The Boston Marathon 2026 begins later today to kick-start a huge week for marathon racing and the majors, with London Marathon 2026 following just six days later on Sunday
The 130th edition of the world’s oldest continuously run marathon takes place from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, all the way into the city of Boston and the famous Boylston Street, next to the Boston Public Library.
And last year’s champions, Sharon Lokedi and John Korir, both from Kenya, are back to defend their titles. The build-up included controversy and debate surrounding Nike’s advert in the city, which was ultimately pulled following a backlash from some runners.
But attention now turns to the race, which has famously unpredictable weather in its April date, but today’s forecast looks set to offer the chance of fast times due to a strong tailwind.
Follow all the latest updates, times and analysis throughout the day in Boston:
Nike removes controversial advert at Boston Marathon after backlash from runners
The sign, which read, “Runners welcome, walkers tolerated,” was seen at Nike’s Newbury Street location ahead of the Boston Marathon 2026, one of road running’s prestigious marathon majors.
But after online criticism and accusations that the brand was being exclusionary, the poster has now been taken down before the race, which is sponsored by competitors adidas.
On Friday, a statement from Nike was released: “We want more people to feel welcome in running—no matter their pace, experience, or the distance.
“During race week in Boston, we put up a series of signs to encourage runners. One of them missed the mark. We took it down, and we’ll use this moment to do better and continue showing up for all runners.”
Ones to watch
The wheelchair divisions are headlined by seven-time Paralympic champion Marcel Hug, who is aiming for a fourth straight Boston title and ninth in total, while his compatriot Manuela Schar is hot favourite to take a fifth victory in Boston in the absence of defending champion Susannah Scaroni.
Ones to watch
On the women’s side, another two Kenyans line up alongside compatriot Lokedi as favourites: last year’s fourth-place finisher Irine Cheptai and Vivian Cheruiyot, who won four Olympic medals on the track before switching to the marathon distance.
British hopes are represented by Calli Hauger-Thackery, who was sixth in Boston last year in 2:22:38 before winning the Honolulu Marathon in December and the Houston Marathon this January.
Ones to watch
Both defending champions Sharon Lokedi – who set a course record last year – and John Korir are back to defend their titles.
But they’ll be challenged by a strong field.
Kenyan Benson Kipruto – winner in New York last year – is another major contender to reclaim the title he won in 2021 as he returns to Boston for the first time since 2023, while 2025 world championships gold medallist Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania will be desperate to upgrade his runner-up place from last year.
Boston Marathon start times
All times EDT (BST-5)
- Men’s Wheelchair – 9:06 a.m.
- Women’s Wheelchair – 9:09 a.m.
- Handcycles & Duos – 9:30 a.m.
- Elite Men – 9:37 a.m.
- Elite Women – 9:47 a.m.
- Para Athletics Division – 9:50 a.m.
- Wave 1 – 10:00 a.m.
- Wave 2 – 10:25 a.m.
- Wave 3 – 10:50 a.m.
- Wave 4 – 11:15 a.m.
The men’s race gets underway at 2.37pm BST, with the women following shortly after at 2.47pm BST.
Boston Marathon 2026
The 130th edition of the world’s oldest continuously run marathon begins in the rural town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, before winding its way to Boston and finishing on Boylston Street, next to the Boston Public Library.
2025 champions Sharon Lokedi and John Korir of Kenya both return to defend their titles, with Lokedi having smashed the course record by over two minutes to win in 2:17:22.
Korir followed in older brother Wesley’s footsteps with his victory, recording a time of 2:04:45 as they made history as the only siblings to win the event.
Boston Marathon 2026
Good morning and welcome to the Independent’s coverage of the 130th Boston Marathon.
Famously held on Monday, one of the world marathon majors promises plenty of world-class racing from Hopkinton through to the city centre in Boston.
It kicks off a big week, with London Marathon held on Sunday, too.
Stick with us for updates, times and reaction across one of the most iconic 26.2 mile courses.
