2024 Boston Marathon

HOPKINTON, Mass. – The 128th Boston Marathon is being held Monday, bringing tens of thousands of runners to New England for the annual race. The world’s oldest marathon, traditionally held on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday in April, spans a 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton in southern Middlesex County to Copley Square in Boston. Sunshine with temperatures in the mid- and high 50s is expected as the race commences, with temperatures reaching the mid- to high 60s by mid-afternoon.

Defending Champion

Two-time defending champion Evans Chebet is eyeing a historic win, aiming to be the first runner to secure three consecutive victories since 2008. This year’s race is particularly significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of Meb Keflezighi’s victory in 2014, which ended a three-decade-long American drought the year following the tragic finish line bombing.

Notable Participants

The elite women’s race features prominent athletes such as Emma Bates, who is returning strong after a foot injury from a pothole incident. Kenyan Hellen Obiri, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, and Sara Hall, a frequent podium finisher, are among the favorites. Meanwhile, the men’s race includes a strong showing from Kenyan runners, who have dominated recent editions of the marathon.

Event Timings

• 9:10 a.m. ET: The wheelchair divisions began their journey across the historic course.
• 9:37 a.m. ET: Elite men’s race commenced.
• 9:47 a.m. ET: Elite women’s race began, setting a competitive tone for the day.
• 10:00 a.m. ET: Non-elite runners started in the first of four waves, continuing until the final wave at 11:15 a.m.

Historic Significance

This year also marks 11 years since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, an event that deeply affected the community and led to significant changes in security and participation in the race. The marathon’s start line in Hopkinton, which has been the starting point for a century due to a geographic quirk, adds to the historical depth of the event.

How to Watch

The Boston Marathon is covered locally by WCVB Channel 5 and nationally by ESPN. The B.A.A. Racing App offers live tracking of participants, interactive course maps, and additional race information for those following from afar.