The 130th Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 20, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1897 and remains the world’s oldest annual marathon. 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 ending on Boylston Street at Copley Square. More than 30,000 runners are expected to participate this year, representing more than 130 countries and all 50 US states. The event also relies on approximately 10,000 volunteers organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), with preparations already underway across the city, including the arrival of athletes at Logan Airport and final course setup. Marathons continue to be operated on a large scale beyond just running. Analysts estimate it will generate more than $509 million for the Greater Boston area, while 193 nonprofit organizations are included through the official charity program.Through the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, BAA offers invitation entries to selected non-profit organizations. These organizations use those entries to recruit runners who are committed to raising money for their respective causes.
Weather forecast points to stable, cool conditions
According to forecasts, including CBS weather reporting, conditions are expected to favor the runners for the 2026 race. Temperatures at the starting line in Hopkinton are expected to be in the low to mid 40s Fahrenheit (about 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 (about 10 °C to 13 °C), with the late morning and afternoon remaining in the mid to upper 40s Fahrenheit (about 8 °C to 9 °C). No significant rain or snowfall is expected.
The Boston Marathon 2026 expects cool 40-50°F temperatures, steady 10-25 mph winds and dry race conditions / Graphic: CBS Boston
Conditions are also expected to remain consistent throughout the course. Some years, runners face changing conditions close to Boston, but this time that pattern is not predictable.
Wind remains the main variable
Wind will be present throughout the race and north-westerly speeds are expected to be between 10 to 25 mph (about 16 to 40 km/h). The direction of the wind means that it will not blow directly against the runners but in the other direction. Officials are continuing to monitor its strength and direction as a frontal system passes through eastern Massachusetts Sunday night, which will determine final conditions.The marathon takes place along with other events throughout Boston. The Boston Red Sox are scheduled to host the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park at 11:10 a.m., leading to increased activity around the city on race day.
Final preparations before race day
Athletes have already begun arriving in Boston, with volunteers and organizers 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 the same organizing structure. Final weather conditions will be confirmed closer to race day, but current forecasts indicate stable and cool conditions across the course.