Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon is the sport's hardest prestige race to get into, with qualifying pressure, a net-downhill course, and the Newton Hills late.
Quick facts
- Qualifying standards drive the field, with charity entries also available.
- Point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boylston Street.
- The net drop is deceptive because the Newton Hills arrive late.
- Usually a tougher pacing exam than a flat PR marathon.
- Weather can swing hard enough to reshape the race.
Is registration open for the 2027 Boston Marathon?
Registration for the 2027 Boston Marathon has not opened yet.
About the Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon still sits apart from every other major because getting in is part of the race's meaning. Qualifying standards shape the field, the history is obvious without the organizers needing to say much, and the event carries a level of competitive seriousness that changes how runners talk about it long before race week.
Course
The course is point-to-point from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, and it is harder than the net drop suggests. Early downhill miles invite bad decisions, then the Newton Hills and Heartbreak Hill arrive late enough to punish them. Boston rewards disciplined pacing and durable quads more than it rewards chasing the first half.
Race-day weather
Mid-April in eastern Massachusetts is volatile enough that Boston weather is never a formality. Cold rain, headwinds, or a warmer-than-expected sun can all show up, and because the course is exposed for long stretches, small weather shifts can reshape the day.
Past Boston Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Monday, April 19, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
| 2026 | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Completed | Open results |
| 2025 | Monday, April 21, 2025 | Completed | Open results |
| 2024 | Monday, April 15, 2024 | Completed | Open results |
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Boston Marathon FAQ
When is the Boston Marathon?
The 2027 Boston Marathon is on Monday, April 19, 2027.
Is registration open for the 2027 Boston Marathon?
Registration for the 2027 Boston Marathon has not opened yet. View the official registration details at baa.org.
Is Boston Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Boston Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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