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Time Standard & Charity

Boston Marathon

Boston, MA, USA · Apr 20, 2026

Entry window

Sep 8, 2025 → Sep 12, 2025

Notification date

Sep 23, 2025

Race day

Apr 20, 2026

Last year's finishers

28,487

Bib cost

$260 USD

Typical charity minimum

$5,000 USD

Past race-day weather

2025

Cloudy

Apr 21, 2025

High 56°F · Low 37°F

0.00 in precip · 11 mph wind

2024

Cloudy

Apr 15, 2024

High 71°F · Low 41°F

0.00 in precip · 16 mph wind

2023

Cloudy

Apr 17, 2023

High 62°F · Low 48°F

0.02 in precip · 11 mph wind

Course notes

Net-downhill point-to-point course with early quad-pounding descents and late Newton Hills; weather and wind can vary dramatically year to year.

Elite field

Strongest American presence of any Major, combined with a deep international field; racing is often tactical rather than time-trial oriented.

Travel tips

Stay near Back Bay or Copley for easy finish access. Take the BAA buses to Hopkinton early; pack throwaway layers for the Athlete’s Village.

Registration notes

Qualifier-based, but also offers guaranteed entry via charity, tour operators, and legacy/club programs where available.

Official race info

Get full weekend logistics, course maps, expo details, and start times at the official site.

RaceRaves reviews

See runner reviews, tips, and ratings on RaceRaves.

Elevation profile

Approximate course profile
Boston Marathon elevation profile

FAQs

When does the lottery open for Boston Marathon?
Entry window is Sep 8, 2025 → Sep 12, 2025.
When is the draw/notification for Boston Marathon?
This race uses qualifying standards; no traditional lottery draw.
When is race day for Boston Marathon?
Race day is Apr 20, 2026.
Are there guaranteed entries?
Yes. Time-standard qualifiers and many charity programs offer guaranteed entry.