When is the Boston Marathon? The next Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 19, 2027. The famous 26.2-mile race traditionally takes place on Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts and runs from Hopkinton to the finish line in Boston.
The 2027 race will be the 131st Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association has also officially announced that the 132nd Boston Marathon will be held Monday, April 17, 2028. Whether you are planning to run, watch from the course or visit Boston during Marathon Weekend, this guide covers the latest official dates, route and registration information.
When Is the Boston Marathon 2027?
The 2027 Boston Marathon is Monday, April 19, 2027. The event is organized by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and is traditionally held on Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts state holiday celebrated on the third Monday in April.
Because the Boston Marathon follows this Patriots’ Day tradition, the exact calendar date changes from year to year even though the race normally remains on the third Monday in April.
Boston Marathon 2027 Date and Quick Facts
- Race date: Monday, April 19, 2027
- Race: 131st Boston Marathon
- Distance: 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers)
- Starting point: Hopkinton, Massachusetts
- Finish: Boston, Massachusetts
- Organizer: Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)
- Qualifier registration: September 14–18, 2026 (now closed)
2028 Boston Marathon Date Officially Announced
The Boston Athletic Association has officially announced that the 132nd Boston Marathon will be held Monday, April 17, 2028.
The qualifying window for the 2028 Boston Marathon opened on September 19, 2026 and will continue through the end of registration week in September 2027.
The B.A.A. says the qualifying standards for the 2028 Boston Marathon are the same as those used for 2027 registration. Exact registration dates and entry procedures for the 2028 race will be announced after the 2027 Boston Marathon.
- 2028 race date: Monday, April 17, 2028
- Race: 132nd Boston Marathon
- 2028 qualifying window opened: September 19, 2026
- 2028 registration: Exact dates to be announced after the 2027 Boston Marathon
Read the official B.A.A. announcement about the 2027 and 2028 Boston Marathons.
Where Does the Boston Marathon Start?
The Boston Marathon starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. From there, runners follow the historic course through communities along the route before reaching Boston.
The race is one of the best-known road races in the world and attracts elite athletes, qualified runners, charity participants and spectators from many countries.
How Long Is the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon covers the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometers.
The course is famous for its history and challenging terrain. One of its best-known sections is Heartbreak Hill in Newton, which runners encounter late in the race when fatigue can make the climb particularly difficult.
How Do You Qualify for the Boston Marathon?
Many runners enter the Boston Marathon by achieving a qualifying time established by the Boston Athletic Association. Qualifying standards vary by age and division.
Meeting the published qualifying standard does not automatically guarantee acceptance because the number of applicants can exceed the available field size. Runners should always check the current B.A.A. requirements before planning their qualification attempt.
Check the official Boston Marathon qualifying information at the B.A.A.
Boston Marathon 2027 Registration
Qualifier registration for the 2027 Boston Marathon was held from September 14 through September 18, 2026 and is now closed.
The B.A.A. reviews submitted qualifying times before confirming entries. Achieving a qualifying standard provides an opportunity to apply but does not by itself guarantee entry into the Boston Marathon.
Visit the official Boston Marathon website for current race information.
Can You Run the Boston Marathon for Charity?
The Boston Marathon also has an official charity program. Charity participation provides another pathway connected with participating nonprofit organizations, although requirements and availability are different from standard qualifying entry.
Learn about the official Boston Marathon Charity Program.
Watching the Boston Marathon
You do not have to be a runner to experience Marathon Monday. Large crowds traditionally gather along the course to support athletes as they travel from Hopkinton toward Boston.
If you plan to watch in person, prepare for crowds, transportation changes and road closures. Public transportation can be useful, but spectators should check current race-day transportation information before traveling.
History of the Boston Marathon
The first Boston Marathon was held in 1897. Its long history has made the race an important part of Boston and Massachusetts culture as well as the international running community.
The event has continued through generations of runners and spectators, becoming one of the world’s most recognizable annual marathons.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Boston Marathon?
The next Boston Marathon is scheduled for Monday, April 19, 2027.
When is the 2028 Boston Marathon?
The B.A.A. has officially announced that the 2028 Boston Marathon will be held Monday, April 17, 2028. It will be the 132nd Boston Marathon.
What day of the week is the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon is traditionally held on a Monday as part of Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts.
How long is the Boston Marathon?
The race is 26.2 miles, equivalent to 42.195 kilometers.
Where does the Boston Marathon begin?
The Boston Marathon begins in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Boston.
Is registration still open for the 2027 Boston Marathon?
No. Qualifier registration for the 2027 Boston Marathon was held September 14–18, 2026 and is now closed.
When does 2028 Boston Marathon registration open?
The qualifying window opened September 19, 2026. The B.A.A. says exact registration dates and entry procedures for the 2028 Boston Marathon will be announced after the 2027 race.
Is the Boston Marathon held every year?
The Boston Marathon is an annual event and is traditionally held on Patriots’ Day. Exceptional circumstances can affect scheduling, so official B.A.A. information should always be checked when planning a future trip.
Plan for the 2027 and 2028 Boston Marathons
If you were searching for when is the Boston Marathon, the next race is Monday, April 19, 2027. The following Boston Marathon has now also been officially scheduled for Monday, April 17, 2028.
Runners should monitor current qualification and registration requirements, while spectators should plan transportation and viewing locations well before Marathon Monday. Always confirm final schedules, start information, transportation details and participant requirements with the Boston Athletic Association before race day.