BOSTON (17-April) —The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) invites members of the media to cover the Boston 5Kpresented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, B.A.A. Invitational Miles, and B.A.A. Youth Mile presented by Boston Children’s Hospital on Saturday, April 18.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Boston 5K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute | Boylston Street Finish Line | 8:00 a.m.
Nearly 10,000 participants will take part in the first race of the B.A.A. Distance Medley presented by Honda, racing 3.1 miles through Back Bay. A stellar professional field features top American and international athletes. This race starts near Boston Common and finishes at the Boston Marathon finish line. Top entrants can be found here.
B.A.A. Invitational Mile | Boylston Street Finish Line | 11:00 a.m.
The B.A.A. Invitational Mile features some of the top professional milers in the world, as well as scholastic student-athletes from each of the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route. Top entrants can be found here.
Boston Athletic Association Youth Mile presented by Boston Children’s Hospital | Boylston Street | 1:00 p.m.
Join us for the inaugural B.A.A. Youth Mile presented by Boston Children’s Hospital — a free and fun event! More than 1,000 youth ages 7-14 will experience the thrill of running on Boylston Street and crossing the Boston Marathon Finish Line on Saturday, April 18.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS OVER RACE WEEK
Complete schedules and event details can be found here including:
Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo | Hynes Convention Center
The Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo will be open to participants and members of the public from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19. Participants will pick up their bib numbers and explore a sponsor pavilion, pose for photo-ops, and shop the largest collection of adidas Boston Marathon merchandise in town. An expo speaker schedule is available here.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods | City Hall Plaza
Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods in City Hall Plaza will be the place to soak in the race week atmosphere. Fan Fest will play host to live music, entertainment, photo-ops, meet and greets, and more. A complete events schedule is available here.
Samuel Adams Run Pub | City Hall Plaza
Unwind at the Samuel Adams Run Pub within Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods! Enjoy a Samuel Adams 26.2 Brew and explore the marathon-themed beer garden featuring fun throughout the weekend.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17 THROUGH MONDAY, APRIL 20
Boston Marathon Lights the Way: presented by Bank of America | Fairmont Copley Plaza
This free evening showcase will illuminate the magnificent facade of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, providing an unforgettable visual experience. Nightly from April 16th-20th, immerse yourself in the inspiring stories of some of this year’s fundraising athletes. See their journeys, the medals, and support their causes by reacting to our show — send emojis LIVE, right to the facade of the Fairmont. For every emoji sent, Bank of America will donate $1 to participating charity programs. Illumination hours are Thursday, April 16-Saturday, April 18 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sunday, April 19 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; and Monday, April 20 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Boston Marathon Media Resources (Media Guide/Professional Athlete Bios/Uniform Guide/Maps)
The B.A.A. encourages media to frequently visit our Boston Marathon Media Resources page for up-to-date start lists, links, and information. This year’s Media Guide, Uniform Guide, Participant Guide, Official Program, start lists, splits, transcripts, and results are available within the Media Resources page.
Credential Pick-Up: Approved accredited media will pick-up credentials within the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel’s State Suite (lower level) now through Sunday, April 19 within the following hours:
Boston Marathon Media Credential Distribution
Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel – State Suite Room
Friday, April 17: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 18: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 19: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*Hours subject to change
All media members will be required to agree to the Boston Marathon News & Media Access Guidelines upon picking up credentials.
As a reminder, accredited media are not allowed on the race course at any time. Media must stay off the roadway, and are only allowed in designated Media areas or in public spectator areas.
B.A.A. Mission: Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running.
B.A.A. Vision: Committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The 130th Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.