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Boston Marathon prize money breakdown: How much do the winners make from 2026 purse?
TL;DR
The 2026 Boston Marathon will feature over 30,000 runners, with less than 100 vying for prize money from a seven-figure purse. The distribution of this prize money will reward top competitors significantly.
Key points
- Over 30,000 runners expected for the 2026 Boston Marathon
- Less than 100 runners will receive prize money
- Seven-figure prize money to be distributed among winners
Boston Marathon prize money breakdown: How much do the winners make from 2026 purse? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Over 30,000 runners are set to compete in the 2026 Boston Marathon, but less than 100 will receive prize money for their performances.
This year's marathon includes a seven-figure amount to be distributed among several winners and other competitors scattered around the Top 10.
But just how much is at stake for the world's most elite marathon competitors?
Here is a breakdown of how much total money is at stake, as well as how much competitors earn depending on their final results in 2026.
MORE: Boston Marathon route, more details on map for 2026 race
Boston Marathon 2026 purse
This year's total purse is a guarantee of $1.13 million, split among the top 10 finishers for men's and women's open and wheelchair divisions. There are also prizes for the masters division and para athletics divisions.
However, that's not the limit to the total purse, either, as there are incentives in place that can scale up the total winnings. For open and wheelchair racers, an extra $50,000 can be won if they set a course record. Para Athletics divisions also have a course record incentive, just a smaller amount at $500.
This means that, should every incentive be achieved, the total purse would be over 1.33 million.
Here is a breakdown of the prize earnings for this year's runners. Each division has both a men's and women's category, with the amount for each winner.
| Place | Open | Wheelchair (T53/54/34) | Wheelchair (T51-52) | Masters | Select Para Athletics |
| 1 | $150,000 | $50,000 | $1,500 | $5,000 | $3,000 |
| 2 | $75,000 | $30,000 | $750 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| 3 | $40,000 | $15,000 | $500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 4 | $25,000 | $10,000 | |||
| 5 | $18,000 | $8,000 |
How much does the Boston Marathon 2026 winner make?
The winners' prize money differs by the category of race. The professionals who race in the open category can win $150,000 for first, in both the men's and the women's categories. Wheelchair racers who classify as T53/54/34 can win up to $50,000 for first, with the numbers scaling down to the full Top 10.
Other categories, including for T51-52 wheelchair racers, masters, and select para athletes, also offer prize money to the winners, although these are a fraction of the pay day that the open winner receives.
MORE: A look back at 2025 Boston Marathon winners by division
Q&A
What is the total prize money for the 2026 Boston Marathon?
The total prize money for the 2026 Boston Marathon is a seven-figure amount, though the exact figure is not specified.
How many runners will receive prize money in the 2026 Boston Marathon?
Less than 100 runners will receive prize money in the 2026 Boston Marathon.
What is the prize money breakdown for the Boston Marathon winners?
The prize money breakdown for the Boston Marathon winners has not been detailed, but it will be distributed among several winners and competitors in the Top 10.
