Boston Buzzes with Fan Fest Ahead of Marathon Monday

Runners and fans gather in the city to celebrate the iconic Boston Marathon

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:34pm

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The city of Boston is abuzz with excitement as the annual Boston Marathon approaches. On the day before the race, hundreds of people gathered at the finish line on Boylston Street and attended the Marathon Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza, where lucky runners won bibs to one of the seven World Marathon Majors. Fans expressed their enthusiasm for the event, with one visitor from San Diego, Judy Hsiung, saying 'there's no city like Boston' and describing the atmosphere as 'amazing' and 'electric'. 2014 Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi also made an appearance, sharing his excitement about running down Boylston Street with the cheering crowd.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious and iconic running events in the world, drawing thousands of elite athletes and spectators to the city each year. The fan festivities and pre-race excitement capture the spirit of the event and the deep connection the city of Boston has with the marathon.

The details

On the day before the 2026 Boston Marathon, hundreds of people gathered at the finish line on Boylston Street to soak in the atmosphere and anticipation. The Marathon Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza also drew large crowds, where some lucky runners won bibs to compete in one of the seven World Marathon Majors. Judy Hsiung, a visitor from San Diego, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying 'there's no city like Boston' and describing the energy as 'amazing' and 'electric'. 2014 Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi also made an appearance at the fan fest, sharing his excitement about running down the iconic Boylston Street finish line with the cheering crowd.

  • The 2026 Boston Marathon is scheduled for Monday, April 20th.
  • The Marathon Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza took place on Sunday, April 19th, the day before the race.

The players

Judy Hsiung

A visitor from San Diego who expressed her enthusiasm for the Boston Marathon and the city of Boston.

Meb Keflezighi

The 2014 Boston Marathon winner, who made an appearance at the Marathon Fan Fest and shared his excitement about the iconic Boylston Street finish line.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just happy to be here. In the spirit of it, Patriots Day weekend. There's no city like Boston. No fans like Boston. It just – it's amazing. It's electric.”

— Judy Hsiung

“There's nothing like running down Bolyston Street with the crowd cheering you on.”

— Meb Keflezighi, 2014 Boston Marathon winner

What’s next

The 2026 Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 20th, with the new winners crossing the iconic Boylston Street finish line.

The takeaway

The pre-race festivities and fan enthusiasm in Boston capture the deep connection the city has with the historic Boston Marathon, one of the most prestigious running events in the world. The event brings the community together and showcases the city's spirit and pride.