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What time does the Boston Marathon start? Full schedule, TV channel, live stream to watch 2026 race
TL;DR
The Boston Marathon will feature over 30,000 runners covering a 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to Copley Square. The event is highly anticipated and takes place across seven cities.
Key points
- Boston Marathon features over 30,000 runners
- The race covers a 26.2-mile route
- Starts in Hopkinton and ends in Copley Square
- Event spans seven cities
Boston Marathon
What time does the Boston Marathon start? Full schedule, TV channel, live stream to watch 2026 race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Almost every weekend, there are stories of people completing marathons. It's an accomplishment nobody can take away from them. That’s how those who participate in the Boston Marathon, the most iconic and anticipated race, feel.
Spanning seven cities across the region, the Boston Marathon takes more than 30,000 runners on a 26.2-mile trail from Hopkinton to Copley Square.
This year celebrates the 130th running of the Boston Marathon. The vibes are hard to match, especially with tens of thousands of Bostonians cheering everyone on.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Boston Marathon, including the schedule and start time for the annual race.
What time does the Boston Marathon start?
- Date: Monday, April 20
- Time: 9:02 a.m. ET
The first start time for the 2026 Boston Marathon is at 9:02 a.m. ET, when the men's Wheelchair Division kicks off race day. See the start times for each division below.
Boston Marathon 2026 TV channel, live stream
The Boston Marathon will air nationally on ESPN2 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. Fans can live stream the broadcast on fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Expanded coverage is available from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+ via the ESPN app.
Boston Marathon 2026 schedule
| Division | Start time |
|---|---|
| Men's Wheelchair | 9:02 a.m. |
| Women's Wheelchair | 9:05 a.m. |
| Handcycles & Duos | 9:30 a.m. |
| Professional Men | 9:37 a.m. |
| Professional Women | 9:45 a.m. |
| Para Athletics Division | 9:50 a.m. |
| Rolling start begins | 10 a.m. |
Q&A
What time does the Boston Marathon start in 2026?
The exact start time for the 2026 Boston Marathon has not been specified yet.
How can I watch the Boston Marathon live in 2026?
You can watch the Boston Marathon live on TV and via streaming services, though specific channels will be announced closer to the event.
What is the route of the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon route spans 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Copley Square, passing through seven cities.
