Patriots’ Day tradition returns
The 130th running of the Boston Marathon took place on Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts holiday that annually transforms the route from Hopkinton to Boston into a 26.2-mile celebration of endurance and history. More than 30,000 participants lined up for this year’s race.
Conditions were favorable for runners, with temperatures around 50 degrees and a northwest wind between 5 and 15 mph. While the cool weather helped competitors, spectators faced chilly conditions along the course.
Expanded start waves and schedule
The wheelchair divisions kicked off the morning at 9:06 a.m., followed by professional runners beginning at 9:37 a.m. This year featured six start waves for non-professional runners, up from four in 2025. The first wave began at 10:00 a.m., with the final wave leaving at 11:21 a.m.
The total prize purse reached $1,284,500. Professional division winners earned $150,000, while wheelchair champions received $50,000. A $50,000 bonus was available for course records.
Elite champions shine
Switzerland’s Marcel Hug captured his ninth Boston Marathon title in the men’s wheelchair division, finishing in an unofficial 1:16:05. In the women’s wheelchair race, Eden Rainbow-Cooper secured her second Boston title with a time of 1:30:51.
In the professional men’s division, Kenya’s John Korir defended his title and set a new course record with an unofficial 2:01:52. Fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi repeated as women’s champion, winning in 2:18:51 after pulling away late in the race.
American runners placed fifth in both elite divisions. Jess McClain finished in 2:20:49, marking the best finish ever by an American woman in Boston. Zouhair Talbi placed fifth in the men’s race at 2:03:45.
Notable finishers and moments
Astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams, who returned to Earth last year after 286 days in space, completed the marathon in 5:52:49 as the 2026 Patriots’ Award recipient.
Chelsea Clinton crossed the finish line in 3:40:52, joining thousands of runners in the iconic race. Former NHL star Zdeno Chara and several other public figures also participated.
The final finisher of the day was Ruby Thomas, 64, who completed her first marathon at approximately 8:30 p.m. Cheered on by dozens despite partial teardown of the finish area, Thomas said she drew strength from memories of her late daughter, explaining, “I had to keep going.”
Course landmarks and community spirit
The historic route passes through eight communities, featuring well-known spots such as the Wellesley “scream tunnel”, Heartbreak Hill in Newton, Cleveland Circle, and Kenmore Square near the finish.
The race once again blended elite competition with deeply personal journeys, reinforcing why the Boston Marathon remains one of the world’s most celebrated road races.
