BOSTON (16-April) —The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) invites members of the media to celebrate the start of Boston Marathon Weekend at a number of events which kick off tomorrow on Friday, April 17.
The Bank of America Professional Athlete Team will be available to credentialed media for interviews from 10:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, while four multi-day events are open to the public across the City of Boston. The Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo, Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, and the Samuel Adams Run Pub all begin on Friday and will run through Sunday. Also, from now through Monday is the Boston Marathon Lights the Way presented by Bank of America.
Pro Field Updates: The following professional athletes have withdrawn from this week’s races:
Boston Marathon – Kennedy Kimutai (KEN), Erika Kemp (USA)
Boston 5K – Medina Eisa (ETH)
B.A.A. Invitational Mile – Collins Kibiwott Koech (KEN), Caleb Easton (USA)
The following athlete has been added to the Boston Marathon:
Courtney Alama, USA, 2:36:32 (Sacramento, 2025)
In addition, the following athletes have been added to the 2026 Boston 5K:
Ella Fadil, USA, 15:53.04 (Boston, 2025)i
Rachel Schilkowsky, USA, 15:53.76 (Boston, 2013)i
Sydney Clary, USA, 16:36.13 (Cambridge, 2025)
Amalia Dorion, USA, 16:51.54 (Boston, 2023)i
Elizabeth Talbi, USA, 17:12.55 (Shawnee, 2023)
Lea Meyer, GER, 14:58.85 (Los Angeles, 2025)
Mitchell Dervin, USA, 13:46.96 (Portland, 2025)
Alex Cyr, CAN, 14:15.38 (Boston, 2026)i
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.
Champions Homecoming | 6:00 p.m. | Boylston Street Finish Line
Open to the public, many Boston Marathon champions will make an appearance at the finish line to meet, greet and chat with runners. Champions are available to interact with athletes, pose for photos, and sign autographs.
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.
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) 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.
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.