The 130th Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 20, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1897 and remains the oldest annual marathon in the world. Run each year on Patriots’ Day, the race follows its established route from Hopkinton to Boston, covering a distance of 26.2 miles and passing through eight Massachusetts towns before finishing on Boylston Street at Copley Square. More than 30,000 runners are expected to take part this year, representing over 130+ countries and all 50 US states. The event also relies on around 10,000 volunteers organised by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), with preparations already underway across the city, including athlete arrivals at Logan Airport and final course setup. The marathon continues to operate at scale beyond the race itself. Analysts estimate it will generate more than $509 million for the Greater Boston area, while 193 non-profit organisations are involved through the official charity programme.Through the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, the B.A.A. provides invitational entries to selected non-profit organisations. These organisations use those entries to recruit runners who commit to raising funds for their respective causes.
Weather forecast points to stable, cooler conditions
According to forecasts, including CBS weather reporting, conditions for the 2026 race are expected to favour runners. Temperatures at the start line in Hopkinton are projected to be in the low-to-mid 40s Fahrenheit (approximately 4°C to 7°C) during the morning. By the time runners reach Boston, temperatures are expected to rise into the low-to-mid 50s Fahrenheit (around 10°C to 13°C), with most of the late morning and early afternoon staying in the mid-to-upper 40s Fahrenheit (about 8°C to 9°C). No significant rain or snow is expected.
Boston Marathon 2026 expected cooler 40–50°F temperatures, steady 10–25 mph winds, and dry race conditions/ Graphic: CBS Boston
Conditions are also expected to remain consistent along the course. In some years, runners encounter changing conditions closer to Boston, but that pattern is not forecast this time.
Wind remains the main variable
Wind will be present throughout the race, with northwesterly speeds expected between 10 and 25 miles per hour (approximately 16 to 40 km/h). The wind direction means it will move across the course rather than directly against runners. Officials are continuing to monitor its strength and direction as a frontal system moves through eastern Massachusetts on Sunday night, which will determine final conditions.The marathon takes place alongside other events across Boston. The Boston Red Sox are scheduled to host the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park at 11:10 a.m., adding to the activity around the city on race day.
Final preparations ahead of race day
Athletes have already begun arriving in Boston, with volunteers and organisers handling logistics ahead of Monday. For many runners, the race represents the end of long training cycles, while for the city, it remains one of the largest annual events, combining elite competition, mass participation and fundraising under a single event structure. Final weather conditions will be confirmed closer to race day, but current projections indicate stable and cooler conditions across the course.