Runners Train for 'Double Boston': Back-to-Back Marathons in Opposite Directions

A small group of adventurous athletes will run the Boston Marathon course in reverse before competing in the traditional race.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:26am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting runners in motion, their bodies and the marathon course broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant color, capturing the raw energy and determination of the 'Double Boston' challenge.A cubist interpretation of runners tackling the grueling 'Double Boston' challenge, pushing the boundaries of endurance in one of the world's most iconic marathons.Boston Today

A group of seven runners from the Trail Animals Running Club will attempt the 'Double Boston' challenge on Marathon Monday, running the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon course in reverse from the finish line to the starting line before taking a short break and then competing in the traditional Boston Marathon.

Why it matters

The 'Double Boston' event has been an informal challenge among a small group of runners for several years, but this year it is being sponsored by a running shoe company, bringing more attention to this unique endurance feat. The reverse course presents new physical and mental challenges for the runners compared to the standard Boston Marathon.

The details

The seven runners - Kathryn Zioto, Justin Hetherington, Jon Western, Maria Chevalier, Dave Desnoyers, Brendan Morgan and Bill Dittman - will start at 3 a.m. on Boylston Street and finish the first 26.2-mile leg in Hopkinton. They will then have a couple hours to rest, eat, and recharge before starting the traditional Boston Marathon course.

  • The runners will start the reverse course at 3 a.m. on Marathon Monday.
  • They will finish the first 26.2-mile leg in Hopkinton before taking a break.
  • The runners will then compete in the traditional Boston Marathon later that day.

The players

Trail Animals Running Club

A running club that the seven runners attempting the 'Double Boston' challenge are members of.

Mount to Coast

A company that makes long-distance running sneakers and is sponsoring the group of runners for the 'Double Boston' event.

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What they’re saying

“People are like, 'You're out of your mind.' My family and friends, they all just think I'm a maniac, but they know that by now.”

— Justin Hetherington, Runner

“I've never started a race this early. We're starting at three o'clock in the morning. So, that means I'm waking up at 1 a.m. It's cool, because there's that kind of to-be-determined uncertainty aspect of it. It's exciting and scary.”

— Justin Hetherington, Runner

“Boston's a net-downhill course, which means that you're mostly running downhill along with one hard hill section. So, a lot of the Boston course, you kind of cruise along. I think when you flip that on its head, that means that a lot of the course will be running uphill – the majority, actually.”

— Kathryn Zioto, Runner

“I think people that aren't familiar with ultra-running might think that it's really unnecessary, but I think it'll be a lot of fun. Accomplishing something you're not sure you can do is one of life's great joys.”

— Kathryn Zioto, Runner

What’s next

The runners will attempt the 'Double Boston' challenge on Marathon Monday, running the course in reverse before competing in the traditional Boston Marathon later that day.

The takeaway

The 'Double Boston' event showcases the dedication and endurance of a small group of runners who are pushing the limits of what's possible in the sport of marathon running. Their unique challenge highlights the physical and mental fortitude required to conquer back-to-back marathons in opposite directions.