Essential Information for the Upcoming Boston Marathon
Get ready for the upcoming 128th edition of the Boston Marathon happening this Monday, where over 30,000 runners from across 100 countries are set to participate.
The Boston Marathon's 128th edition is happening on Monday, with around 30,000 runners from more than 100 countries getting ready to join the race.
Every year on Patriots' Day, the event kicks off in Hopkinton and wraps up at Copley Square, spanning a distance of 26.2 miles and featuring 248 meters (about 814 feet) of elevation gain.
Boston Marathon is considered one of the more challenging of the world’s six major marathons, despite being a net downhill course with often unforgiving weather.
Here’s some important information you should be aware of before this year’s race.
How to watch
The men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions get the Boston Marathon underway, setting off at 9:02 a.m. and 9:05 a.m. Eastern Time.
The elite men’s race starts at 9:37 a.m. ET, followed by the elite women’s race at 9:47 a.m. ET. The first wave of the mass start will begin at 10:00 a.m. ET. You can find a complete list of start times here.
For live local coverage of the race, tune in to WCVB 5 starting from 4 a.m. ET. If you prefer national coverage, ESPN2 will be airing the race with coverage starting at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Members of the 1000 Mile Club Larry Ford, center
Members of the 1000 Mile Club
Larry Ford, center
Jonath Mathew/San Quentin Marathon, LLC
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Viewers in Europe can follow on Eurosport and on FloSports in Australia. A full list of international broadcasters is available here.
Who is running?
In the elite men’s race, Kenyan Evans Chebet hopes to make history by winning the Boston Marathon for the third consecutive year. The last person to achieve this feat was fellow Kenyan Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, 16 years ago.
Chebet emerged victorious in last year’s race, beating out strong competition that included former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge.
This time, Kipchoge will not be participating. Instead, Chebet will be competing against Ethiopian Sisay Lemma, the fourth-fastest marathon runner of all time, and 2023 runner-up Gabriel Geay of Tanzania.
In the women's race, decorated Kenyan distance runner Hellen Obiri, who claimed victory in her first major marathon in Boston last year, leads the pack alongside former New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi.
US athletes Sara Hall and Des Linden are well-known figures in the running world. Sara Hall was the runner-up at the London Marathon in 2020, while Des Linden won the Boston Marathon in 2018. They will have lots of support from the home crowd.
Jasmin Paris completes the Barkley Marathons on Friday, March 29, 2024, in rural Tennessee.
Jasmin Paris completes the Barkley Marathons on Friday, March 29, 2024, in rural Tennessee.
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Outside of the elite fields, Meb Keflezighi, the last American man to win Boston after his victory in 2014, will likely attract lots of support. Also running Boston for the second time is former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara.
Four-time Super Bowl champion tight end Rob Gronkowski has been named the 2024 Patriots’ Award recipient and will serve as the grand marshal for the race. The award honors individuals, groups, or organizations for being patriotic, philanthropic, and inspirational while fostering goodwill and sportsmanship.
30,000 participants from 129 countries and all 50 US states will be taking part in the event, with 4,474 runners hailing from Massachusetts.
A total of $1,214,500 in prize money is up for grabs across the different divisions, along with a $50,000 bonus for any participant who breaks the course record.
What will the weather be like?
Conditions are always a crucial factor in Boston, particularly as runners battle up the famous Heartbreak Hill section around the 20-mile mark.
The weather forecast for this year's race is looking promising. We can expect a high of 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius), with clouds in the morning and sunshine in the afternoon.
Fortunately, the chances of rain are low, and we can anticipate moderate winds throughout the day.
CNN’s Elliana Hebert contributed to reporting.
Editor's P/S:
The upcoming 128th Boston Marathon promises an exhilarating spectacle, bringing together a global contingent of runners from over 100 countries. With the elite field featuring top marathoners such as Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri, the competition is poised to be intense, while former athletes like Meb Keflezighi and Zdeno Chara add an element of nostalgia. The race will also see the participation of legendary football player Rob Gronkowski, serving as the grand marshal and embodying the event's patriotic spirit.
Beyond the race itself, the Boston Marathon is renowned for its challenging course and unpredictable weather. However, this year's forecast is favorable, with moderate winds, sunshine, and low chances of rain. The race organizers have also implemented various safety measures, including medical tents, hydration stations, and security protocols. As the runners prepare to conquer the iconic 26.2-mile route, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be charged with excitement and anticipation, showcasing the resilience and determination of the participants.
