Boston Marathon 2027
The 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will be held on Monday, April 19, 2027 — Patriots' Day — following the race's tradition of running on the third Monday of April. Organised by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), this iconic event is the world's oldest annual marathon and one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors.
The point-to-point course stretches 26.2 miles (42.195 km) from the rural town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts to the legendary finish line on Boylston Street in downtown Boston. Athletes will face a generally net-downhill profile, but must conquer notable challenges including the infamous Heartbreak Hill around the 30 km mark in Newton.
With a field of approximately 30,000 participants — around 24,000 time qualifiers and 6,000 invitational entries — the race draws elite athletes and recreational runners from across the globe. The event attracts an estimated 500,000 spectators, making it New England's most widely viewed sporting event.
Entry is highly competitive: runners must meet strict Boston Qualifying (BQ) time standards for their age and gender group, with acceptance based on the fastest times submitted. Starting with the 2027 edition, the B.A.A. will also apply time penalties for qualifying races with significant net-downhill courses. Registration typically opens in September 2026 via the B.A.A.'s online platform, Athletes' Village.