top of page
< Back

The Boston Marathon: Everything You Need To Know About Running The World's Oldest Marathon in 2027

The Boston Marathon is exceptionally well organised, with aid stations positioned regularly throughout the course to help runners stay hydrated and fuelled. Water and electrolyte drinks are available at every aid station, while medical support, toilets and first aid teams are located at multiple points along the route.

The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world and one of the most prestigious road races ever created. Long before the Abbott World Marathon Majors existed, runners dreamed of earning a place on the famous start line in Hopkinton. Qualifying for Boston has become a badge of honour within the global running community, making it one of the few marathons where simply gaining entry is considered an achievement in itself. Today, the Boston Marathon is one of the eight Abbott World Marathon Majors, attracting around 30,000 runners from more than 100 countries each year. Its point-to-point course, famous Newton Hills and unforgettable finish on Boylston Street have made it one of the sport's most iconic events. Whether your goal is to achieve a Boston qualifying time, secure a charity place or simply experience one of running's greatest traditions, this is a marathon unlike any other. Boston Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England. Although its population is smaller than many major American cities, its influence on American history, education and sport is enormous. Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and played a central role in the American Revolution. Visitors quickly discover a city where historic landmarks sit alongside modern skyscrapers, world class universities and one of the country's most passionate sporting cultures. One of the best ways to experience Boston is by following the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking route linking sixteen historic sites including Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church. The trail passes through some of the city's most attractive neighbourhoods, including Beacon Hill and the North End, allowing visitors to explore Boston's unique blend of history, architecture and waterfront scenery. Sport is woven into everyday life in Boston. The city is home to the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, while nearby Foxborough hosts the New England Patriots. Marathon weekend creates an electric atmosphere throughout the city, with runners filling the streets, restaurants and cafés in the days leading up to the race. Many visitors also choose to explore parts of the marathon course before race day. Hopkinton, around 26 miles west of Boston, is a quiet New England town that comes alive on Marathon Monday as thousands of runners gather for the start. Further along the course are Ashland, Framingham, Natick and Wellesley before the route reaches Newton and the famous sequence of hills that have become legendary in marathon running. Following the course into Boston offers a fascinating insight into the race long before you stand on the start line yourself. History Of The Boston Marathon The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, first held in 1897 after Boston Athletic Association member John Graham was inspired by the marathon at the inaugural modern Olympic Games in Athens the previous year. Fifteen runners took part in that first race, with John J. McDermott becoming the inaugural champion after completing the original 24.5-mile course. The race adopted the modern marathon distance of 26 miles and 385 yards in 1924 when the start moved to Hopkinton to accommodate the growing number of participants. Since then, the Boston Marathon has become one of the most prestigious events in world athletics and has helped shape marathon running as we know it today. The race is traditionally held on Patriots' Day, a public holiday in Massachusetts commemorating the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War. Since 1969, Patriots' Day has been observed on the third Monday in April, creating one of the most unique traditions in world sport. Boston has witnessed countless memorable performances, dramatic finishes and historic moments. It was also at the centre of one of the darkest days in marathon history following the terrorist attack near the finish line in 2013. The city's response inspired the now famous phrase "Boston Strong", and the following year's marathon became one of the most emotional and significant sporting events ever staged. Today the Boston Marathon continues to represent excellence, resilience and tradition. Qualifying remains one of the greatest achievements in distance running, and finishing on Boylston Street is regarded by many runners as the pinnacle of their marathon journey. It became one of. the founder members of The World Marathon Majors in 2006. Read about the World Marathon Majors here. Race Organiser The Boston Marathon is organised by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), a non-profit organisation founded in 1887. The B.A.A. has organised every edition of the marathon since its inception and remains dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles through running and community participation. When Is The Boston Marathon 2027? The Boston Marathon is held annually on Patriots' Day, which falls on the third Monday in April. The 2027 Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday 19 April 2027. Unlike many major marathon weekends, Boston focuses entirely on the marathon itself. There are no official half marathon or 10K races during marathon weekend, allowing the spotlight to remain firmly on one of the world's most famous 26.2-mile races. The Boston Marathon Expo Every participant must collect their race bib at the Boston Marathon Expo, which is held during the three days before race day at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston's Back Bay district. The expo is regarded as one of the best marathon exhibitions in the world, attracting leading running brands, charities and sports nutrition companies. Visitors can explore the latest running shoes, apparel and recovery products while attending presentations from elite athletes, coaches and industry experts. Official Boston Marathon merchandise is also available, although popular items often sell out before race day, making an early visit worthwhile. The Hynes Convention Center is within walking distance of both the finish line on Boylston Street and many of Boston's hotels, making it easy for runners to combine bib collection with exploring the city before race day. How Many Runners Take Part? The Boston Marathon has a field of approximately 30,000 participants, making it one of the largest marathons in North America. Unlike many major city marathons, however, Boston does not simply fill its places through a public ballot. The vast majority of runners either achieve a qualifying time or gain entry through an official charity or tour operator, meaning the overall standard of the field is exceptionally high. Runners travel from more than 100 countries to take part each year, and for many it represents the culmination of years of training and multiple marathon attempts to achieve the required qualifying standard. The international nature of the event creates a unique atmosphere, with athletes of every age sharing the same ambition of earning the right to race from Hopkinton to Boston. The start at Hopkinton The Boston Marathon Course The Boston Marathon is unlike any other Abbott World Marathon Major. Rather than taking place on a city centre loop or circuit, it follows a point-to-point route through eight Massachusetts communities before finishing in the heart of Boston. Although the course has an overall downhill profile, it is far from easy. The combination of early descents, rolling terrain and the famous Newton Hills makes it one of the most demanding marathon courses in the world. The race begins in the small town of Hopkinton, around 26 miles west of Boston. Thousands of runners are transported to the start by official buses before gathering in the Athletes' Village ahead of their wave start. As they make their way to the start line, there is a real sense that everyone has earned their place. Conversations are often about qualifying races, personal bests and the journey that brought each runner to Boston . The opening miles through Hopkinton and Ashland are deceptively quick. The road generally descends, making it easy to run faster than your planned marathon pace. Many first-time runners make the mistake of banking time during these early miles, only to pay the price later when the course begins to bite. Experienced Boston runners know that patience is one of the keys to a successful race. The route continues through Framingham and Natick before reaching Wellesley, where one of the marathon's most famous traditions awaits. Students from Wellesley College line the roadside, creating an incredible wall of noise that can be heard long before runners arrive. Their enthusiastic support has become legendary, providing a huge psychological lift as competitors approach the halfway point. After passing through Wellesley, the course heads towards Newton, where the character of the race changes dramatically. The next section contains the four famous Newton Hills, beginning shortly after crossing the Charles River. Individually, none of the climbs are particularly steep, but together they arrive after more than sixteen miles of running when tired legs begin to feel every incline. The final climb is the most famous of them all. Heartbreak Hill rises between miles 20 and 21 and has become one of the most iconic locations in marathon running. Contrary to popular belief, it was not named because runners suffer there. The name dates back to the 1936 race when defending champion Johnny Kelley caught Ellison "Tarzan" Brown on the climb and gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder as he passed. Rather than breaking Brown's spirit, the gesture inspired him to respond. Brown regained the lead before the finish, reportedly breaking Kelley's heart and giving the hill its enduring name. Reaching the summit of Heartbreak Hill brings a huge sense of achievement, but there is still work to do. The course begins to descend towards Boston College before entering Brookline, where the crowds become deeper and louder with every mile. The support is relentless as runners make their way along Beacon Street towards Kenmore Square. One of the most memorable moments comes as runners pass the famous Citgo sign, a landmark that signals the finish is finally within reach. A right turn onto Hereford Street is followed almost immediately by the iconic left turn onto Boylston Street. Stretching ahead is one of the most recognisable finishing straights in world marathon running. Thousands of spectators line both sides of the road as runners complete the final few hundred metres towards the famous finish line outside the Boston Public Library. Unlike many marathon courses designed for fast times, Boston demands respect. The combination of downhill opening miles and challenging late climbs makes pacing crucial, while unpredictable New England weather can add another layer of difficulty. For those who conquer the course, however, finishing the Boston Marathon is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in distance running. . Not far too go Aid Stations And Race Support The Boston Marathon is exceptionally well organised, with aid stations positioned regularly throughout the course to help runners stay hydrated and fuelled. Water and electrolyte drinks are available at every aid station, while medical support, toilets and first aid teams are located at multiple points along the route. Energy gels are available at designated locations later in the race, allowing runners to top up their carbohydrate stores before tackling the Newton Hills and the closing miles into Boston. Even if you intend to carry your own nutrition, it is worth familiarising yourself with the official aid station locations before race day. Medical support is one of the strengths of the Boston Marathon. Hundreds of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and volunteers are positioned along the course and at the finish line, ensuring runners receive prompt assistance if required. The event's experience and attention to safety have helped make it one of the world's most respected road races. Spectator Support Crowd support is one of the defining features of the Boston Marathon, although it differs from many other Abbott World Marathon Majors. Because the course passes through several towns before reaching Boston, there are quieter stretches during the early miles where spectators are more spread out. As the race progresses, however, the atmosphere builds steadily until the final miles become one long corridor of cheering supporters. One of the most famous locations is Wellesley College. The enthusiastic students create an incredible wall of noise that can be heard from a considerable distance, providing runners with a huge boost just before halfway. It has become one of the most iconic spectator experiences in marathon running and is something every participant remembers long after crossing the finish line. The Newton Hills are another favourite viewing point. Thousands of spectators gather along the climbs to encourage runners as they tackle the most challenging section of the course. The support on Heartbreak Hill is particularly memorable, with crowds urging runners onwards as tired legs battle the final major climb. As the course enters Brookline and Boston, the atmosphere reaches another level. The pavements become several rows deep with spectators, and the noise continues to grow through Kenmore Square before reaching its peak along Boylston Street. The final few hundred metres are among the loudest in world marathon running and provide an unforgettable finish to one of the sport's greatest events. Why Run The Boston Marathon? For many runners, the Boston Marathon is the ultimate marathon achievement. Unlike most of the world's biggest races, simply gaining entry represents years of dedication, training and perseverance. Qualifying for Boston is a goal that motivates countless runners to improve their marathon times, making every finisher part of a very special community. The history of the event is unlike any other marathon. Every mile is steeped in tradition, from the small-town start in Hopkinton to the famous finish on Boylston Street. Millions of runners have dreamed of following in the footsteps of the great champions who have raced here over the past century, and that sense of history is something you feel throughout race weekend. The challenge of the course also sets Boston apart. While some marathon routes are designed purely for fast times, Boston rewards intelligent pacing, resilience and determination. Conquering the Newton Hills and finishing on Boylston Street brings a sense of satisfaction that few other marathons can match. Whether you arrive as a seasoned marathon runner chasing another Abbott World Marathon Major or someone who has spent years working towards a qualifying time, crossing the finish line in Boston is an achievement that stays with you forever. For many runners, it remains the marathon against which all others are measured. The home straight Running For Charity Although the Boston Marathon is best known for its qualifying standards, it also has one of the largest charity programmes in world marathon running. Each year, the Boston Athletic Association allocates thousands of entries to its Official Charity Programme, supporting a wide range of non-profit organisations across Massachusetts and the United States. Unlike the London Marathon, where international charities play a significant role, Boston's charity programme is focused on organisations with strong local connections. Many of the official charities are based in the Greater Boston area, with fundraising supporting healthcare, education, children's services, community projects and medical research. The programme raises tens of millions of dollars every year and has generated well over half a billion dollars for charitable causes since the charity programme was introduced. Competition for these places is extremely high, with fundraising targets often significantly higher than those seen at other major marathons. Depending on the charity, runners may be expected to raise several thousand dollars in return for a guaranteed entry. For runners who do not achieve a qualifying time, a charity place provides another opportunity to experience one of the world's most famous marathons while making a meaningful difference to an important cause. Read about getting a charity entry here. How To Enter The Boston Marathon The Boston Marathon has one of the most selective entry processes in marathon running. The majority of places are allocated to runners who achieve an official Boston Qualifying (BQ) time at a certified marathon within the qualifying window. These qualifying standards vary according to age and gender, but meeting the published standard does not always guarantee entry. In recent years, demand has been so high that runners have typically needed to run several minutes faster than their qualifying time to secure a place. If you do not achieve a qualifying time, there are still other ways to take part. The Boston Athletic Association's Official Charity Programme offers guaranteed entries in return for meeting a charity's fundraising target, while a limited number of international tour operators also receive official entries as part of travel packages. Unlike some of the other Abbott World Marathon Majors, Boston does not operate a public ballot. Every runner has either earned their place through performance, secured an official charity entry or entered through an authorised travel partner. That exclusivity is one of the reasons why the race is held in such high regard throughout the running world. Whether you arrive in Hopkinton with a qualifying time, a charity place or as part of an official tour package, standing on the Boston Marathon start line represents the end of one journey and the beginning of another. Crossing the finish line on Boylston Street is an experience that few runners ever forget, and for many, it marks the proudest achievement of their running career. Our Verdict Every Abbott World Marathon Major offers something different, but Boston occupies a unique place in marathon running. It is the oldest annual marathon in the world, one of the few races where qualifying is considered an achievement in itself and an event that every serious marathon runner dreams of experiencing at least once. The course is challenging, the weather can be unpredictable and gaining entry is far from straightforward, but those are all part of what makes Boston so special. From the journey to Hopkinton on race morning and the unforgettable crowds at Wellesley College to the challenge of Heartbreak Hill and the emotional finish on Boylston Street, every part of the experience feels steeped in history. If your goal is simply to complete a marathon, there are easier races to choose from. If, however, you want to experience one of the most iconic events in world sport and earn the right to call yourself a Boston Marathon finisher, few races can match it. It remains one of the greatest achievements in distance running and fully deserves its reputation as one of the world's most prestigious marathons. Race website https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon

boston-marathon

bottom of page