Boston Marathon LIVE: Latest updates as John Korir shatters course record in stunning win

John Korir ran a stunning course record time to defend his Boston Marathon title at the start of a huge week for marathon racing and the majors.

With the 2026 London Marathon following in just six days’ time, Korir laid down a marker to the rest of the world’s best runners as he became just the fifth athlete to dip under two hours and two minutes despite a notoriously hard course. In perfect conditions on the Massachusetts roads, the Kenyan looked unstoppable as he prevailed by a distance from Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu and fellow Kenyan Benson Kipruto, who contested a tough battle for silver. In the women’s race, Sharon Lokedi matched Korir in defending her title with a trademark powerful performance in the final kilometres of the race, with no athlete able to follow her.

The supreme Swiss racer Marcel Hug secured more glory in the men’s wheelchair race, while Great Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper was back to her best to win the women’s wheelchair event for a second time. The build-up to the race had featured controversy and debate over a Nike advert in the city, which was ultimately pulled following backlash from some runners.

Follow all the latest updates, times and analysis throughout the day in Boston:

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Boston Marathon 2026

• John Korir defends title in stunning course record
• Sharon Lokedi joins compatriot in going back-to-back
• Great Britain's Calli Hauger-Thackery returns after placing sixth last year
• Marcel Hug claims ninth title in men's wheelchair race
• GB's Eden Rainbow-Cooper secures second Boston success

Boston Marathon 2026 results as John Korir breaks course record

17:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

John Korir defended his men’s title at the 2026 Boston Marathon as the Kenyan shattered the course record to become only the fifth man to dip under two hours and two minutes over the distance.

Korir was second at the half-way stage in 1:01:50, seven seconds behind Lemi Berhanu, but the defending champion made a push for the lead after 20 miles and grabbed control of the elite men’s race, surging clear of his rivals to eventually clock a time of 02:01:52 – more than a minute better than the previous best in Boston.

In the women’s race, Sharon Lokedi again proved untouchable as the Kenyan defended her title. Lokedi finished fast to power away from a bunched field and win by a distance, though outside of the course record time set in 2025.

Boston Marathon 2026 results as John Korir breaks course record

Sharon Lokedi wins back-to-back Boston Marathons

17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

1st Sharon Lokedi 2:18:51

2nd Loice Chemnung 2:19:35

3rd Mary Ngugi-Cooper 2:20:07

Sharon Lokedi claims back-to-back title

17:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back-to-back! Sharon Lokedi is a two-time Boston Marathon winner, untouchable again on the hills of Massachusetts.

Around the final bend...

17:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

...and into the last straight for Sharon Lokedi, flying home.

Sharon Lokedi nears finish

17:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A few deep gulps of fluid as Sharon Lokedi takes the final significant rise and strides towards the city centre. A slow enough start, comparatively, means she won’t threaten her record from last year but this has been another well-measured romp to victory.

Boston Marathon closing kilometres

16:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off come the accoutrements for Sharon Lokedi, the headband following the armband on to the floor behind her as she rids herself of unwanted garments. Loice Chemnung looks strong for second behind her, but that is all it will be.

Sharon Lokedi surges clear

16:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s an eight-second lead at the 23-mile mark for Sharon Lokedi, and that is growing all the time. Put a fork in this one – it’s done.

Sharon Lokedi hits the front in the women's race

16:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Could it be back-to-back winners in the women’s race, too? Sharon Lokedi has hit the front, with only Loice Chemnung able to remotely stay with her, and starting to struggle. Lokedi is just so strong as it goes deeper.

John Korir defends Boston Marathon title

16:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

02:01:52 – and John Korir still has the energy to leap up and down as he sees the time. A stunning run, and time, on a difficult course. Could he yet have a real go at the world record?

Alphonce Simbu just pipped Benson Kipruto for silver, with all of the top three inside the previous course record. Korir earns an extra $50k for taking that.

1st: John Korir (Kenya) 02:01:52

2nd: Alphonce Simbu (Tanzania) 2:02:47

3rd: Benson Kipruto (Kenya) 02:02:50

John Korir shatters course record in stunning Boston Marathon win!

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Magnificent! A course record, a personal best and the fifth man in history under two hours and two minutes. John Korir defends his Boston Marathon title in some style!

John Korir set to break record

16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is very, very quick from John Korir. He’s almost into the final kilometre...

Boston Marathon

16:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A glance at the watch from John Korir before he darts to the right to pick up a bottle. A noticeable uptick in stride cadence as he chases the course record.

Boston Marathon

16:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The television coverage seems about as interested in the battle for silver between Benson Kipruto of Kenya and Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu as what John Korir is doing, which should give you a feel for his lead. It’s all about the clock, now.

Boston Marathon

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just four kilometres to go for John Korir, back-to-back titles all but his with the chasing duo disappearing over the horizon. Still no move in earnest from any of the leading women, though the long-striding Sharon Lokedi is increasingly prominent as she looks to match Korir’s feat.

Boston Marathon

16:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

John Korir is tracking well for that course record, by the way. He comes over on to a little downslope having maintained his pace over the last few kilometres. He needs to shave a minute and 45 seconds off his time last year to take it from compatriot Geoffrey Mutai, though not having hit the deck at the start will be a help.

A clear contrast between he, all alone out the front, and the women, which is still anyone’s game at 29.5 kilometres. Nervy stuff.

John Korir looking strong

16:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Benson Kipruto (Kenya) and Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu have formed a chasing couplet in behind the runaway leader, yet John Korir’s gap is widening, rather than closing. 36km down; six and a bit to go.

Boston Marathon

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That lead is 22 seconds at the 21-mile mark for the defending men’s champion. It’s looking good for John Korir.

You can still throw a blanket (admittedly, a broad one) over the women’s field. Nip and tuck entering the crucial miles, though the scarlet-haired Annie Frisbie is showing strongly as the American looks to improve on an eighth-placed finish 12 months ago.

And just like that...

16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

John Korir might be gone. There’s still a long way to go, of course, and time enough for a similar move, but there are 10 kilometres of open road ahead of a 29-year-old improving with age. Can he go quicker than last year and, perhaps, challenge Geoffrey Mutai’s course record (2:03:02) from 2011?

Here comes John Korir!

16:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Watch your back, Milikesa – here comes John Korir! With renewed energy, the defending champion accelerates past the leader and keeps striding on, engine whirring smoothly as he goes. Scary closing speed from the Kenyan, now at the head of the race as Mengesha attempts to cling to his coattails.

Milikesa Mengesha leads by 12 seconds

16:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a 12-second advantage for Milikesa Mengesha, with John Korir among a trailing quintet looking to make up that gap in the last 12 kilometres. Mengesha is a long way ahead of the course record as things stand, though this gruelling course will sap the legs.

Halfway mark for women

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Through the halfway mark for the women in a smidge over 1min 11sec. Sharon Lokedi, the defending champion, looks rock solid, nestled in the pack.

Boston Marathon – elite men

15:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mengesha set his PB in that Berlin run, and was also a winner in Shanghai last year. He’s the sort of calibre of athlete who can get away from even a strong field.

He drifts away from the rest of the runners for a bit, choosing a different path nearer a large fence. A bit more shelter from the wind? It’s tough to say but Mengesha looks strong.

No such obvious movement in the women’s event, seven kilometres back down the road.

Boston Marathon – elite men

15:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And here is another insurgent: Milkesa Mengesha took out a marathon major in Berlin a couple of years ago and is making his presence known.

It's hotting up

15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back to the men, who are nearing the 25km mark, and a sight to worry the field. Defending champion John Korir moves up alongside Lemi Berhanu with effortless ease. Zouhair Talbi, born in Morocco but American-based, is right up there, too, though few are yet out of the running.

Eden Rainbow-Cooper on her Boston Marathon triumph

15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It took a lot. But having great weather, having the crowds, there is no better time to give it all, right?

“For me, it’s all in. I know once I get to the top of the hill, I have a bit of a rest, and the quicker I get to the top, the quicker it is over.

“It was tough after my first Boston win and it has taken a lot to get back here. To take it from the front again, and run a very similar race to 2024, I’m so happy. To prove to myself I can do it again is such a big confidence boost.”

Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner comes home for a distant silver, with home hope Tatyana McFadden in for bronze.

Great Britain's Eden Rainbow-Cooper claims surprise Boston crown

15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How about that from Eden Rainbow-Cooper! It’s a second Boston Marathon crown for the 24-year-old from Portsmouth, puffing out her cheeks in exhaustion and delight after obliterating her rivals over 26.2 miles. Fourth last year, Rainbow-Cooper had warmed up with a victory in the New York half last month and that is another outstanding success for the British racer.

A first move?

15:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here’s an intriguing one, though, showing prominently at the front: it’s 2016 winner Lemi Berhanu, taking a drink just after the 20km banner and then settling in at the front of the race. The Ethiopian sucessfully defended his title in Prague last year and has a personal best of 2:04:33 - he’s a real threat.

Boston Marathon

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both elite races have bunched together again, with nobody yet willing to chance something ambitious. It is a tricky course on which to get one’s pacing right, with so many undulations to deal with.

Marcel Hug reacts to his Boston Marathon victory

15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“A lot of the uphills are tough, but I made it. I have a lot of experience now so I know what pace to go at up them. The crowd really make the difference, they give us so much energy for every single push.

“It is definitely a challenge. It was a race against the clock. In the first half, I thought I was just around course record, so I just had to go hard as possible on every push. The second half, I was maybe just a bit too slow.”

Marcel Hug wins the Boston Marathon!

15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Make that NINE Boston Marathon titles for the great Marcel Hug, dominant from start to finish to leave the field distant. He rolls in about 30 seconds off his course record, and one win off the great Ernst van Dyk’s tally at this race. Simply supreme!

Marcel Hug set for another victory

15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marcel Hug is into the final couple of kilometres and just off his own record pace, as things stand. Can he claw back those seconds in the last stretch into Boston city centre?

Boston Marathon - men

15:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alex Maier, Hendrik Pfeiffer and Ryan Ford are making the running in the men’s race, opening up clear air on the rest of them as they just up the pace. It would be a shock were any of the three to take victory today: Pfeiffer is the quickest of the trio, with a best time around the 2:07 mark.

Wheelchair races both through halfway

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s as you were, meanwhile, when it comes to those on wheels. Marcel Hug will, barring incident or accident, add a ninth victory to his Boston tally, while Eden Rainbow-Cooper is still looking strong in the women’s race – her lead is up to 52 seconds at the 25km mark, with Catherine Debrunner her closest pursuer.

Steady

15:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A trio of Americans lead the women’s field through the first checkpoint, with Kodi Kleven, Susanna Sullivan and Sara Hall out in front. A big bunch in behind them, though, in a steady start.

A quiet start

14:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No big early moves from the elite men, with the favourites all seemingly safely in the pack. The first 5km were covered in 14 minutes and 20 seconds, which is eye-wateringly quick for mere mortals.

Boston Marathon

14:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So our four elite races are out on the course, looking to navigate the ups and downs of this 26.2-miles.

Off go the women!

14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s the gun, and away go the elite women, tumbling off the start line and down the slope with slightly uneasy strides. It is a strange opening, you’d have to say – one to test the hamstrings, certainly.

Boston Marathon

14:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marcel Hug is absolutely flying. He’s on track to break his own course record by more than three minutes at the halfway mark. One would expect him to slow a little but the men’s wheelchair race already looks a foregone conclusion.

Eden Rainbow-Cooper remains in a strong position at the head of the women’s field. Good stuff from the Porstmouth racer.

A better start for John Korir

14:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

John Korir memorably fell just moments into last year’s race, but it’s a better start for the Kenyan here, one foot in front of another as he warms into his work.

And they're off!

14:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A few woolly hats in the field speak to the April morning chill. Down the hill they charge - will it be back-to-back titles for John Korir?

Here we go...

14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The elite men’s field are just about ready to go, led by defending champion John Korir. How quick can he, Benson Kipruto and the rest push it today? Conditions look just about perfect: cool, dry, and with a hint of a tailwind.

Marcel Hug surges clear

14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s been dominant stuff from Marcel Hug so far, powering away from the rest. He’s put 55 seconds into veteran Brit David Weir, and more than a minute into the remainder of the field.

Eden Rainbow-Cooper, meanwhile, has made a strong start. The Swiss pairing of Catherine Debrunner and Manuela Schar are trying to reel her in.

Boston Marathon course

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The course begins in Hopkinton, a town in rural Massachusetts, with runners setting off from Main Street and heading down Route 135. They will plod through the towns of Ashland, Framingham, and Natick, before joining Route 16 shortly after Wellesley. Hanging a right on to Commonwealth Avenue (Route 30) by the fire station in Newton Lower Falls, the course continues over the Newton Hills and by Boston College, a university, before arriving at Cleveland Circle via Chestnut Hill Avenue.

The runners will then negotiate a left turn on to Beacon Street as it nears the finish, turning right on to Hereford Street, left on to Boylston Street and eventually concluding near the Boston Public Library in Copley Square in the heart of the city.

And here come the women

14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Soon after follow the women’s wheelchair field, which is stacked: four-time winner Manuela Schar takes on five-time Boston victor Tatyana McFadden, with Schar’s fellow Swiss Catherine Debrunner in the mix, too. Look out for Great Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper, too, with the 24-year-old looking to get back to her best in familiar surroundings having won here in 2024 before injury struck.

Men's wheelchair race gets underway

14:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off from the startline roll the men’s wheelchair field, headlined by Marcel Hug as the Silver Bullet seeks a fourth successive triumph here. Daniel Romanchuk, twice a winner here earlier in his career, carries home hopes, though Hug will take some stopping.

Marathon fuel and hydration: How science can help runners avoid hitting the wall

14:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marathon runners often fall short due to insufficient fuel and hydration, but The Independent’s sports editor Jack Rathborn explains how science is now helping athletes combat the prospect of cramps and hitting the wall

How science can help marathon runners avoid hitting the wall

What is the prize money?

13:50 , Flo Clifford

Men’s and women’s elite races

1st place - $150,000

2nd place - $75,000

3rd place - $40,000

4th place - $25,000

5th place - $18,000

6th place - $13,500

7th place - $10,500

8th place - $8,500

9th place - $7,000

10th place - $5,500

Course record bonus - $50,000

Boston Marathon 2026 Elite fields

13:42 , Flo Clifford

Men's Field

• Benson Kipruto (KEN) — 2:02:16 (Tokyo, 2024)
• John Korir (KEN) — 2:02:24 (Valencia, 2025)
• Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) — 2:03:17 (Berlin, 2024)
• Cybrian Kotut (KEN) — 2:03:22 (Berlin, 2024)
• Abdi Nageeye (NED) — 2:04:20 (London, 2025)
• Lemi Berhanu (ETH) — 2:04:33 (Dubai, 2016)
• Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH) — 2:04:35 (Sydney, 2025) CR
• Alex Masai (KEN) — 2:04:37 (Chicago, 2025)
• Alphonce Felix Simbu (TAN) — 2:04:38 (Valencia, 2024)
• Mohamed Esa (ETH) — 2:04:39 (Chicago, 2024)
• Benard Biwott (KEN) — 2:05:25 (Paris, 2025)
• Kennedy Kimutai (KEN) — 2:05:27 (Rotterdam, 2025)
• Zouhair Talbi (MAR/USA) — 2:05:45 (Houston, 2026)
• Richard Ringer (GER) — 2:05:46 (Valencia, 2024)
• Sondre Nordstad Moen (NOR) — 2:05:48 (Fukuoka, 2017) NR
• Galen Rupp (USA) — 2:06:07 (Prague, 2018)
• Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) — 2:06:18 (Xiamen) NR
• Hendrik Pfeiffer (GER) — 2:06:45 (Valencia, 2025)
• Rory Linkletter (CAN) — 2:06:49 (Chicago, 2025)
• Clayton Young (USA) — 2:07:04 (Boston, 2025)
• Tsegay Weldlibanos (ERI) — 2:07:35 (Sacramento, 2024)
• Patrick Tiernan (AUS) — 2:07:45 (Houston, 2024)
• Ryan Ford (USA) — 2:08:00 (Boston, 2025)
• CJ Albertson (USA) — 2:08:17 (Chicago, 2024)
• Yemane Haileselassie (ERI) — 2:08:25 (Houston, 2025)
• Alex Maier (USA) — 2:08:33 (Dusseldorf, 2025)
• Amaury Paquet (BEL) — 2:08:44 (Valencia, 2023)
• Sam Chelanga* (USA) — 2:08:50 (Chicago, 2023)
• Ser-od Bat-Ochir* (MGL) — 2:08:50 (Fukuoka, 2014)
• Daniel Mesfun (USA) — 2:08:51 (Dublin, 2025)
• Wesley Kiptoo (USA) — 2:08:54 (Boston, 2025)
• Ben Preisner (CAN) — 2:08:58 (Oita, 2024)
• Segundo Jami (ECU) — 2:09:05 (Valencia, 2023) NR
• Turner Wiley (USA) — 2:09:27 (Chandler, 2025)
• Colin Bennie (USA) — 2:09:38 (Chandler, 2020)
• Charles Hicks (USA/GBR) — 2:09:59 (NYC, 2025)
• Tiidrek Nurme (EST) — 2:10:02 (Sevilla, 2020)
• Nick Hauger (USA) — 2:10:18 (Chandler, 2025)
• Joe Klecker (USA) — 2:10:37 (NYC, 2025)
• Chris Maxon (USA) — 2:10:55 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Juan Luis Barrios* (MEX) — 2:10:55 (Tokyo, 2018)
• Jacob Thomson (USA) — 2:10:56 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Thijs Nijhuis (DEN) — 2:10:57 (Seville, 2020)
• Barry Keane (IRL) — 2:11:31 (Chandler, 2025)
• Jason Weitzel (USA) — 2:11:45 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Murphy Smith (USA) — 2:11:59 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Charlie Sweeney (USA) — 2:12:00 (Boston, 2025)
• Robert Miranda (USA) — 2:12:07 (Sacramento, 2024)
• Riley Nedrow (USA) — 2:12:47 (Tucson, 2024)
• Matias Silva (CHI) — 2:12:48 (Seville, 2025)
• Ryan Johnson (USA) — 2:12:58 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Martin Olesen (DEN) — 2:13:17 (Valencia, 2025)
• Ben Olson (USA) — 2:13:25 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Ryan Eiler (USA) — 2:13:36 (NYC, 2024)
• Primoz Kobe* (SLO) — 2:13:36 (Siena, 2021)
• Jack Mastandrea (USA) — 2:14:02 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Jonathan Phillips (USA) — 2:14:11 (Duluth, 2022)
• Lars Dewall (USA) — 2:14:20 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Garret Lee (USA) — 2:14:28 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Esteban Trujillo* (USA) — 2:14:32 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Dominic Arce (USA) — 2:14:32 (Vancouver, 2025)
• Kristoffer Mugrage (USA) — 2:15:01 (Chandler, 2025)
• Edward Mulder (USA) — 2:15:07 (Berlin, 2025)
• Michael Ottesen (USA) — 2:15:21 (Sacramento, 2024)
• Charlie Lawrence (USA) — 2:16:10 (Valley Cottage, 2023)
• Prescott Leach* (USA) — 2:17:29 (Sacramento, 2023)
• Karabo L Koenaite Sr.* (RSA) — 2:18:03 (Cape Gate Vaal)
• Meng-Tsung S Chu* (TPE) — 2:19:36 (Berlin, 2024)
• Aaron Metler* (USA) — 2:19:48 (St. George, 2025)
• Petter Engdahl (SWE) — Debut
• Nicholas Kipkorir (KEN) — Debut

Boston Marathon 2026 Elite fields

13:32 , Flo Clifford

Women's Field

• Sharon Lokedi (KEN) — 2:17:22 (Boston, 2025) CR
• Irine Cheptai (KEN) — 2:17:51 (Chicago, 2024)
• Workenesh Edesa (ETH) — 2:17:55 (Hamburg, 2025)
• Loice Chemnung (KEN) — 2:18:24 (Chicago, 2025)
• Bedatu Hirpa (ETH) — 2:18:27 (Dubai, 2025)
• Emily Sisson (USA) — 2:18:29 (Chicago, 2022) AR/NR
• Mary Ngugi-Cooper (KEN) — 2:19:26 (Chicago, 2025)
• Sara Hall* (USA) — 2:20:32 (Chandler, 2020)
• Calli Hauger-Thackery (GBR) — 2:21:24 (Berlin, 2024)
• Fikrte Wereta (ETH) — 2:21:32 (Seoul, 2024)
• Susanna Sullivan (USA) — 2:21:56 (Chicago, 2024)
• Fiona O’Keeffe (USA) — 2:22:10 (Orlando, 2024)
• Mao Uesugi (JPN) — 2:22:11 (Nagoya, 2025)
• Jess McClain (USA) — 2:22:43 (Boston, 2025)
• Erika Kemp (USA) — 2:22:56 (Houston, 2025)
• Isobel Batt-Doyle (AUS) — 2:22:59 (Valencia, 2024)
• Lisa Weightman* (AUS) — 2:23:15 (Osaka, 2023)
• Annie Frisbie (USA) — 2:23:21 (Boston, 2025)
• Mercy Chelangat (KEN) — 2:23:33 (Ottawa, 2025)
• Dakotah Popehn (USA) — 2:24:20 (Chicago, 2025)
• Amanda Vestri (USA) — 2:25:40 (NYC, 2025)
• Paige Wood (USA) — 2:26:02 (Sacramento, 2022)
• Stephanie Bruce (USA) — 2:27:47 (Chicago, 2019)
• Madey Dickson (USA) — 2:28:57 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Zaida Ramos (PER) — 2:29:49 (Seville, 2024)
• Elena Hayday (USA) — 2:30:51 (Duluth, 2023)
• Carrie Ellwood (USA) — 2:31:51 (Chicago, 2021)
• Diana Bogantes (CRI) — 2:32:08 (Valencia) NR
• Monica Hebner (USA) — 2:32:40 (Sacramento, 2024)
• Katie Florio (USA) — 2:32:44 (Philadelphia, 2024)
• Katie Kellner (USA) — 2:32:48 (Berlin, 2023)
• Breanna Sieracki (USA) — 2:32:53 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Carolyn Buchanan (CAN) — 2:32:54 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Marybeth Chelanga (USA) — 2:33:33 (Orlando, 2024)
• Elizabeth Chikotas (USA) — 2:33:57 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Ava Crean (IRL) — 2:34:12 (Dublin, 2025)
• Marte Maehlum-Johansen (NOR) — 2:34:54 (Hamburg, 2025)
• Megan O’Neil (USA) — 2:34:55 (Duluth, 2024)
• Maria Lindberg* (USA) — 2:34:59 (Chicago, 2025)
• Felicia Pasadyn (USA) — 2:35:17 (NYC, 2025)
• Julia Vasquez (USA) — 2:35:58 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Madeline Block (USA) — 2:36:28 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Alana Levy (USA) — 2:36:53 (Chicago, 2025)
• Isabel Tortorella (USA) — 2:37:07 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Caitlin McGinley (USA) — 2:37:12 (Lowell, 2025)
• Erin Del Giudice (USA) — 2:37:36 (Duluth, 2025)
• Teagan Robertson (CAN) — 2:37:51 (Sacramento, 2024)
• Cara Udvadia (USA) — 2:38:25 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Emilee Risteen (USA) — 2:38:46 (Duluth, 2023)
• Elizabeth Reichert (USA) — 2:38:49 (Sacramento, 2024)
• Marissa Lenger (USA) — 2:38:51 (Valley Cottage, 2023)
• Cassandra de Winter (CAN) — 2:39:52 (Victoria, 2025)
• Hannah Olde Loohuis (NED) — 2:40:39 (Amsterdam, 2025)
• Leanne Klassen (CAN) — 2:40:56 (Houston, 2025)
• Karen Bertasso* (USA) — 2:41:15 (Sacramento, 2025)
• Polly Cunes* (CAN) — 2:41:27 (Chicago, 2025)
• Marije Geurtsen* (NED) — 2:42:45 (Berlin, 2019)

How to watch the Boston Marathon 2026

13:22 , Flo Clifford

The Boston Marathon takes place on Monday 20 April 2026.

Local viewers can watch on WCVB ABC, while viewers across the US can watch on ESPN2, with coverage getting underway at 9am EDT. In the UK the Marathon will be broadcast on TNT Sports and HBO Max, with coverage live from 2pm BST.

Nike removes controversial advert at Boston Marathon after backlash from runners

13:12 , Flo Clifford

Nike has removed a controversial advert seen in Boston ahead of Monday’s marathon in the city.

The sign, which read, “Runners welcome, walkers tolerated,” was seen at Nike’s Newbury Street location ahead of the Boston Marathon 2026, one of road running’s prestigious marathon majors.

But after online criticism and accusations that the brand was being exclusionary, the poster has now been taken down before the race, which is sponsored by competitors adidas.

On Friday, a statement from Nike was released: “We want more people to feel welcome in running—no matter their pace, experience, or the distance.

“During race week in Boston, we put up a series of signs to encourage runners. One of them missed the mark. We took it down, and we’ll use this moment to do better and continue showing up for all runners.”

Nike removes controversial advert at Boston Marathon after backlash from runners

Ones to watch

13:02 , Flo Clifford

The wheelchair divisions are headlined by seven-time Paralympic champion Marcel Hug, who is aiming for a fourth straight Boston title and ninth in total, while his compatriot Manuela Schar is hot favourite to take a fifth victory in Boston in the absence of defending champion Susannah Scaroni.

Ones to watch

12:54 , Flo Clifford

On the women’s side, another two Kenyans line up alongside compatriot Lokedi as favourites: last year’s fourth-place finisher Irine Cheptai and Vivian Cheruiyot, who won four Olympic medals on the track before switching to the marathon distance.

British hopes are represented by Calli Hauger-Thackery, who was sixth in Boston last year in 2:22:38 before winning the Honolulu Marathon in December and the Houston Marathon this January.

Ones to watch

12:46 , Flo Clifford

Both defending champions Sharon Lokedi - who set a course record last year - and John Korir are back to defend their titles.

But they’ll be challenged by a strong field.

Kenyan Benson Kipruto - winner in New York last year - is another major contender to reclaim the title he won in 2021 as he returns to Boston for the first time since 2023, while 2025 world championships gold medallist Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania will be desperate to upgrade his runner-up place from last year.

Boston Marathon start times

12:38 , Flo Clifford

All times EDT (BST-5)

• Men’s Wheelchair – 9:06 a.m.
• Women’s Wheelchair – 9:09 a.m.
• Handcycles & Duos – 9:30 a.m.
• Elite Men – 9:37 a.m.
• Elite Women – 9:47 a.m.
• Para Athletics Division – 9:50 a.m.
• Wave 1 – 10:00 a.m.
• Wave 2 – 10:25 a.m.
• Wave 3 – 10:50 a.m.
• Wave 4 – 11:15 a.m.

The men’s race gets underway at 2.37pm BST, with the women following shortly after at 2.47pm BST.

Boston Marathon 2026

12:31 , Flo Clifford

The 130th edition of the world’s oldest continuously run marathon begins in the rural town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, before winding its way to Boston and finishing on Boylston Street, next to the Boston Public Library.

2025 champions Sharon Lokedi and John Korir of Kenya both return to defend their titles, with Lokedi having smashed the course record by over two minutes to win in 2:17:22.

Korir followed in older brother Wesley’s footsteps with his victory, recording a time of 2:04:45 as they made history as the only siblings to win the event.

Boston Marathon 2026

09:26 , Jack Rathborn

Good morning and welcome to the Independent’s coverage of the 130th Boston Marathon.

Famously held on Monday, one of the world marathon majors promises plenty of world-class racing from Hopkinton through to the city centre in Boston.

It kicks off a big week, with London Marathon held on Sunday, too.

Stick with us for updates, times and reaction across one of the most iconic 26.2 mile courses.