BOSTON (3-April) — The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) looks forward to welcoming athletes from around the world to Boston for the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America on Monday, April 20, 2026. In advance of race week, we’d like to share the following reminders and schedule with members of the media.
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 (https://bstnmar.org/Media) for up-to-date start lists, links, and information. This year’s Media Guide, Participant Guide, and Official Program are available within the Media Resources page. Additionally, information on the uniform guide, start lists, splits, transcripts, and results will be available as Marathon Monday approaches.
This year’s Official Program features storylines highlighting many of our 2026 themes, including Meet the Moment, top professional field contenders and athletes to watch, notable anniversaries, and more.
Updated Field Lists: Current Boston Marathon professional field lists can be found within our media resources page and will be consistently updated as the race approaches. Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) and Ser-Od Bat-Ochir (MGL) have been added to the Professional Men’s field.
The following athletes have withdrawn from the Boston Marathon Professional Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair fields since announcements earlier this year:
WOMEN: Abbie McNulty Bennie (USA), Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN), Keira D’Amato (USA), Joan Melly (ROU), Gadise Muulu (ETH), Leanne Pompeani (AUS), Natosha Rogers (USA), Megan Sailor (USA), Magdalena Shauri (TAN)
MEN: Akira Akasaki (JPN), Christian Allen (USA), Andy Buchanan (AUS), Yohanes Chiappinelli (ITA), Gemechu Dida (ETH), Amaury Paquet (BEL), Biya Simbassa (USA)
WHEELCHAIR: Susannah Scaroni (USA), Wakako Tsuchida (JPN)
Up to date Boston 5K and B.A.A. Invitational Mile fields can be found within each event’s respective race pages.
130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America Fast Facts (as of April 2, 2026).
- 32,494 participants are entered;30,000 expected to run on race day.
- 18,277 Men, 14,101 Women, 116 Non-Binary Entrants
- Citizens of 137 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
- 4,698 Massachusetts residents entered
- 10,000+ volunteers, including 1,800 medical volunteers.
- Goal of surpassing last year’s record of $50.4 million fundraised through the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.
- 193 nonprofit organizations are part of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.
- 2 miles, 385 yards through eight cities and towns
- $1,484,500 across Open, Wheelchair, and Para Athletics Divisions (including $50,000 course record bonus for open and wheelchair athletes).
Notable Entrants:
- Bryan Arenales, 2025 Love Island Season 7 winner
- Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon Champion
- Zdeno Chara, former Boston Bruins captain
- Chelsea Clinton, author and advocate
- Jeff DaRosa, musician, Dropkick Murphys
- Laura Green, running comedian
- Chris Herren, former Boston Celtics player
- Kristine Lilly, former Team USA soccer player
- Des Linden, 2018 Boston Marathon Champion
- Suni Williams, astronaut and trailblazer
Media Schedule of Events (subject to change)
For a complete list of events and additional details throughout race weekend, visit the B.A.A.’s Marathon Weekend page.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
Start Line Painting (tentative – weather dependent) | Timing TBA | Hopkinton Start Line
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Finish Line Decal Installation (tentative – weather dependent) | Timing TBA | Boston Marathon Finish Line
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
Public Safety Press Conference | 9:00 a.m. | Fairmont Copley Plaza Grand Ballroom
Public safety and race officials will share pertinent information to ensure a safe and successful Boston Marathon experience.
Bank of America Professional Athlete Press Conference | 10:00 a.m. | Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
Members of the Bank of America Professional Athlete field, including Olympic and Paralympic medalists, race champions, and winners of Abbott World Marathon Majors races, will be available for group and individual interviews.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 19
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.
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, 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.
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. A list of top entrants will be announced closer to race day.
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! Ages 7-14 can experience the thrill of running on Boylston Street and crossing the Boston Marathon Finish Line on Saturday, April 18.
MONDAY, APRIL 20 (Patriots’ Day)
130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America | Hopkinton to Boston
A field of 30,000 athletes will participate in the 130th running of the Boston Marathon, covering 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston. The world’s oldest annually run marathon celebrates community spirit and the pursuit of athletic excellence each year. A media work room with seating will be available first-come, first- served in the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel.
Schedule of Starts:
- 6:00 A.M. ET – Military March
- 9:06 A.M. ET – Wheelchair Division – Men
- 9:09 A.M. ET – Wheelchair Division – Women
- 9:30 A.M. ET – Handcycles & Duo Participants
- 9:37 A.M. ET – Professional Men
- 9:47 A.M. ET – Professional Women
- 9:50 A.M. ET – Para Athletics Division
- 10:00 A.M. ET – Wave 1
- 10:15 A.M. ET – Wave 2
- 10:28 A.M. ET – Wave 3
- 10:41 A.M. ET – Wave 4
- 11:01 A.M. ET – Wave 5
- 11:21 A.M. ET – Wave 6
Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams | 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | City Hall Plaza
The Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams takes center stage at Boston’s City Hall Plaza. Join as we cheers to conquering 26.2 miles, crown champions, enjoy live music and refreshments. Media members can gain access to the Post-Race Party with their media credential. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Boston Marathon Champions’ Press Conference | 10:00 a.m. | Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
This press conference will feature champions of the 130th Boston Marathon and other notable finishers, as well as officials from the Boston Athletic Association.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Live tracking, interactive course map, cheer cards, leaderboards, and more will be available within the B.A.A. Racing App. The mobile app is free to download, and we encourage all to download and become familiar prior to race day. The B.A.A. Racing App will be updated and launched for the 2026 Boston Marathon over the coming week.
Credential Pick-Up: Approved accredited media will pick-up credentials within the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel’s State Suite (lower level) from Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 19 within the following hours:
Boston Marathon Media Credential Distribution
- Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel – State Suite Room
- Thursday, April 16: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 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. NOTE: Some non-rights holding organizations have coordinated group pick-up of credentials with the B.A.A. We will be in touch with such organizations soon with further details.
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.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Chris Lotsbom
Director of Race Communications & Media
Clotsbom@baa.org
Celia Oswitch
Manager of Communications
Coswitch@baa.org