How Long Is the Boston Marathon? Expert Race Guide and Tips
By Marnie Kunz
If you’re wondering how long is the Boston Marathon and other questions, this guide will go over everything you need to know about the iconic race. Whether you’re running Boston or watching the big race, you’ll find the best insider tips to fully experience race day with as few hiccups as possible. For this article, veteran Boston marathoners Erica Agran and NYC running Coach Mariel Feigen weigh in with their best advice based on experience.
How Long Is the Boston Marathon? FAQs
Here are the stats to answer all your Boston questions:
How long is the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon is a standard marathon distance, which is 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers.
When is the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon occurs on the third Monday in April every year.
Where does the Boston Marathon begin and end?
The race begins in the town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, which is southwest of Boston. The Boston Marathon finishes in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston on Boylston Street, across from the Boston Public Library and Old South Church in Copley Square.
What makes the Boston Marathon special?
The Boston Marathon, hosted by the Boston Athletic Association, has taken place in Boston for over 100 years and is the world’s oldest marathon. The race is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, and is one of the six World Majors, along with the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon.
Boston Marathon Tips for Runners
Here are tips from the pros on how to make running the Boston Marathon an unforgettable experience:
Pre-Race Prep
Plan well and expect a lot of waiting before the Boston Marathon. Don’t get caught up in the excitement and commit to too many events before the big day.
“Don't try to do everything that weekend,” Erica says. “The race is on Monday so there are even more pre-race events and meetups. You want to keep your legs and mind fresh for the race.”
Pack Enough Fuel and Prepare to Wait
Also pack plenty of fuel to avoid running out, as you may be waiting for hours to start. “The race starts at 10 but if you're in Wave 2, 3, or 4, it's later, so adjust fueling/caffeine intake appropriately,” Erica says. “The race used to start at noon and I bonked one year because I didn't eat enough pre-race and ran out of fuel!”
In addition, practice the logistics of getting where you need to go for the race, Erica advises. Allow extra time to get to the start and plan for a lot of time waiting. Make sure you pack everything you need for the race and pre-race, including fuel, layers, snacks, food, and race clothing.
“Prepare for the race morning commute and long wait time before starting the race - Boston is a BIG marathon,” says Coach Mariel. “You will be getting on a bus at the finish line and driven 26.2 miles to the start! You will wait in line to get on the bus, you will wait in lines of buses, you will get to the start area and wait until your start time. There is LOTS of waiting - plan your pre-race layers, breakfast and snacks, and bathroom routines accordingly.”
Dress for the Weather
Stay tuned in to the weather forecast and be prepared for any weather by wearing layers and packing different clothing options, Erica says. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen.
“IF it is sunny, wear sunscreen, wear a hat, wear sunglasses!” Coach Mariel advises. “The Boston Marathon route turns less than five times throughout 26.2 miles, which means lots of time spent with the beaming sun shining on the same parts/side of your body.”
Tips for Running Boston
Take it easy at the start. “The first 5 miles are downhill,” Erica says. “It's also pretty exciting to be there so it's easy to go too fast and blow out your quads. Pace yourself and let others pass you.”
Prepare for the hills. “Know the course and visualize the ups and downs (there are a lot of them),” Erica says. “Think of the uphills and a good way to use all of your muscles and change your stride.” Check out our Tips to Visualize Running Success for help with visualizing.
Tread carefully on the tracks. “Pick up your feet when crossing the train/trolley tracks,” says Coach Mariel. “This advice was given to me for my first Boston Marathon and I have watched countless runners trip or stumble over the years. When your legs are tired, stepping over a train track or curb can feel impossible, so watch your feet!”
Don’t trust the Citgo sign. “Another piece of advice passed down to me from another coach for my first Boston Marathon is don't trust the Citgo sign,” says Coach Mariel. “Many people will tell you that the Citgo sign indicates you only have about 1 mile to go to the finish line, but you can see that big sign from much further away than 1 mile.”
Enjoy the experience! “My personal philosophy is that Boston is the ‘victory lap.’ Enjoy every moment - you made it to Boston! High-five the people, kiss the girls, read the signs, and be proud of yourself!” Erica encourages.
Post-Race Recovery
After the excitement of running the Boston Marathon, make sure to get changed into dry clothes as soon as possible and eat a nutritious snack to hold you over until you can eat a full meal. Make sure to walk, stretch, and take some recovery time to help your muscles decompress. Check out our 10 Best Marathon Recovery Tips for more ways to speed up your marathon recovery.
If you’d like to train for a marathon or other race, check out the Runstreet Training Center to get your own customized training plan to crush your next race. To get more insights and tips from Erica, follow her running journey at Erica Finds, and for running coaching, check out Coach Mariel on CoachUp.
Have you run the Boston Marathon? Tag @Runstreet on Instagram in your training and racing posts to get cheered on. Happy running to you, and have an amazing race!
Related Posts: Marathon Training Guide for All Levels
Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, Brooklyn resident, Akita mom, and the founder of Runstreet.
