Boston Marathon 2026 Preview: Runners, Spectators, and Viewing Details

The 130th running of the iconic race will feature a new wave start and expanded nonbinary division.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the Boston Marathon race, with runners, spectators, and the urban landscape broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, yellow, and white.The iconic Boston Marathon returns with a new wave start format and expanded nonbinary division, showcasing the evolving nature of the historic race.Boston Today

The 2026 Boston Marathon is set to take place on Monday, with over 32,000 runners competing in the historic 26.2-mile race. The Boston Athletic Association has made changes to the start, including six waves instead of the usual four, to improve the athletes' experience. The race will also feature an expanded nonbinary division, with 116 participants joining 18,160 men and 14,012 women.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is one of the world's most prestigious running events, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to the streets of Boston each year. The changes to the start and the growing nonbinary division reflect the evolving nature of the sport and the marathon's commitment to inclusivity.

The details

The marathon will kick off at 9:06am with the wheelchair men's division, followed by the wheelchair women's division, handcycles/duos, professional and para athletics divisions, and the remaining athletes running in six waves between 10am and 11:21am. The nonbinary division, which debuted in 2023 with 27 runners, includes 116 participants this year.

  • The race kicks off at 9:06am with the wheelchair men's division.
  • The wheelchair women's division starts 3 minutes later at 9:09am.
  • The handcycles/duos, professional and para athletics divisions follow.
  • The remaining athletes will run in six waves between 10am and 11:21am.
  • The nonbinary division includes 116 participants this year.

The players

Boston Athletic Association

The organization that oversees the Boston Marathon and has made changes to the start to improve the athletes' experience.

Jack Fultz

The 1976 Boston Marathon winner who will serve as the grand marshal for this year's race.

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What’s next

Spectators are advised to take the T and avoid the road closures along the 26.2-mile route. Security will not allow certain items, such as backpacks, suitcases, coolers, and flagpoles, through the checkpoints.

The takeaway

The 2026 Boston Marathon will showcase the evolving nature of the sport, with a new wave start format and an expanded nonbinary division, while continuing to draw massive crowds and attention to one of the world's most prestigious running events.