Military Marchers Launch 130th Boston Marathon

National Guard members kick off world's oldest annual marathon in chilly conditions

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the blurred motion of military marchers crossing the starting line of the Boston Marathon on a cold morning, capturing the raw athleticism and determination of the event.The patriotic spirit of the Boston Marathon's military participants kicks off the historic 130th running of the world's oldest annual road race.Boston Today

A group of around 50 Massachusetts National Guard members were the first to cross the start line of the 130th Boston Marathon on Monday morning, launching the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon. The temperature was slightly above freezing with frost on the grass, making for a chilly start, but the military participants were enthusiastic about the historic event.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is a beloved annual tradition that draws runners from around the world to compete in one of the most challenging and prestigious road races. The participation of the National Guard members adds a patriotic element to the start of the race, honoring the event's history and the local community's support.

The details

Race Director Dave McGillivray sent the group of National Guard members off at 6 a.m. to start the 26.2-mile course to Boston's Copley Square. Staff Sgt. Mackenzie Smith and Spec. Benjamin De Boer, first-time Boston Marathon participants, tried to stay warm before the start but were excited for the challenge. McGillivray noted the cold weather added complexity with runners arriving in extra layers that would need to be collected, but said the conditions would be ideal once the sun came out.

  • The military marchers crossed the start line at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026.
  • The 130th Boston Marathon is taking place this year.

The players

Dave McGillivray

The race director of the Boston Marathon, who has worked the event for nearly four decades.

Mackenzie Smith

A staff sergeant in the Massachusetts National Guard who is participating in the Boston Marathon for the first time.

Benjamin De Boer

A specialist in the Massachusetts National Guard who is also running the Boston Marathon for the first time.

Sharon Lokedi

The defending women's champion of the Boston Marathon, who shattered the women's course record by over 2.5 minutes last year.

John Korir

The reigning men's champion of the Boston Marathon, also returning to defend his title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's an honor and a blessing to be standing at the Boston Marathon start. The history that goes with the marathon resonates with me, growing up in Massachusetts.”

— Mackenzie Smith, Staff Sergeant, Massachusetts National Guard

“I've seen this on TV all my life. I'm like, you know what, I am going to do it. It's a challenge.”

— Benjamin De Boer, Specialist, Massachusetts National Guard

What’s next

The full field of over 30,000 runners will soon follow the National Guard members onto the course, with defending champions Sharon Lokedi and John Korir among the elite competitors. Race organizers will work to collect the extra layers of clothing discarded by runners at the start line as the weather warms up throughout the day.

The takeaway

The participation of the Massachusetts National Guard members adds a patriotic element to the start of the historic Boston Marathon, honoring the event's long tradition and the local community's support. Despite the chilly conditions, the military runners were enthusiastic about the challenge, underscoring the spirit of determination that defines this iconic race.