Boston Marathon 2026: Excitement Builds for Historic Race

The 2026 Boston Marathon is set to take place on Monday, April 20, and anticipation is mounting as 30,000 athletes prepare to tackle one of the most prestigious races in the world. This year’s event will feature a new wave-start format to improve the experience for both runners and spectators, with six waves instead of the traditional four.

Broadcasting live on WCVB (Channel 5) and ESPN2, along with streaming options available on WCVB and the Very Local App, the race will kick off with a military march by the Massachusetts National Guard at 6 a.m. The men’s wheelchair division will start at 9:06 a.m., followed by the women’s wheelchair division at 9:09 a.m., and the professional men and women shortly thereafter. The first wave of general runners will begin their race at 10:00 a.m., with subsequent waves following at intervals until 11:21 a.m.

The iconic course begins in Hopkinton and winds through several towns, including Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley, before culminating in a grand finish on Boylston Street at Copley Square. Known for its challenging terrain, the route features the famous Heartbreak Hill and the enthusiastic Wellesley scream tunnel, which are both anticipated highlights for runners and spectators alike.

Defending champions Sharon Lokedi and Marcel Hug are among the elite athletes returning to the race. Lokedi, who won the women’s elite race last year, broke away from two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri to secure her victory. Hug, on the other hand, will be aiming for his fourth consecutive title in the men’s wheelchair division.

Lokedi’s performance last year was remarkable, as she won and set a new course record with a time of 2:17:41, surpassing the previous record by 2:37. "I’m not going to let her take it today from me," Lokedi expressed confidently after her win. This year, she faces stiff competition, including American record-holder Emily Sisson and other top marathoners from around the world.

On the men’s side, Benson Kipruto, who holds the fastest time in the field with a 2:02:16 finish at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon, is expected to be a strong contender. Twenty-five competitors have previously run under 2:07:00, promising an exciting race. "Boston holds a special place in my heart, as I won my first major there in 2021 and have finished third twice," Kipruto said in a release from the Boston Athletic Association (BAA).

The women’s wheelchair race features returning champion Susannah Scaroni, who aims to continue her winning streak after triumphing at the Boston, Chicago, New York, and Sydney marathons last year. She will face tough competition from Catherine Debrunner, who finished second last year, and course record holder Manuela Schär, who has a history of success in Boston.

As the excitement builds for the marathon, Boston College students are particularly enthusiastic about the event, which they have come to celebrate as Marathon Monday. The introduction of the Mile 21 Concert in 2022 has added to the festivities, creating a vibrant atmosphere along the course. Music has become an integral part of the running experience, with many marathoners using it to maintain focus and distract from the physical demands of the race.

Giovanni Culotta, a first-time marathon runner, shared how music helps him manage his performance anxiety. "I’ve found [music] to be a support system, to take my mind off the numbers and the thoughts that go in and out of your head during races," he said. Similarly, Clare O’Holleran, another first-time participant, relies on music to boost her energy, especially when tackling challenging sections like Heartbreak Hill. "If I’m running up Heartbreak Hill and I’m really struggling, I’ll put on a song that’s going to hype me up and get me there—get me across the finish line," she explained.

Runners often balance their music choices to match their pacing needs, opting for mellow tunes during long runs and upbeat tracks for quick bursts of energy. Luke Mangano, who is also running for the first time, noted that he adjusts his playlist based on his physical condition and the type of run. "If I’m doing a longer run, I’ll listen to more mellow music, so I can keep my pace down," he said.

The Boston Marathon has always been a celebration of endurance and community, with 132 countries represented this year, an increase from 129 last year. The event has also seen a rise in charitable participation, with 193 organizations selected for the official charity program, up from 176 the previous year. The charity program has raised over $600 million since its inception in 1989, with record fundraising exceeding $50 million in 2025 alone.

Grand Marshal Jack Fultz, who won the Boston Marathon in 1976 with a time of 2:20:19, will lead the festivities this year, marking the 50th anniversary of his historic win. Fultz's victory took place under challenging conditions, with temperatures nearing triple digits, adding to the significance of his achievement.

As the marathon approaches, the excitement continues to build not just among the runners, but also within the Boston community. With the combination of elite competition, a celebratory atmosphere, and the integration of music into the running experience, the 2026 Boston Marathon a memorable event for all involved.

As the countdown to race day continues, many are eager to see how the defending champions will fare against a field filled with talent and determination. With the race set to begin in just a few days, Boston as it welcomes runners from around the world to compete in this iconic marathon.