Boston Marathon 2026: Prize Money, Time and Where to Watch John Korir, Sharon Lokedi and Co

The world's oldest continuously run marathon, the Boston Marathon, is set to take place this Monday, April 20, kicking off a packed spring schedule for the world's elite long-distance runners, with the London Marathon following just one week later.

The historic 130th edition of the race will begin in the town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. From there, athletes will navigate the challenging course that winds its way to the iconic finish line on Boylston Street in downtown Boston.

In the men's elite field, Benson Kipruto of Kenya, the 2021 Boston champion and last year's New York Marathon winner, returns as a major contender.

He will face stiff competition from Tanzania's Alphonce Felix Simbu, the 2025 world champion, who is determined to improve upon his second-place finish from last year.

Defending champion John Korir will also be returning to defend his title after a victory last year. He followed in his brother Wesley Korir’s footsteps, clocking a stunning 2:04:45 as the duo made history as the only siblings to win the event.

The women's race features a strong Kenyan contingent. Alongside defending champion Sharon Lokedi, last year's fourth-place finisher Irine Cheptai and Vivian Cheruiyot are considered top contenders.

Cheruiyot, a four-time Olympic medallist on the track, has successfully transitioned to marathon running and will be one to watch.

The wheelchair divisions are expected to be dominated by Swiss athletes. Seven-time Paralympic champion Marcel Hug is aiming for an incredible fourth consecutive Boston title, which would be his ninth overall.

In the women's race, his compatriot Manuela Schär is the clear favourite for a fifth victory, especially with defending champion Susannah Scaroni not competing.

The Boston Marathon is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026. Viewers in the Boston area can tune into WCVB ABC for local coverage.

In Kenya, the race will be broadcast on ESPN. For audiences in the United Kingdom, TNT Sports and HBO Max will provide live coverage.

Men’s Wheelchair – 4:06 p.m. EAT

Women’s Wheelchair – 4:09 p.m. EAT

Handcycles & Duos – 4:30 p.m. EAT

Elite Men – 4:37 p.m. EAT

Elite Women – 4:47 p.m. EAT

Para Athletics Division – 4:50 p.m. EAT

Wave 1 – 5:00 p.m. EAT

Wave 2 – 5:25 p.m. EAT

Wave 3 – 5:50 p.m. EAT

Wave 4 – 6:15 p.m. EAT

Men’s and women’s elite races

1st place - $150,000

2nd place - $75,000

3rd place - $40,000

4th place - $25,000

5th place - $18,000

6th place - $13,500

7th place - $10,500

8th place - $8,500

9th place - $7,000

10th place - $5,500

Course record bonus - $50,000