Boston

Boston Half Marathon

A rolling run through the Emerald Necklace's parks and ponds.

Next edition

2026 · 8 Nov 2026

Where

🇺🇸 Boston, United States

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2026 edition

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Countdown

days to 8 Nov 2026

Partly open

Distance: Half Marathon
Course: Rolling
Climb: 200 m
Entry: —

About

The race

The Boston Half is a premier urban race centered around the city's "Emerald Necklace" park system. The course is widely regarded as a significant endurance challenge, featuring a rolling, undulating profile that winds through historic parklands, including the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, and Olmsted Park. It is a highly competitive, scenic, and well-supported event that showcases the greener side of Boston while demanding respect for its constant elevation changes.

Location

Boston, United States

North America · typically 8°C (46°F) on race day

Open in OpenStreetMap

Before you go

Pro tips

Racing it

01
Run the Rollers Even
The 200 m of climbing comes in constant rollers, not one hill. Run by effort, letting pace rise on the descents and fall on the climbs instead of forcing flat splits.
From the elevation profile
02
Park Paths, Not Roads
The course winds through the Emerald Necklace — the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, and Olmsted Park. Expect shaded, narrower park paths rather than wide city streets, so settle your position before turns.
From the description
03
Dress for 7.5°C
Typical race-day temperature is 7.5°C, so layer for a cold start. The rolling terrain will warm you quickly; plan to unzip or shed early rather than overheating.
From the temperature
04
Expect a Deep Field
This is described as a highly competitive race. Mid-pack runners should resist chasing the early pace, since the constant elevation changes punish anyone who starts too hard.
From the description

In Boston

Getting Around
Boston is compact and walkable, and the T subway makes car-free race morning easy. The park paths around Jamaica Pond and the Arboretum are reachable on foot from nearby stops.
Spectator Spots
The grassy edges of Jamaica Pond and the Arnold Arboretum give spectators room to watch. Because the course loops through the parks, they can walk to a second spot and see runners again.
After the Finish
A slow walk through the Public Garden and Boston Common, or along the Charles River, helps sore legs recover. November in Boston is chilly, so keep a warm layer handy.

Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.

Every year

Editions

2026
8 Nov 2026
Partly open

Ballot, charity and tour places

Getting in

First come, first served
Enter while places last.
Charity place
Run for a partner charity and commit to a fundraising pledge.
Tour operator package
Take part through an official International Tour Operator of the B.A.A.; operators sell their entries to athletes who live outside the United States, and each participant must register individually.

Charity places

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund
Fundraising target on request

Tour operators

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