Boston Marathon celebrates its 130th race

On Monday, April 20, 2026, Boston celebrated a historic milestone as it hosted the 130th Boston Marathon.

As the world’s oldest annual marathon, this event has grown significantly since its humble 1897 beginning, when just 15 runners took to the course.

Today, approximately 30,000 athletes from around the globe participate in this iconic 26.2-mile journey, which starts in Hopkinton and finishes at Boylston Street.

The race is held annually on Patriots' Day, a significant local holiday.

Organized by the Boston Athletic Association and supported by nearly 10,000 volunteers, the marathon is more than just a race; it is a vital part of the city's cultural identity, drawing over 500,000 spectators who gather to witness New England’s most celebrated sporting event.