And they’re off.
Monday marks Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts and the 130th running of the Boston Marathon. Cool weather and a tailwind greeted them at the starting line in Hopkinton.
Boston Marathon: What to know about the course, start times, and road closures
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More than 30,000 runners are making the 26.2-mile trek to the race’s iconic finish line on Boylston Street in Boston’s Copley Square.
Organizers of the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon say the race has its strongest field ever.
Reigning men’s and women’s champions, John Korir and Sharon Lokedi, both of Kenya, lead the packed field of runners.
Marcel Hug of Switzerland won his ninth Boston Marathon wheelchair title on Monday, riding a tailwind to finish in an unofficial time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, 6 seconds. He missed breaking his own course record by 33 seconds.
In the women’s wheelchair race, Eden Rainbow-Cooper won for the second time, finishing in an unofficial 1:30:51 to beat runner-up Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland by more than two minutes.
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Follow along below for live race updates:
11:01 a.m.
The fifth of six waves of runners departs the startling line.
10:44 a.m.
Eden Rainbow-Cooper of Britain wins the Boston Marathon wheelchair title, finishing in 1:30:51.
10:41 a.m.
The fourth of six waves of runners departs the startling line.
10:28 a.m.
The third of six waves of runners departs the startling line.
10:23 a.m.
Marcel Hug of Switzerland blitzed to the front of the field to win his ninth Boston Marathon wheelchair title, claiming the victory in 1:16:06.
Marcel Hug, of Switzerland, breaks the tape to win the men’s wheelchair division at the Boston Marathon, Monday, April 20, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
10:15 a.m.
The second of six waves of runners departs the startling line.
10 a.m.
The first of six waves of runners departs the startling line. The six waves will range in size from 3,200 to 7,100 athletes.
9:50 a.m.
The para athletics division is on the course.
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9:47 a.m.
The professional women’s division of runners is on the course.
9:37 a.m.
The professional men’s division of runners is on the course.
9:30 a.m.
Handcycles & duo teams have departed the starting line.
9:09 a.m.
Both the men’s and women’s wheelchair participants are on the course.
9:06 a.m.
The men’s wheelchair racers have departed the starting line. The women’s division follows at 9:09 a.m.
8:40 a.m.
Many celebrities and notable figures are taking part in the race. Here’s a full list.
8 a.m.
Boston 25 News is LIVE from the finish line, with everything you need to know about today’s Marathon.
7 a.m.
Men’s and women’s wheelchair racers are on their way to Hopkinton. They begin the Marathon at 9:06 a.m. and 9:09 a.m., respectively.
6:45 a.m.
The racers are ready to go.
6:30 a.m.
Boston 25 Meteorologist Tucker Antico confirms a tailwind is expected to help the runners.
6 a.m.
MassDOT reminds the public that highway ramp closures will be in place to support Marathon operations.
6 a.m.
Race Director Dave McGillivray sent a group of about 50 Massachusetts National Guard members across the Boston Marathon start line, officially launching the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon.
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