Scenes from the 130th Boston Marathon

Runners, wheelchair athletes, and spectators gather for the historic race

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting runners, spectators, and the Boston cityscape in a cubist style, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives.The vibrant energy and diverse participants of the 130th Boston Marathon are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Dallas Today

More than 30,000 runners participated in the 130th running of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, 2026. The iconic 26.2-mile race from Hopkinton to Copley Square featured elite athletes, wheelchair competitors, and thousands of recreational runners. Photographers captured inspiring moments throughout the day along the course.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is one of the world's most prestigious road races, drawing elite athletes, wheelchair racers, and recreational runners from around the globe. As one of the oldest annual marathons, the event holds deep cultural significance in Boston and is a source of civic pride. The marathon's return after the COVID-19 pandemic represents a symbolic return to normalcy for the city.

The details

The 130th Boston Marathon featured a strong field of elite runners and wheelchair athletes. In the men's wheelchair division, Swiss star Marcel Hug claimed his ninth Boston Marathon victory. On the women's side, American Tatyana McFadden won her eighth Boston title. Thousands of recreational runners, many dressed in costumes, also participated in the historic race.

  • The 130th Boston Marathon took place on Monday, April 20, 2026.
  • The race started in Hopkinton and finished in Copley Square in downtown Boston.

The players

Marcel Hug

A Swiss wheelchair racer who has won the Boston Marathon nine times, including the 2026 edition.

Tatyana McFadden

An American wheelchair racer who has won the Boston Marathon eight times, including the 2026 race.

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What they’re saying

“The Boston Marathon is always a special event, and it's great to see the city come together to celebrate it again after the pandemic.”

— Braden Keefer, Dallas, Texas resident

The takeaway

The 130th Boston Marathon marked a triumphant return for the iconic race, as the city and its residents celebrated the event's resilience and the inspiring performances of elite athletes and recreational runners alike.