Boston Marathon Draws Thousands of Runners Worldwide

Runners from around the globe gather in Boston for the iconic 26.2-mile race.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:26pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, energetic brushstrokes in neon shades of blue, green, and red, conveying the intense physical and emotional experience of running the Boston Marathon.The Boston Marathon's electric atmosphere and the sheer determination of its global participants are captured in a dynamic, colorful illustration.Boston Today

The 130th running of the Boston Marathon is set to take place on Monday, with around 30,000 runners from all over the world participating in the iconic 26.2-mile race. Runners and their families have been flocking to the city, visiting the runners expo, Fan Fest, and other pre-race events. Many runners, like Tracey Hasse from the UK and Mike Moon from Canada, are excited to be part of the Boston Marathon tradition.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious and historic running events in the world, drawing elite athletes as well as amateur runners from across the globe. The race is a major source of pride for the city of Boston and a significant economic driver, attracting thousands of spectators and generating millions in revenue each year.

The details

The Boston Marathon course runs 26.2 miles through several Boston-area towns, starting in Hopkinton and ending on Boylston Street in downtown Boston. Runners have been preparing for months to take on the challenging course, which includes the infamous Heartbreak Hill. In addition to the main race, the event features a runners expo, Fan Fest, and other festivities that bring the community together to celebrate the marathon.

  • The 130th Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 21, 2026.
  • Runners have been visiting the expo and Fan Fest events in Boston throughout the weekend leading up to the race.

The players

Tracey Hasse

A runner from the United Kingdom who is participating in her first Boston Marathon.

Mike Moon

A runner from Canada who is running in his 28th Boston Marathon.

Jason Hoberman

A runner from New Jersey who is raising money for blood cancer research in honor of his wife, who recently beat leukemia.

Tracey Hoberman

The wife of runner Jason Hoberman, who recently beat leukemia.

Scott Halstead

The organizer of the Fan Fest event in City Hall Plaza.

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What they’re saying

“It's my first time running Boston. It is incredible to be here.”

— Tracey Hasse, Runner

“In fact, I'm going to write a book and it's going to be called just 'Why?' Why would you do this every year? This is 28, don't know if this will be the last.”

— Mike Moon, Runner

“Never give up hope and keep fighting for your family and what you believe in and stay positive and hopefully research continues and we can put an end to all these horrible diseases.”

— Tracey Hoberman

“This is a celebration for both the runners and the non-runners. Food, entertainment, activities for kids. We've got activities for adults.”

— Scott Halstead, Event Organizer

What’s next

The 130th Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 21, 2026, with the race starting just after 9 a.m. in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

The takeaway

The Boston Marathon is a cherished tradition that brings together runners from around the world, united by their passion for the sport and the challenge of conquering the iconic 26.2-mile course. The event is a source of immense pride for the city of Boston and a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.