The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and one of the six World Marathon Majors. Run every Patriots' Day in April, the point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Copley Square in downtown Boston is legendary for its challenging terrain, including the infamous Newton Hills and Heartbreak Hill. Qualifying for and running Boston is a milestone achievement for distance runners worldwide. The city's deep running history, passionate spectators, and New England charm make this the most storied marathon on the planet.
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Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Boston Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Monday, April 20, 2026 |
| Venue | Hopkinton Town Green (Start) / Copley Square, Boston (Finish) |
| Address | Hopkinton, MA (Start) / Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 (Finish) |
| Airport | Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) |
April in Boston is cool and variable with temperatures around 8–16°C (46–61°F). Headwinds, tailwinds, rain, and even warm sun are all possible. Pack for all conditions. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
Back Bay and Copley Square put you right at the finish line. The Seaport District and Downtown Crossing have modern hotels. Cambridge (across the Charles River) offers good value. Hotels book up a year in advance — reserve immediately upon qualifying.
Getting There
From Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Line (MBTA subway) | 15–20 min | $2.40 | Free shuttle bus from terminals to Airport station |
| Taxi/Ride-share | 15–30 min | $25–40 | Direct; add tunnel tolls |
Logan Airport is just across the harbour from downtown Boston. The Blue Line is fast and cheap.
Where to Eat
Boston is famous for its seafood, Irish pubs, and Italian food in the North End. The Seaport has excellent contemporary restaurants. Cambridge's Harvard Square area offers diverse international dining. Pre-race pasta dinners are a Boston Marathon tradition.
Local Food to Try
- New England clam chowder — Thick, creamy soup packed with clams, potatoes, and salt pork — a Boston institution
- Lobster roll — Fresh Maine lobster served in a buttered, toasted split-top bun
- Boston cream pie — The official dessert of Massachusetts: sponge cake, custard filling, and chocolate glaze
Essential Tips
Currency. US Dollar (USD). Cash vs card. Cards accepted everywhere. Tipping. 18–20% at restaurants; $1–2 per drink at bars. Language. English. Weather. Cool and variable, 8–16°C (46–61°F). Be prepared for anything. Safety. Boston is a safe, walkable city. The T (MBTA subway) runs throughout the metro area.
What to See
- Freedom Trail — A 2.5-mile walking trail through 16 historic sites from the American Revolution
- Fenway Park — America's oldest baseball park, home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912
- Boston Common and Public Garden — America's oldest public park and its beautiful adjacent garden with swan boats
- Harvard University — Tour the historic campus of the world's most famous university, just across the river in Cambridge
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | BOS, ~15 min by Blue Line |
| Venue | Hopkinton (Start) / Copley Square (Finish) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely |
| Language | English |
| Weather | 8–16°C (46–61°F) |
| Emergency | 911 |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2026.