Boston Marathon

Overview

Field size

~30,000 finishers

Course type

Point-to-point, net downhill but hilly

Cut-off time

6 hours (roads reopen progressively behind runners)

Start format

Wave and corral starts seeded by qualifying time

Course intelligence

Profile

Downhill first ~25 km (quad-shredding), Newton Hills from ~km 26–32, then downhill into the city

Key climb

Heartbreak Hill (~km 32) — the last of four Newton rollers

Surface

Asphalt roads, Hopkinton to Boylston Street

Registration

How to enter

A qualifying time at a certified marathon, or a charity bib

Qualification

Age- and gender-based BQ standards — and meeting the standard does not guarantee entry when oversubscribed; a cut-off below the standard is common

Registration opens

Qualifier registration window each September for the following April

Race weekend

Expo

John B. Hynes Convention Center — in-person bib pickup

Start logistics

Athletes' Village in Hopkinton, reached by official buses from Boston Common — expect a long wait before the start

Travel & logistics

Best airport

Boston Logan (BOS)

Getting around

The MBTA 'T' subway covers the city; the start requires the official buses from Boston Common

Where to stay

Back Bay, near the finish line and the expo

Runner tips

• Bank the early downhills gently — going out hard on the descents wrecks your quads before the Newton Hills.
• The bus transfer and Athletes' Village mean hours of waiting; bring warm throwaway layers and nutrition.
• Patriots' Day weather swings wildly year to year — check the forecast late and plan clothing accordingly.