Running Races in Boston
Boston is sacred ground for distance runners. Home to the oldest annual marathon in the world, the city breathes running culture from the Charles River Esplanade to the Emerald Necklace parks. The Boston running community is tight knit, passionate, and serious about their craft. Race day in Boston is a state holiday, and the entire city turns out to cheer.
Best Months
April to June, September to October
State
Massachusetts
Top Race
Boston Marathon
Total Races
5+ featured
Major Races in Boston
Boston Marathon
MarathonThe one you qualify for. 30,000 runners. Heartbreak Hill. The finish on Boylston Street.
BAA Half Marathon
Half MarathonRun by the same organizers as the marathon. Fast, well organized, prestigious.
BAA 10K
10KSummer race through Back Bay and along the Charles River.
Run to Remember
Half MarathonMemorial run honoring fallen first responders. Emotional and beautiful.
BAA 5K
5KThe day before the marathon. Fast field, great energy.
Course Preview Video
Course Terrain
Rolling hills, especially on the marathon course from Hopkinton. City streets are well maintained. The Newton Hills will test your legs.
Point to Point Logistics From Hopkinton
Because Boston runs point to point from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, there is no way to drive to the start. The field takes official B.A.A. buses out along Route 135 in the morning, then waits at the Athletes Village on the Hopkinton High School grounds until their wave is called forward.
Entry runs mostly on a qualifying time system rather than a lottery, aside from official charity numbers, and the standards get adjusted from year to year based on demand. So many runners meet the published times that beating the standard by a comfortable margin is often the real bar for actually getting a bib.
Marathon Monday Traditions
The race falls on Patriots Day, a Massachusetts state holiday, which turns the entire Boylston Street finish into a public celebration. The Red Sox traditionally schedule an early home game at Fenway that lets out right around when the lead runners reach Kenmore Square, sending baseball fans straight into the marathon crowds.
The Wellesley College Scream Tunnel near the halfway point and the fire station at the base of Heartbreak Hill in Newton are two of the loudest, most photographed crowd zones on the course, both fixtures of the race for generations of Boston runners.
Race Day Tips for Boston
If you are running the marathon, do NOT try anything new on race day. Boston is not the place to experiment.
Take the T (subway) to race starts. Parking is extremely limited near most race venues.
April weather in Boston is unpredictable. Be ready for anything from 35F rain to 70F sun.
Spectators in Wellesley (the Scream Tunnel) will give you a massive energy boost at mile 13.
This page covers the 5 races in Boston we track closely, but there is always more happening on any given weekend. If none of these fit your schedule, search for a race anywhere in the country using registration platforms, club calendars, and local resources.
Sharpening your speed before race day matters as much as picking the right course. If your training block calls for measured intervals, find a running track near you in Boston for accurate splits away from traffic and stoplights.
Running Clubs in Boston
Boston Athletic Association
The organization behind the Boston Marathon and dozens of other races.
Heartbreakers Running Club
Inclusive running group with weekly runs from various Boston neighborhoods.
November Project Boston
The original NP chapter. Free workouts at Harvard Stadium every Wednesday.
The clubs above are a starting point, not the full picture. For more ways to connect with training partners in Boston or anywhere else, see our guide to finding a running club.
Turn Your Boston Runs Into a Game
Qualify for Boston, then claim the entire marathon route on Motera. From Hopkinton to Boylston, turn every training run into territory captured.
MoteraExplore Boston Running Routes
Looking for where to train between races? Check out our full running guide for Boston with top routes, terrain info, and local tips.
Running in Boston GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What are the Boston Marathon qualifying times?
Qualifying times vary by age and gender. For ages 18 to 34, the standard is 3:00:00 for men and 3:30:00 for women. Times get more generous with age. You typically need to beat the standard by 5+ minutes to actually get in due to high demand.
When is the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon is held on Patriots Day, the third Monday in April. It has been run annually since 1897, making it the oldest annual marathon in the world.
What is Heartbreak Hill?
Heartbreak Hill is the last of four hills on the Boston Marathon course, located between miles 20 and 21 in Newton. It is not the steepest hill but comes at the most brutal point in the race.
Are there races in Boston for beginners?
Yes. The BAA hosts a 5K the day before the marathon, and there are numerous community 5Ks throughout the year. The Charles River Running Path also hosts several beginner friendly events.
What is the best time of year to race in Boston?
Late September through mid October offers the best racing weather with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Spring races in April and May can be unpredictable.
