This year marks the 130th running of the Boston Marathon, a race with deep tradition that attracts many of the best long-distance runners in the world. More than 30,000 people are expected to participate in the race in 2026, from elite professionals and Olympians to qualified amateurs and charity runners.
- More Information On The 2026 Boston Marathon
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Following the standard marathon distance, the 26.2-mile race will begin with division starts in the 9:00 a.m. ET hour, with professional men starting at 9:37 a.m. ET, professional women at 9:47 a.m. ET, and the main field beginning in six waves starting at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Both elite division winners from 2025 are set to return in 2026, with women’s winner Sharon Lokedi and men’s winner John Korir returning to defend their titles.
Here’s what to know about the Boston Marathon qualifying standards for 2026.
Boston Marathon Qualifying Standards 2026
Men’s Standards
- 18–34: 2:55:00
- 35–39: 3:00:00
- 40–44: 3:05:00
- 45–49: 3:15:00
- 50–54: 3:20:00
- 55–59: 3:30:00
- 60–64: 3:50:00
- 65–69: 4:05:00
- 70–74: 4:20:00
- 75–79: 4:35:00
- 80+: 4:50:00
Women’s Standards
- 18–34: 3:25:00
- 35–39: 3:30:00
- 40–44: 3:35:00
- 45–49: 3:45:00
- 50–54: 3:50:00
- 55–59: 4:00:00
- 60–64: 4:20:00
- 65–69: 4:35:00
- 70–74: 4:50:00
- 75–79: 5:05:00
- 80+: 5:20:00
Non-Binary Standards
- 18–34: 3:25:00
- 35–39: 3:30:00
- 40–44: 3:35:00
- 45–49: 3:45:00
- 50–54: 3:50:00
- 55–59: 4:00:00
- 60–64: 4:20:00
- 65–69: 4:35:00
- 70–74: 4:50:00
- 75–79: 5:05:00
- 80+: 5:20:00
How To Watch The Boston Marathon 2026
In the USA, the 2026 Boston Marathon will be broadcast on ESPN2.
In Australia, Ireland, and the UK, the 2026 Boston Marathon will be broadcast on FloTrack.
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