The 128th rendition of the Boston Marathon is set for Monday, anticipating the participation of 30,000 runners hailing from over 100 countries. This annual event, coinciding with Patriots’ Day, kicks off in Hopkinton and concludes at Copley Square, encompassing a challenging 26.2-mile route with 248 meters (almost 814 feet) of elevation gain. Despite its net downhill profile, the course’s undulations coupled with unpredictable weather render Boston Marathon one of the toughest among the world’s six major marathons.
This year marks the centennial milestone of the event shifting from Ashland to Hopkinton in 1924 to align with the new international distance standard of 26.2 miles. Additionally, it commemorates the 10th anniversary of Meb Keflezighi’s historic triumph in 2014, breaking a three-decade American drought following the tragic finish line bombing.
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For those eager to spectate, the action begins with the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions at 9:02 a.m. and 9:05 a.m. Eastern Time, respectively. Elite men and women commence their races at 9:37 a.m. and 9:47 a.m. ET, followed by the first wave of mass starters at 10:00 a.m. ET. Local coverage is provided by WCVB 5 starting from 4 a.m. ET, while ESPN2 airs the race nationally beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET. European viewers can tune in via Eurosport, while Australians can catch the action on FloSports.
The elite men’s competition features Kenyan Evans Chebet eyeing a rare hat-trick victory, aiming to replicate compatriot Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot’s feat from 16 years ago. Among his challengers are Ethiopian Sisay Lemma and Tanzanian Gabriel Geay. In the women’s race, Kenyan distance runner Hellen Obiri and former New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi are the ones to watch. Notable U.S. contenders include Sara Hall and Des Linden.
Beyond the elite fields, former Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi and ex-Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara add to the excitement. NFL star Rob Gronkowski serves as grand marshal, receiving the 2024 Patriots’ Award. The diverse pool of 30,000 entrants represents 129 countries and all 50 U.S. states, including 4,474 from Massachusetts. A total prize purse of $1,214,500 is up for grabs, with a $50,000 bonus for breaking the course record.
Weather conditions, always pivotal, appear favorable this year, with temperatures peaking at 63°F (17°C). The forecast includes morning cloud cover giving way to sunshine later in the day, with minimal rain and moderate winds expected throughout.
9:02 a.m. ET – Wheelchair Division – Men
9:05 a.m. ET – Wheelchair Division – Women
9:30 a.m. ET – Handcycle & Duo Participants
9:37 a.m. ET – Professional Men
9:47 a.m. ET – Professional Women
9:50 a.m. ET – Para Athletics Divisions
10:00 a.m. ET – Wave 1
10:25 a.m. ET – Wave 2
10:50 a.m. ET – Wave 3
11:15 a.m. ET – Wave 4
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