSONAL BEST: 2:04:35

In winning Sydney last year, Kiros proved he can tackle challenging, hilly courses.

Biya Simbassa

Arizona

PERSONAL BEST: 2:06:53

Simbassa finished 4th at last year’s Boston 5K. He also has the best Instagram handle in the field: @Simba_Runner.

Last year’s race was a very meaningful win for me and my family, and I look forward to coming back to Boston again. I aim to finish first and run fast again in April . ”

— John Korir, defending champion

Wheelchair & Para Athletics

Swiss star Marcel Hug earned his eighth Boston Marathon title last April, moving him into a tie for second with Jean Driscoll on the all-time Boston wins list (only behind Ernst van Dyk’s 10 wheelchair division wins). Hug is also the course record holder (1:15:33, 2024) and is the reigning Abbott World Marathon Majors series champion.

As course record holder, Hug will battle perennial contender Daniel Romanchuk, a two-time Boston winner, four-time Paralympic medalist, and reigning B.A.A. 10K champion.

Tunisian Paralympic gold medalist Wajdi Boukhili timed 2:25:12 a year

ago to win the T11/T12 Division and establish a new course record.

American Susannah Scaroni swept all three American events in the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025, earning dominant wins in Boston, Chicago, and New York City en route to securing the Abbott WMM Women’s Wheelchair Series crown. Scaroni is a two-time Boston winner (2023, 2025) and clocked a winning time of 1:35:20 last April.

Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner was the closest woman to Scaroni in second, last Patriots’ Day. Debrunner is looking for her first Boston title, while Manuela Schär owns the course record (1:28:17) and tallied four Boston wins between 2017 and 2022.

Defending Para Athletics Division champion Kelly Bruno (T62/T64; T42/T44) returns this April. Bruno set a course record of 3:17:56 a year ago in the lower-limb impairment classifications.

TOP MEN WHEELCHAIR & PARA ATHLETES

Marcel Hug

Switzerland

Men’s Wheelchair

Hug has been unstoppable, and is two wins from tying the all-time Boston record.

Daniel Romanchuk

Illinois

Men’s Wheelchair

A shoulder injury sidelined Romanchuk for much of 2025, but now he’s back and eyeing the podium again.

Wajdi Boukhili

Tunisia T11/T12 Vision Impairment

Watch out record book: Boukhili clocked 2:25:12 in ‘25, setting a new Division record.

TOP WOMEN WHEELCHAIR & PARA ATHLETES

Susannah Scaroni

Illinois

Women’s Wheelchair

Scaroni’s not afraid to attack the Boston hills and make her competitors suffer on the undulating course.

Catherine Debrunner

Switzerland Women’s Wheelchair

Can Debrunner improve upon a pair of podium finishes in the last two Bostons to earn her first win?

Kelly Bruno

Connecticut T62/T64, T42/ T44 Lower-limb Impairment

A former “Survivor” contestant, Bruno is a Boston champion and record holder.

Bringing the Race to Life

The participant experience for the Boston Marathon is shaped by the many hands of our 10,000-person volunteer corps. Every single participant will interact directly with hundreds of individual volunteers during each step of their Boston Marathon journey. The volunteers make it possible for 30,000 individuals to participate in the Boston Marathon every year. Meet some of the people who make race day a success.

LIFE CYCLE OF A VOLUNTEER DURING MARATHON WEEKEND

Pre-race Projects – 500 Volunteers

Before athletes even begin their travels to Boston for marathon weekend, volunteers are assisting with preparing for the weekend’s events. Ten days before the marathon, a team of volunteers start bib stuffing, preparing, and packing items for participant pickup at the expo.

Race Weekend – 1,500 Volunteers

Once participants arrive in Boston, they are supported by volunteers at every step of their journey. Volunteers greet participants at Fan Fest and provide assistance at the Boston 5K and Invitational Miles. At the Expo, 1,000 volunteers are ready to welcome and direct participants, hand out bibs, prepare shirt bags, staff information booths, and answer participant questions.

Race Morning in Boston –400 Volunteers

The first volunteers are set in place at 4:30 a.m. on Marathon Monday at gear check and bus loading. A specialized group of volunteers will assist the professional athletes, wheelchair athletes, and Para athletes.

Athletes’ Village – 1,000 Volunteers

After the bus ride to Hopkinton, participants are in the hands of 1,000 volunteers who assist with providing directions for navigating Athletes’ Village, loading participants into corrals, and collecting donated clothing upon the start of the race.

Finish Line – 2,000 General Volunteers, 1,100 Medical Volunteers

As participants cross the finish line, a team of 2,000 general volunteers and 1,100 medical volunteers are stationed in the finish area to support athletes after their epic accomplishment of completing the Boston Marathon. Volunteers in the finish area assist with providing water, medals, food, heat sheets, and more. Medical volunteers are on standby to help participants after accomplishing 26.2 miles.

On the Course – 2,700 General Volunteers, 600 Medical Volunteers

Once participants are on the course, they’ll find volunteers at Hydration Stations, Maurten Hydrogel Depots, Amateur Radio operators, course clocks, mile markers, medical stations, and more.

VOLUNTEERS SPOTLIGHT

Why Do I Volunteer?

As twins, volunteering at the Boston Marathon every year is our way of giving back to a sport that has shaped our lives, from running more than 10 marathons together (including the Boston Marathon twice) to growing up in Boston. Marathon Weekend has always felt like pure magic to us—the kind of joy you feel during Christmas—and being part of it as volunteers makes it even more special. We love cheering on runners, swapping stories, and celebrating a community that has inspired us, supported us, and always feels like home.”

— Sheila and Sheima Marand of South Boston have been volunteering for the last seven years. The set of twins have spent the last two years volunteering at bib distribution at the Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo.

There's a group of ladies who have been part of the volunteer team for years. One of them showed up during a torrential downpour using a walker, covered head to toe in plastic. She was smiling from ear to ear. I almost burst into tears. To me, that epitomizes the Boston Marathon volunteer experience.”

— Bob Levenson grew up outside of Boston, where his father took him to the finish line every year on Patriots’ Day. When he moved to Hopkinton, he signed up to volunteer at the starting area, and has now done so for the last 23 years. As Start Marshal team captain, Bob oversees nearly 100 volunteers to provide security and help with cleanup once the participants take off.

In Memoriam: Dr. Lyle J. Micheli

The Boston Athletic Association mourns the loss of Dr. Lyle J. Micheli, a volunteer of the Boston Marathon since 1975. Dr. Micheli was the Boston Marathon's longest-serving medical volunteer at the finish line over the years; through the rain, wind, and heat, Dr. Micheli served others, including heroically leading in 2013. When Dr. Micheli first started as a medical volunteer, there were 2,000 athletes and a small medical team. In his time, the event grew to what we know today with nearly 30,000 athletes and a highly skilled medical team of 1,800 volunteers. Dr. Micheli believed the Boston Marathon, and sports, bring out the best in us: perseverance, joy, and community. Dr. Micheli’s legacy of dedication and service will live on this April and for many years to come.

Giving Back, Doing Good

This year, more than 190 organizations are part of the 2026 Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, raising funds for worthy causes ahead of this year’s race. Comprising almost 10% of the total field size, organizations utilize entries to recruit athletes who pledge to raise funds for their cause. Here we have featured some individuals and organizations that are making a difference.

Top Fundraiser – Julie Delfs for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of the 193 organizations taking part in the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program this year. The top fundraiser for this year is Julie Delfs, who individually has raised over $465,000 towards supporting children and families facing childhood cancer.

“I run for St. Jude not because cancer has touched my own family, but because I understand how quickly life can change in an instant. As a mother

of four and with a growing number of grandkids, I’m deeply aware of how much we want to protect our loved ones. Supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is my way of ensuring that families facing the unimaginable have hope, care, and support. Each time I run for St. Jude, I’m humbled by how willing people are to give—it’s something they want to do, knowing every dollar brings hope to a child.

“I’ll never forget running Chicago in 2018, proudly wearing my St. Jude race singlet. A woman called out to me as I passed and I ran over. She hugged me, thanking me—her child had been treated at St. Jude’s, and it saved their life. In that moment, I knew this cause was bigger than me.

“In 2026, I will complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors when I finish Boston, earning the prestigious Six Star Medal. St. Jude has been with me every step, fueling that journey. Boston isn’t just a finish line; it’s a promise that I’ll continue running with purpose, ensuring St. Jude is there for every family. The medal will hang on the wall, but the greater purpose will stay in my heart and have a lasting impact. And that’s what makes every mile worth it.”

Honoring Susan Hurley

This year’s Dick and Rick Hoyt Award will posthumously recognize Susan Hurley, the founder of CharityTeams and a powerful force for good in the community. As a visionary and “Fun-Raiser,” Susan helped thousands of athletes reach their distance running goals while raising millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations. The award will be presented to her children, Max and Ryan, in Susan’s honor. Keep an eye out for various nonprofits cheering along the course, celebrating the power and joy of the marathon just like Susan did for many years.

Charity Program Highlight: Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center

Located in the Dorchester area of Boston, Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center builds leaders on the court, in the classroom, and in the community by providing academic and social development programs alongside recreational and competitive tennis instruction for youth and adults. For over 65 years, Sportsmen’s has been a place where young people discover their potential and families find community. Founded in 1961 as one of the first indoor tennis clubs built by the African American community, Sportsmen’s has grown into a nationally recognized hub for youth development, academic enrichment, and year-round wellness. Today, more than 5,000 youth and adults participate in programs that promote confidence, connection, and lifelong well-being.

In their third year as part of the Official Charity Program, each participant on their marathon team helps remove financial barriers for families served and ensures that young people have access to coaching, academic support, leadership development, and healthier futures.

Jed Hammel, who is running as part of Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center’s Marathon Team, had this to

Climate Crew

Are you planning on registering for the 131st Boston Marathon in 2027 and looking to make a difference in the community? The B.A.A. Climate Crew raises funds to directly support the Boston Athletic Association’s sustainability initiatives. With a fundraising commitment of $1,500, registered participants of the Boston Marathon will receive team perks and incentives over race weekend. For more information, visit baa.org.

say: “A doctor told my parents when I was one year old that I’d never be able to walk, and now I’m running the Boston Marathon. I don’t think about it or talk about it much, but I was born with cerebral palsy. So that doctor’s prediction, and proving them wrong my entire life, has been a big part of shaping who I am as a human. What crossed my mind is how grateful I am to have so many friends from the Boston/Dorchester running community who continuously support my running journey. Given my love of running, the connection I feel to the Dorchester community, and Boston in general, and my involvement with tennis, raising funds for Sportsmen’s, is deeply meaningful to me.”

DONATE TODAY!

Learn more about the Bank of America Marathon Official Charity Program and lend your support to one of the many worthy teams.

Why Do I Run?

I have always believed in giving back, but becoming a dad to two daughters changed everything for me. I want them, and every young woman, to grow up in a world where they feel safe, strong, and free. Yes, I am a proud girl dad, and the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation truly speaks to me. Their mission to prevent violence against women and empower them through awareness, education, and self-defense is something I deeply believe in. Men need to be part of the solution. Speaking out, taking action, and showing up matters, and this is my way of doing just that. Running the Boston Marathon has been a goal of mine for years; connecting it to this cause gave me the extra drive. It is not just about running 26.2 miles; it is about running with purpose.”

— Matt Weagle, Auburn, Mass. – Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation

I have been a member of Black Girls Run! (BGR) since 2012. I have stayed with this organization because I believe in the mission: encouraging women to live a healthier lifestyle, showing them that no matter where they start in their journey, with good resources and encouragement, goals can be achieved. I have elevated my athleticism and my personal growth in exercise science, all because I have met some amazing women in the BGR! sisterhood who are doing amazing things. I am a run lead in my chapter, and BGR! in my area gives me the opportunity to share with others my passion to progress. In this community of sisters, a bond has been created that is on and off the pavement; we are a true sisterhood. My coach, Miki, and I talked about running Boston from day one, even before I ran my first marathon. I have been told by many experienced runners that it is a true sense of accomplishment when you cross that finish line. I can't wait to experience that feeling.”

— Alethia Mongerie, Robbinsville, N.J. – Black Girls Run! Foundation

I am an active duty U.S. Army infantry officer. I led soldiers on a deployment to Afghanistan and a 9-month rotation to Eastern Europe in response to the Ukraine conflict. Every step of the way, the USO has been right beside my soldiers, helping them stay connected to loved ones, keeping them entertained and building camaraderie during down time, and making sure they have what they need. I grew up in New England hearing about the prestige of the Boston Marathon. I remember seeing Heartbreak Hill while visiting the Boston College campus with my brother, and have always heard from him about the tradition of Marathon Monday. It will be a great privilege to participate in the 130th edition, especially while supporting such an important organization.”

— Brennan Neseralla, Columbus, Ga. – USO

B.A.A. IN THE COMMUNITY

Community Events on the Map

Outside of marathon weekend, the Boston Athletic Association continues to invest in local communities in and around Boston. From Boston Moves events and Boston Running Collaborative youth track meets, to training sessions and cross-country championships, the B.A.A. is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. For more information on community events in and around Boston, visit baa.org/community.

Marathon Quilt Guild

In 2025, the Marathon Quilt Guild, located in Hopkinton, Mass., issued an open invitation to other quilters and artists across the region to collaborate on a unique Boston Marathon Quilt Exhibit entitled “Go the Distance.”

More than 40 quilters and artists responded and spent the following year creating a unique and exceptional “polyptych” quilt comprised of eight

panels, each representing one of the eight cities and towns along the Marathon route. Each panel reflects the history and culture of the Marathon in the community. The Marathon route runs seamlessly through the panels, connecting them to each other and leading the viewer on a journey from Hopkinton to Boston from the runner’s perspective. The project will ulti-

mately find its home in the collection of the International Marathon Center, currently in development in Hopkinton. To learn more about where the project will be located, check out the Marathon Quilt Guild’s website with the QR code.

Concord Imaging Center is one of the most advanced radiology and imaging practices in Central New Hampshire, offering outstanding medical talent and an exceptional patient experience.

• Same-Day X-Ray

• Open MRI

• Ultrasound

• CT Scan

• Lung Cancer Screening

• Osteoporosis Screening

• 3D Mammography

Serving the Concord Community for Over 35 Years

Concord Hospital Campus Pillsbury Building 248 Pleasant Street, Suite 106 Concord, NH • (603) 225-0425

Horseshoe Pond Medical Center

60 Commercial Street, Suite 101

Concord NH • (603) 415-9444

concordimagingcenter.com

BOSTON

by

POPULAR QUALIFYING MARATHON RACES

2025 Boston Marathon – 2,949

2024 Chicago Marathon – 1,623

2024 Berlin Marathon – 1,046

2024 New York City Marathon – 742

the Numbers

(Data as of March 1, 2026)

32,716 Entrants | 9,669 Volunteers | 50 U.S. States | 136 Countries

56 YEARS: Mark Bauman of Michigan is going for No. 57 in a row on Patriots’ Day. He finished in 6:23:01 last year.

39 YEARS: California's Patty Hung aims for her 40th consecutive finish to extend the women’s record. She clocked a time of 6:02:57 last year.

$50 million ESTIMATED TO BE RAISED FOR CHARITY

132 Number of Athletes Running on Their Birthday

Youngest Entrant: Oldest Entrant: Turning 18 on Patriots' Day > Nathan Whiting of Virginia 85 years, 9 months, 15 days > Robert Cremin of Washington

$500 million+ ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT ON GREATER BOSTON COMMUNITY LONGEST FINISH STREAKS:

500,000+ Spectators

Sustainability Spotlight

From race operations to community programming, the B.A.A. has worked with intention to make our events more inclusive, more accessible and more environmentally responsible. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to well-being, innovation, and equity that touches thousands of lives each year.

Since 2024, the B.A.A. has teamed up with Schneider Electric, our Official Sustainability Partner. As a global leader in energy management and automation, Schneider Electric has helped us take meaningful steps toward our goal of becoming a sustainability leader in the running industry. In recent years we’ve worked closely with SE Advisory Services to refine and implement our strategy, embedding more sustainable practices into our operations and events.

Sustainability is intertwined with our vision of creating a world where everyone can enjoy running in

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Shoe Donation: There are collection bins at the Boston Marathon Expo where shoes are repurposed through Sneakers4Good. More than 1,000 pairs were donated in ‘25.

Recyclable Waste: Utilize recycling bins placed throughout our race week event areas. The B.A.A. Green Team helps proper sorting and disposal of waste.

Food Donation & Sorting: Leftover perishable food from our events gets donated to the Greater Boston Food Bank, while compost-only waste bins are used on site.

the environment, connect with the community and participate in safe, inclusive athletic events.

Our goal is to be an environmental steward, providing access to running for generations to come. As such, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact while prioritizing the well-being of our team, participants, volunteers and the communities we serve.

By embracing sustainable practices throughout our operations, we aim to make running a source of positive impact for people and the planet, today and for decades to come.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

70%: Total Waste Diversion Rate at the 2025 Boston Marathon

10 FEWER TONS of waste was sent to landfill in 2025

19 TONS of clothing was collected at the Athletes’ Village and Start Area ↓

ATHLETICS FOR A BETTER WORLD STANDARD

In 2024, World Athletics implemented the Athletics for a Better World (ABW) Standard. The ABW Standard is a certification that evaluates, measures, and scores an event’s performance across 55 action areas, from waste management to diversity and accessibility. The Boston Marathon has achieved the Silver Event status!

DID YOU KNOW?

Each 5-gallon jug of water used replaces nearly 40 single-use plastic bottles!

CHECK OUT THE 2025 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT FROM THE B.A.A. AND SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC HERE:

Running Around the Globe

Macpherson will collect his Six Star Medal in Boston next year, ending an epic and emotional year running across the globe.

SIX STAR STATS:

Total Six Star Finishers: 23,262 Nations represented: 139 Runners with just one star to go: 15,564

LEODHAIS MACPHERSON, a 25-yearold from the United Kingdom, broke down in tears when he was told he had won the World Tour, a competition run by Abbott World Marathon Majors and Marathon Tours and Travel where one lucky person would get to run the seven existing Majors.

Leodhais will begin his epic journey at the TCS London Marathon on April 26 before taking on Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York later this year.

In 2027, he will travel to Tokyo and Boston, where he will pick up his Six Star Medal.

“I never thought I would get to run Boston,” he added.

“To be honest, I never really thought I’d get to run any of the majors. Boston being as prestigious as it is, it is amazing now to get to run it. It’s often what most people are impressed by, if you have run Boston.”

He will also run the Sanlam Cape Town and Shanghai marathons if they pass through the candidacy process.

More than 500 people entered the competition, where the top prize also included a travel budget and accommodation.

Entrants had to post a video on social media telling judges Liz Newcomer and Aubrey Mvula, both prolific marathon runners and content creators themselves, why they should win the once-in-a-lifetime prize.

Leodhais’s video told the story of how his brother Conor’s suicide inspired him to run an astonishing

Average Six Star Finisher time: 4:03:26

128 marathons in 128 days, a total of 3,332 miles, which is the same distance from his native Tynemouth, which is near Newcastle, to New York.

New York is significant, as that was where Conor wanted to live but never got the chance to.

Leodhais completed the incredible feat around his full-time job and raised more than £100,000 for charity.

After reaching the final stage of the competition, Leodhais was interviewed by the two judges who phoned him back moments later to give him the good news.

2025 Six Star Hopefuls in Boston: 1,548

“I’m shaking, are you serious?” he said upon hearing the news.

“I can’t explain how much this means to me. This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. After what I’ve been through and everything that I’ve done over the past year, I cannot thank you enough.

“Being able to share this story has genuinely helped so many people, not just through raising money for charity, but giving people hope. Put your trainers on and go for a run; it can be so powerful and help you cope with anything life throws at you.”

30.08.26

One iconic city.

EXPERIENCE THE FASTEST GROWING MARATHON ON THE PLANET!

This isn’t just a marathon. It’s momentum. There’s a reason Sydney is on every runner’s radar. From the Harbour Bridge to the Sydney Opera House, no finish line in the world hits harder. The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major and it’s waiting for you.

BOSTON MARATHON CHAMPIONS

MEN'S OPEN DIVISION

2025 John Korir 28 Kenya 2:04:45

2024 Sisay Lemma 33 Ethiopia 2:06:17

2023 Evans Chebet 34 Kenya 2:05:54

2022 Evans Chebet 33 Kenya 2:06:51

2021 Benson Kipruto 30 Kenya 2:09:51

2019 Lawrence Cherono 30 Kenya 2:07:57

2018 Yuki Kawauchi 31 Japan 2:15:58

2017 Geoffrey Kirui 24 Kenya 2:09:37

2016 Lemi Berhanu Hayle 21 Ethiopia 2:12:45

2015 Lelisa Desisa 25 Ethiopia 2:09:17

2014 Meb Keflezighi 38 California 2:08:37

2013 Lelisa Desisa 23 Ethiopia 2:10:22

2012 Wesley Korir 29 Kenya 2:12:40

2011 Geoffrey Mutai 29 Kenya 2:03:02*

2010 Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot 21 Kenya 2:05:52

2009 Deriba Merga 28 Ethiopia 2:08:42

2008 Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot 29 Kenya 2:07:46

2007 Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot 28 Kenya 2:14:13

2006 Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot 27 Kenya 2:07:14

2005 Hailu Negussie 25 Ethiopia 2:11:45

2004 Timothy Cherigat 27 Kenya 2:10:37

2003 Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot 24 Kenya 2:10:11

2002 Rodgers Rop 26 Kenya 2:09:02

2001 Lee Bong-Ju 30 South Korea 2:09:43

2000 Elijah Lagat 33 Kenya 2:09:47

1999 Joseph Chebet 28 Kenya 2:09:52

1998 Moses Tanui 32 Kenya 2:07:34

1997 Lameck Aguta 25 Kenya 2:10:34

1996 Moses Tanui 30 Kenya 2:09:15

1995 Cosmas Ndeti 25 Kenya 2:09:22

1994 Cosmas Ndeti 24 Kenya 2:07:15

1993 Cosmas Ndeti 23 Kenya 2:09:33

1992 Ibrahim Hussein 33 Kenya 2:08:14

1991 Ibrahim Hussein 32 Kenya 2:11:06

1990 Gelindo Bordin 31 Italy 2:08:19

1989 Abebe Mekonnen 25 Ethiopia 2:09:06

1988 Ibrahim Hussein 29 Kenya 2:08:43

1987 Toshihiko Seko 30 Japan 2:11:50

1986 Robert de Castella 29 Australia 2:07:51

1985 Geoff Smith 31 England 2:14:05

1984 Geoff Smith 30 England 2:10:34

1983 Greg A. Meyer 27 Massachusetts 2:09:00

1982 Alberto Salazar 23 Massachusetts 2:08:52

1981 Toshihiko Seko 24 Japan 2:09:26

1980 Bill Rodgers 32 Massachusetts 2:12:11

1979 Bill Rodgers 31 Massachusetts 2:09:27

1978 Bill Rodgers 30 Massachusetts 2:10:13

1977 Jerome Drayton 31 Canada 2:14:46

1976 Jack Fultz 27 Virginia 2:20:19

1975 Bill Rodgers 27 Massachusetts 2:09:55

1974 Neil Cusack 22 Ireland 2:13:39

1973 Jon Anderson 23 Oregon 2:16:03

1972 Olavi Suomalainen 25 Finland 2:15:39

1971 Alvaro Mejia 30 Colombia 2:18:45

1970 Ron Hill 31 England 2:10:30

1969 Yoshiaki Unetani 24 Japan 2:13:49

1968 Amby Burfoot 21 Connecticut 2:22:17

1967 David C. McKenzie 24 New Zealand 2:15:45

1966 Kenji Kimihara 25 Japan 2:17:11

1965 Morio Shigematsu 24 Japan 2:16:33

1964 Aurele Vandendriessche 29 Belgium 2:19:59

1963 Aurele Vandendriessche 28 Belgium 2:18:58

1962 Eino Oksanen 30 Finland 2:23:48

1961 Eino Oksanen 29 Finland 2:23:39

1960 Paavo Kotila 32

WOMEN'S OPEN DIVISION

2025 Sharon Lokedi 31 Kenya 2:17:22*

2024 Hellen Obiri 34 Kenya 2:22:37

2023 Hellen Obiri 33 Kenya 2:21:38

2022 Peres Jepchirchir 28 Kenya 2:21:01

2021 Edna Kiplagat 41 Kenya 2:25:09

2019 Worknesh Degefa 28 Ethiopia 2:23:31

2018 Desiree Linden 34 Michigan 2:39:54

2017 Edna Kiplagat 37 Kenya 2:21:52

2016 Atsede Baysa 29 Ethiopia 2:29:19

2015 Caroline Rotich 30 Kenya 2:24:55

2014 Buzunesh Deba 26 Ethiopia 2:19:59

2013 Rita Jeptoo 32 Kenya 2:26:25

2012 Sharon Cherop 28 Kenya 2:31:50

2011 Caroline Kilel 30 Kenya 2:22:36

2010 Teyba Erkesso 27 Ethiopia 2:26:11

2009 Salina Kosgei 32 Kenya 2:32:16

2008 Dire Tune 22 Ethiopia 2:25:25

2007 Lidiya Grigoryeva 33 Russia 2:29:18

2006 Rita Jeptoo 25 Kenya 2:23:38

2005 Catherine Ndereba 32 Kenya 2:25:13

2004 Catherine Ndereba 31 Kenya 2:24:27

2003 Svetlana Zakharova 32 Russia 2:25:20

2002 Margaret Okayo 25 Kenya 2:20:43

2001 Catherine Ndereba 28 Kenya 2:23:53

2000 Catherine Ndereba 27 Kenya 2:26:11

1999 Fatuma Roba 25 Ethiopia 2:23:25

1998 Fatuma Roba

1997 Fatuma Roba 23 Ethiopia 2:26:23

1996 Uta Pippig 30 Germany 2:27:12

1995 Uta Pippig 29 Germany 2:25:11

1994 Uta Pippig 28 Germany

BOSTON MARATHON CHAMPIONS

MEN'S WHEELCHAIR DIVISION

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

2009

2008

2006

2002

WOMEN'S WHEELCHAIR DIVISION

BY

A Insider’s Guide

Boston Fun Beyond the Marathon

Can’t-miss city highlights to fill your race weekend—or inspire a return trip.

Founded in 1630 on opposite sides of the Charles River, Boston and Cambridge have had a long time to polish their appeal. The results—from the blocks of genteel brownstones to the world-class museums to the thriving culinary scene—can feel quite refined. But this urban hub is also very accessible, with lots to do for travelers on a budget as well as big spenders, and for families as well as hip young singles. There’s so much on offer, in fact, that you may be wondering where to start. To help get things rolling, Yankee’s editors have highlighted some of their favorite stops in Boston and Cambridge.

For more travel ideas, check out Yankee’s 2026 Best of New England winners in the May/June issue (newengland.com).

WHAT TO DO

The Freedom Trail • No trip to the Hub is complete without a couple of stops on the Freedom Trail, the 2½-mile route past 16 of the city’s historical landmarks. And while you can definitely navigate it on your own, you’ll learn a lot more about Boston’s role in the Revolutionary War and the growth of a new nation during the dramatic 90-minute Freedom Trail tours led by rangers from Boston National Historical Park. thefreedomtrail.org

Boston Chinatown Tours • Along with roughly 7,000 residents, Chinatown is home to legacy eateries, bakeries, barbecue spots, and enough other culinary highlights to fill a weekend itinerary. Boston Chinatown Tours, led by longtime resident Jacqueline Church, takes you to the best of the best, with delicious bites and deep insights along the way. bostonchinatowntours.com

Emerald Necklace Biking • Don’t get so distracted by Boston Harbor’s sapphire waters that you forget the city’s Emerald Necklace. Urban AdvenTours (urbanadventours.com) runs a four-hour guided bike tour through more than 15 miles of these parklands, including the Esplanade and the Arnold Arboretum. Or strike out on your own with a rented e-bike from the network of Bluebikes. bluebikes.com

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Already world-renowned for its collections of Impressionist works, Egyptian artifacts, and Asian art, the MFA recently underwent a major renovation that created a dynamic showcase for 20th-century modern art: Surrealism, Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, and more. Elsewhere in the museum, look for locally rooted treasures that Bostonians hold dear, such as Paul Revere’s “Sons of Liberty” bowl and the paintings of John Singer Sargent. mfa.org

Boston Children’s Museum • When you spy the 40-foot-tall Hood milk bottle, you’ll know you’ve found Boston’s most joyful place for playing and learning. Explore immersive environments like KidStage, Art Lab, and a Japanese silk merchant’s home, transported here from Kyoto. Not visiting Boston with kids? Consider supporting the museum’s own Marathon team, which raises money to ensure continual education through wonderment. bostonchildrensmuseum.org

Coolidge Corner Theatre • How rare it is to find a 1933 Art Deco movie palace selling out on any given night of the week—and rarer still that it should show a dizzying range of new releases, retrospectives, and documentaries (and serve up tubs of popcorn with real butter, to boot). With its long-awaited expansion finally completed, this Brookline landmark has added two new auditoriums and an education center to the mix, too. coolidge.org

WHERE TO EAT

New England Aquarium Whale Watch • After checking out the whale skeleton hanging in the New England Aquarium, you may be inspired to see a whale in the wild. Good news: The aquarium partners with Boston Harbor City Cruises to take passengers on an unforgettable trip to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, an 842-square-mile refuge that provides a seasonal home for marine life of all kinds, especially whales. cityexperiences.com/boston/city-cruises/whale-watch

Bar Vlaha • Prime-time dinner reservations can be tough to get at Bar Vlaha, whose superlative Greek cuisine has made it consistently lauded as one of Boston’s best restaurants. Brunch, on the other hand, is a more relaxed affair—and it’s just as terrific. Standouts include saganaki, tsoureki, and the tangy, spicy egg-lover’s dream known as shakshouka. barvlaha.com

Flour • Flour’s greatest claim to fame may be owner Joanne Chang’s perfect sticky buns (hers beat Bobby Flay’s), but don’t miss the scrumptious banana bread, lemon meringue pie, and brownies, not to mention the excellent salads and sandwiches. For a small chain that works in such high volume, the menu remains seasonal and the service is always warm. Multiple locations in Boston and Cambridge. flourbakery.com

Madeleine’s Candy Shop

Swedish candy seems to be the topic on everybody’s tongues recently, both literally and figuratively, and there’s no better spot to fill your bag than Madeleine’s, which offers wall-to-wall containers of domestic and imported candies. Shoppers simply use tongs to scoop what looks yummiest into their bags, weigh them at the counter, and enjoy. madeleinescandyshop.com

Sarma • Chef-owner Cassie Piuma has been producing some of the most inventive, seasonally attuned, and expertly crafted food that Greater Boston has ever seen, and she’s been doing it consistently for more than a dozen years. The food is spice-forward Mediterranean, with must-try dishes including avocado muhummara, lambe kofte sliders, and ricotta loukamades. sarmarestaurant.com

Formaggio Kitchen • Cheese has always been among the top draws at this Cambridge-founded institution. But while the flagship location’s recent move to a space almost twice as large has made more room for the Instagram-worthy cheese counter, it also allowed for the addition of a butchery and a seafood department … and even more gourmet foods from around the globe. Yum. formaggiokitchen.com

McGonagle’s

While Boston has plenty of Irish pubs, only McGonagle’s has such a high-level combo of woodand-stained-glass interior, live music, perfect pours, craft cocktails, and fresh takes on classic pub fare. In fact, this Dorchester favorite made it onto The New York Times’ list of the 50 best American restaurants for 2025. mcgonagles.com

WHERE TO STAY

The Atlas Hotel • It’s not every day that Boston’s Allston neighborhood gets a shining new tower—in the form of a hotel, no less. The Atlas Hotel soars 16 stories over the city, offering 246 eclectic guest rooms outfitted with mossy

Harvard Square hotel has oodles of appeal for the non-Ivy crowd, too. On the ground floor is the award-winning restaurant, Henrietta’s Table; a few floors up is the legendary jazz nightclub Regattabar. The guest rooms and suites are understated New England chic, and the service is Brahmin-worthy. charleshotel.com

Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street • Though this soaring hotel is all gleaming glass on the outside, it’s total warmth and elegance on the inside, thanks to a muted palette with metallic accents. A stay includes comfy bathrobes and slippers, Frederic Malle bath amenities, and impeccable views; though you’ll also want to explore the “Wellness Floor,” complete with a spa, steam rooms, a fitness center, and a 64-foot pool with an underwater sound system. fourseasons.com

Fairmont Copley • Three words: doggy room service. Not only can guests at the Fairmont bring up to two pets in tow, but dogs are invited to indulge in beautifully plated treats—on demand. The dog-friendly in-room dining menu offers Angus beef patties, hearth-roasted chicken, peanut butter pup cups, and more. Plus, the hotel’s friendly black lab canine ambassador, Cori Copley, can often be found trotting (or napping) around the lobby. fairmont-copley-plaza.com

SUN DAY, SEPT. 20

During the NH Highland Games & Festival Race Starts at 8:30 AM Loon Mountain Resort, Lincoln, NH

A challenging 5k course featuring 800 ft. of elevation gain.

All participants will receive: A race shirt, Sunday Highland Games ticket ($45 value), and 1 free Scotch Ale (must be 21+)

After the race, relax and enjoy live music, Scottish cultural activities, food, drink, & more.

Where to Run

WHEN YOU’RE NOT RUNNING BOSTON

WINTER’S BEST RACE WEEKEND

RACE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS

Experience the Boston Marathon beyond just race day

Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo

Times: Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. • Saturday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. • Sunday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: Hynes Convention Center, Boston

The Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo is one of your first stops on race weekend, home to bib number pick-up, guest speakers, special photoops, and the largest adidas shopping experience in town. The Boston Marathon Expo is free and open to the public.

DOWNLOAD THE B.A.A. RACING APP for up-to-the-minute race weekend information!

Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK's Sporting Goods

Times: Friday: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. • Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. • Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: City Hall Plaza, Boston

City Hall Plaza will feature fun activities, live music, photo-ops, and more as part of Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Located close to historic Faneuil Hall, Fan Fest is the place to gear up and get excited for race day!

Samuel Adams Run Pub

Times: Friday: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza

Unwind at the Samuel Adams Run Pub within Boston Marathon Fan Fest! Enjoy a refreshing Samuel Adams 26.2 Brew and explore the marathonthemed beer garden.

Boston Marathon Finish Line

Times: Friday through Sunday. Open times to be announced.

Location: Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston Stop by the finish line to snap a photo. Runners from around the globe—including Olympians, Boston champions, members of the professional field, and icons—will take part in photo and autograph sessions over race weekend too. Times for open access to the finish line will be announced close to race weekend.

Boston 5K

Time: 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 18

Location: Boston Common / Boston Marathon Finish Line

Nearly 10,000 participants from around the world will race through the streets of Boston as part of the Boston 5K! Starting at Boston Common, the race finishes down Boylston Street and over the Boston Marathon finish line.

B.A.A. Invitational Mile

Time: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18

Location: Boston Marathon Finish Line

Head to Copley Square to watch middle school, high school, and professional races as part of the B.A.A. Invitational Mile. The race route is a loop covering Boylston, Dartmouth, Newbury, and Exeter streets.

B.A.A. Youth Mile

Time: 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18

Location: Boylston Street, Finish Line

Watch youth runners from throughout Greater Boston participate in mile races, experiencing the thrill of running up and down Boylston Street.

Looking For Parking?

PARK STEPS AWAY FROM THE FINISH AT THE GARAGE AT 100 CLARENDON.

Located one block from the finish line, the Garage at 100 Clarendon is the Official Parking Garage of the Boston Marathon. Entrances are located on Trinity Place off of Stuart Street and on Clarendon Street.

Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams

Time: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Monday, April 20 • Location: City Hall Plaza

Celebrate and re-live the magic of the marathon at the Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams! Join as we cheers to 26.2 miles, crown champions, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Tickets are available for $10.

On April 20, over 3,000 fundraising athletes will take on the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America® to raise money for over 190 causes close to their hearts. Through their dedicated efforts and the generous supporters who donate to their causes, these athletes will make an impact in Boston and beyond. Please give if you can by May 15.

Bank of America champions everyone who dares to ask, “What would you like the power to do?”