Boston Marathon 2026 Route, Course Map, Times, Road Closures and Event Details
The Boston Marathon, one of the seven World Marathon Majors, celebrates its 130th iteration in 2026.
The race, scheduled on the traditional date of the third Monday in April (April 20 in 2026), will feature a total of 30,000 participants.
The 2025 male and female champions, John Korir and Sharon Lokedi, will return in 2026. Spectators may also catch a glimpse of other notable participants such as 1968 men's champion Amby Burfoot, former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, former first daughter Chelsea Clinton and Dropkick Murphys guitarist Jeff DaRosa.
A newly redesigned medal for this year features the signature unicorn crest in a circular frame with "130th Boston Marathon" and "2026" on the front, with a beige background for the unicorn instead of the typical blue. The back of the medal honors America's 250th anniversary.
Whether you plan to attend in person or follow from afar, everything you need to know to tune in to this year's Boston Marathon is below.
Event Details
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Date: April 20, 2026
Times: Waves between 9:06 a.m. ET and 11:21 a.m. ET, as seen below:
9:06 a.m. ET – Wheelchair Division (Men)
9:09 a.m. ET – Wheelchair Division (Women)
9:30 a.m. ET – Handcycles & Duo Participants
9:37 a.m. ET – Professional Men
9:47 a.m. ET – Professional Women
9:50 a.m. ET – Para Athletics Division
10:00 a.m. ET – Wave 1
10:15 a.m. ET – Wave 2
10:28 a.m. ET – Wave 3
10:41 a.m. ET – Wave 4
11:01 a.m. ET – Wave 5
11:21 a.m. ET – Wave 6
TV: WCVB (local), ESPN2 (national)
Streaming: ESPN+
Course Map
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As is tradition, the marathon will begin in Hopkinton and end on Boylston Street in the heart of Boston, passing through six towns along the way.
The full course map can be viewed on the B.A.A. website. There is also a map for spectators looking to use public transportation to reach various areas of the course.
The MBTA website also has helpful guidance on which T stations and buses service marathon viewing spots.
Road Closures
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Estimated times of road closures and reopenings in each city/town can be found below:
| City/Town | Roads Close | Roads Reopen |
| Hopkinton | 7:00 a.m. ET | 1:30 p.m. ET |
| Ashland | 7:00 a.m. ET | 1:45 p.m. ET |
| Framingham | 7:45 a.m. ET | 2:15 p.m. ET |
| Natick | 8:30 a.m. ET | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| Wellesley | 8:30 a.m. ET | 4:15 p.m. ET |
| Newton | 8:00 a.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. ET |
| Brookline | 9:00 a.m. ET | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| Boston | 9:00 a.m. ET | 7:00 p.m. ET |
Race Route Closed Roads
Washington St: Wellesley Line to Auburn St
Commonwealth Ave: Auburn St to the Boston Line
Commonwealth Ave Carriage Lane: Washington St to the Boston Line
All Feeder Streets Along Race Route: Within 60 feet of the Marathon Route
Other Closed Roads
Beacon St: Washington St to Dorset Rd
Beacon St Extension (North of Washington St)
Centre St: Homer St to Ward St
College Rd: Beacon St to Commonwealth Ave
Concord St: Hagar to Washington St
Evelyn Rd: 192 Evelyn Rd to Fuller St
Grove St: Washington to Moulton St
Hammond St: Ward to Hammondswood Rd
Helene Rd/ Cotter Rd: Paulson to Fuller
Homer St: Commonwealth Ave to Centre St
Old Colony Rd: Priscilla to Commonwealth Ave
Quinobequin Rd: I 95 Southbound ramp to Washington St
Woodland Rd: Cheswick Rd to Washington St
Open to Residents Only
Beacon St: Hammond St to Boston Line
Chestnut St: Beacon St to Highland St
Fuller St: Day St to Evelyn Rd
Grant Ave: Beacon St to Ward St
Lowell Ave: Commonwealth Ave to Hull St
Walnut St: Homer St to Mill St
Ward St: Hammond to Manet
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