Photo Brett Wharton / Unsplash
- Marathon
Boston
Boston Marathon
Hopkinton to Boylston Street. You have to qualify.
Follow for alerts on every edition: dates, ballots, entries.
2027 edition
Next up
Countdown
168
days to 19 Apr 2027
- Distance
- Marathon
- Course
- Rolling
- Climb
- 250 m
- Entry
- $270
About
The race
The world's oldest annual marathon runs point to point from Hopkinton through eight towns to Boylston Street. Net downhill, but the Newton hills from 26 to 34 km, capped by Heartbreak Hill, decide most races.
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
North America · typically 12°C (54°F) on race day
Open in OpenStreetMapBefore you go
Pro tips
Racing it
- 01
Cool 10:00 start
The race starts at 10:00 and typical race-day temperature is 10.9°C, so wear a throwaway layer or arm sleeves you can discard.
From the start time, temperature
- 02
Control early descents
The first 19.4 km are net downhill (km 0–6.7: -30 m; km 8–19.4: -45 m), so resist going too fast to save energy for later.
From the elevation profile
- 03
Heartbreak Hill at km 32–34
The Newton hills include Heartbreak Hill around km 32–34, so pace yourself on the climbs before that point.
From the description
- 04
Fast final descent
After Heartbreak, the course drops 50 m between km 32.1 and 36.2, and the last 5 km are net -17 m, so you can finish strong.
From the elevation profile
- 05
Plan transport to Hopkinton
The point-to-point layout starts in Hopkinton and finishes in Boston, so arrange your race-day transport to the start in advance.
From the layout, description
In Boston
Use the T
On race day, Boston's subway system is the easiest way to get around, but expect crowds and road closures near the course.
Watch along the course
Spectators can see runners in Wellesley or Newton, or at the finish on Boylston Street, though the latter gets very busy.
Relax in the parks
After the race, take a gentle walk in the Public Garden or along the Charles River Esplanade to help your legs recover.
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
Ballot, charity and tour places
Getting in
Qualifying time
New for 2027, a Boston Qualifier Selection will give athletes who don't meet the 'cut-off' time needed a chance to participate.
- Details
Charity place
Run for a Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program organization and pledge to raise funds for its cause.
- Details
Tour operator package
Log in to see whether your PB qualifies.
Qualifying times · Marathon time
| Age | Women | Men | Non-binary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–34 | 3:25:00 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 35–39 | 3:30:00 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 40–44 | 3:35:00 | 3:05:00 | 3:35:00 |
| 45–49 | 3:45:00 | 3:15:00 | 3:45:00 |
| 50–54 | 3:50:00 | 3:20:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55–59 | 4:00:00 | 3:30:00 | 4:00:00 |
| 60–64 | 4:20:00 | 3:50:00 | 4:20:00 |
| 65–69 | 4:35:00 | 4:05:00 | 4:35:00 |
| 70–74 | 4:50:00 | 4:20:00 | 4:50:00 |
| 75–79 | 5:05:00 | 4:35:00 | 5:05:00 |
| 80+ | 5:20:00 | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
Times must be run between from 2025-09-13. Standards as the organizer publishes them; a time under the standard may still not guarantee a place. Official standards
Charity places
B.A.A. Gives Back Marathon Team
Fundraising target on request
- Apply
Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
Fundraising target on request
Special Olympics Massachusetts
Fundraising target on request
Tour operators
No tour packages listed yet.