Days Until Boston Marathon
Live countdown to the 26.2 mile journey, 2026
Boston Marathon 2026
Race Details
Summary
There are 70 days, 23 hours, and 17 minutes left until the Boston Marathon 2026.
Upcoming Boston Marathon Dates
| Year | Date | Day | Days Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 20 | Monday | 70 days |
| 2027 | April 19 | Monday | 434 days |
| 2028 | April 17 | Monday | 798 days |
| 2029 | April 16 | Monday | 1162 days |
| 2030 | April 15 | Monday | 1526 days |
More Tools You Might Like
How Many Days Until Muharram
Free live countdown to see how many days are left until Muharram.
Go to ToolHow Many Days Until March 1st
Free live countdown to see how many days are left until March 1st.
Go to ToolHow Many Months Until February
Free online calculator to find how many months are left until February from today.
Go to ToolHow Many Months Until October
Free online calculator to find how many months are left until October from today.
Go to ToolThe Road to Boylston: Your Ultimate Guide to the Boston Marathon
It is the Holy Grail of running. The oldest annual marathon in the world. For many runners, it is not just a race; it is a lifetime achievement.
If you are checking "How many days until the Boston Marathon?", you are likely deep in training, tapering for the big day, or tracking a loved one who is about to tackle Heartbreak Hill. Whether you are a qualifier, a charity runner, or a spectator, the energy of Marathon Monday is unlike anything else in sports.
Our Live Boston Marathon Countdown Tool above tracks the precise time until the starting gun fires in Hopkinton. But beyond the timer, this guide is your comprehensive resource. We will explore the history of the race, the grueling qualifying standards (BQ), the economics of the weekend, and the spirit of "Boston Strong."
When is the Boston Marathon 2026? (April 20, 2026)
Unlike most major marathons that are held on Sundays, Boston has a unique tradition. It is always held on Patriots' Day, a state holiday in Massachusetts commemorating the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War.
🗓️ The Third Monday of April
Since 1969, the holiday has been officially observed on the third Monday of April.
This means the race date shifts every year, usually landing between April 15th and April 21st. The timing coincides with the start of spring in New England, meaning weather can be unpredictable—ranging from freezing rain to scorching heat (like the infamous 2012 race).
Our tool automatically calculates the correct Monday for future years, so you can plan your training cycle perfectly.
Why is Boston So Special?
The Boston Marathon isn't just another 26.2-mile run. Its history sets it apart.
The Oldest: Inspired by the first modern Olympic marathon in 1896, the first Boston Marathon was run on April 19, 1897. Only 15 runners participated. Today, the field exceeds 30,000.
The Qualifier: Unlike New York or Chicago, which rely heavily on lotteries, Boston is primarily a qualification race. You have to earn your spot by running a certified marathon under a strict time standard based on your age and gender. This makes the "BQ" (Boston Qualifier) a badge of honor for amateur runners worldwide.
Women in Running: In 1967, Kathrine Switzer famously became the first woman to run with an official bib number, despite race officials trying to physically remove her from the course. Her courage paved the way for women's distance running globally.
The Economics of Marathon Monday
The influx of 30,000 runners and their families transforms the city of Boston. The economic impact is massive.
$200 Million+
Estimated annual boost to the Greater Boston economy during race weekend.
$40 Million
Raised for charity annually by runners who didn't time-qualify but fundraise instead.
500,000
Spectators line the 26.2-mile course, making it New England's most widely viewed sporting event.
Unicorn
The mythical symbol of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), representing the pursuit of excellence.
The Course: From Hopkinton to Boylston
The point-to-point course is legendary for its difficulty. It is a net downhill course, but do not let that fool you.
Cheering the Runners: Where to Watch
If you aren't running, you are likely watching. Here is how to be a pro spectator.
- Avoid the Finish Line: Unless you have grandstand tickets, Boylston Street is packed and hard to navigate.
- Cleveland Circle (Mile 21): A great spot to see runners after they have conquered the hills. It is accessible by the T (subway) and has a festive atmosphere.
- The Red Sox Game: Traditionally, the Boston Red Sox play a home game at Fenway Park starting at 11:00 AM. When the game ends, thousands of fans pour out to cheer the runners passing through Kenmore Square (Mile 25).
Frequently Asked Questions
Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston
Whether you are chasing a personal best or cheering for a stranger, the Boston Marathon is a celebration of human endurance. Use our Boston Marathon Countdown Timer to track the days until the world's greatest footrace returns.
Bookmark this page! Our timer automatically resets for next year's race as soon as the last runner crosses the line.