How to Watch the 2026 Boston Marathon on ESPN

ESPN will provide live multiplatform coverage of the 130th edition of the iconic race.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting runners, crowds, and the Boston cityscape in a fractured, multi-perspective style, using vibrant shades of blue, red, and yellow.The iconic Boston Marathon is captured in a cubist, geometric style, reflecting the energy and dynamism of the historic race.Boston Today

The 2026 Boston Marathon, featuring over 30,000 runners from around the world, will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and ESPN+ on Monday, April 17th. ESPN hosts Hannah Storm and John Anderson will lead the coverage alongside a team of local reporters.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious annual sporting events, drawing elite athletes and massive crowds to the streets of Boston. As a marquee event for running enthusiasts, the live television coverage allows fans across the country to experience the excitement and pageantry of the race.

The details

The 130th running of the Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 17th, 2026, with the race starting at 9 a.m. ET. ESPN2 will air live coverage from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET, while ESPN+ will stream the event from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Veteran ESPN anchor Hannah Storm and running commentator John Anderson will lead the broadcast team, which will also feature reporters from Boston's local WCVB station.

  • The 130th Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 17th, 2026.
  • ESPN2 will air live coverage from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET.
  • ESPN+ will stream the event from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

The players

Hannah Storm

An ESPN host and anchor of SportsCenter.

John Anderson

A running sports commentator for ESPN.

WCVB

A local Boston television station that will provide reporters for the ESPN broadcast team.

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What they’re saying

“The Boston Marathon is one of the most iconic sporting events in the world, and we're thrilled to bring viewers comprehensive coverage across our platforms.”

— Hannah Storm, ESPN Host

The takeaway

The live broadcast of the 2026 Boston Marathon on ESPN will allow running enthusiasts across the country to experience the excitement and tradition of this prestigious annual event.