BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is now accepting media credential applications from outlets intending to cover the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America on Monday, April 20, 2026. In addition, the B.A.A. has announced this year’s Grand Marshal, Patriots’ Award winner, Rick and Dick Hoyt Award recipient, and unveiled the 2026 Finisher’s Medal.
Media Credential Applications
To apply for 130th Boston Marathon Media Credentials, click here.
NOTE: Boston-based television networks should not complete the above form. Your station will receive individual communication on how to apply for credentials. (This pertains to WCVB, WFXT, WBZ, WHDH, NECN, and NBC10, as well as WBZ Radio).
Credentials will only be granted to those working for a recognized media outlet on assignment. Access to areas such as the start in Hopkinton, media workspace within the Fairmont Copley Plaza, media vehicles, and photo bridge is limited. The deadline to submit media credential applications is Monday, March 30.
All media members are required to adhere to the Boston Marathon News Access Guidelines. Violation of the Boston Marathon News Access Guidelines will result in loss of credential(s) and loss of future Boston Marathon media privileges. Instructions on how to apply for media credentials and a schedule of media events can be found below. Resources including the race media guide, transcripts of interviews, results, splits, courtesy photos, and other pertinent race information will be made available here as we approach race week.
Patriots’ Award, Rick and Dick Hoyt Award, Grand Marshal, and Medal Reveal For the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America
2026 Patriots’ Award – Suni Williams
The B.A.A. has recently announced a series of honors across social media, including explorer and trailblazer Sunita Williams as the recipient of the 2026 Patriots’ Award. This award is annually presented to a person or organization who is patriotic, philanthropic, and inspirational, and fosters goodwill and sportsmanship. Suni’s career as a Navy Officer and astronaut has made a lasting impact on space exploration and inspiring future generations in science. After famously running the Boston Marathon on a treadmill aboard the International Space Station in 2007, Suni will be participating in the race again in 2026. The Patriots’ Award further unifies the Boston Marathon with Patriots’ Day, the holiday on which the race has been held since 1897. The award announcement on social media can be found here.
Rick and Dick Hoyt Award – Susan Hurley
Along with the Patriots’ Award, the B.A.A. is proud to announce this year’s Rick and Dick 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. Since 2021, the Rick and Dick Hoyt Award is dedicated to someone who exhibits the spirit of Team Hoyt through advocacy and inclusion. View the announcement on social media here.
Grand Marshal – 1976 Boston Marathon Champion Jack Fultz
The B.A.A. welcomes back 1976 Boston Marathon Champion, Jack Fultz, to serve as this year’s Grand Marshal for the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. Fultz will kick off the start of the marathon as 30,000 participants make their way from Hopkinton to Boylston Street. Fultz won the 1976 Boston Marathon – better known as the Run for the Hoses – in 2:20:19 with temperatures nearing 100-degrees. For more than 30 years, Fultz has also served as coach of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team, helping thousands of runners achieve their own memorable moments on the roads between Hopkinton and Boston. Now, 50 years since he made history in the famed Run for the Hoses, Jack returns to Boston as Grand Marshal. Check out the Grand Marshal announcement post here.
Medal Reveal for the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America
Announced this morning, the B.A.A. has shared a first-look at the finisher’s medal for the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. The medal, exclusively golden to celebrate 130 years of racing in Boston, features the iconic B.A.A. unicorn and traditional event logo on the front with the date of the 130th Boston Marathon, April 20, 2026, on the back. A video highlighting the signature medal can be found here.
130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America Media Schedule of Events (subject to change)
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.
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.
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
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.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Boston 5K | 8:00 a.m. | Boston Common
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 and finishes down Boylston Street. A stellar professional field will feature top American and international athletes. Participant registration has sold out for this event.
B.A.A. Invitational Mile | 11:00 a.m. | Boylston Street Finish Line
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 | 1:00 p.m. | Boylston Street
Watch youth runners from throughout Greater Boston participate in mile races, experiencing the thrill of running up and down Boylston Street. More information will be announced soon.
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.
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 for the public will be $10 and will go on sale soon.
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, as well as officials from the Boston Athletic Association.
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.