Runners who cross the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon this spring will receive a newly redesigned medal marking a milestone year for the world’s oldest annual marathon.
The Boston Athletic Association unveiled the 2026 finisher medal on Wednesday, confirming that participants in this year’s race on April 20 will be awarded a commemorative design created to celebrate 130 years of racing in Boston.
The medal centers on the Boston Marathon’s iconic unicorn logo, set inside a circular outer ring. To the left of the unicorn’s mane appears the year, 2026. Around the outer edge are the words “130th Boston Marathon” and “Boston Athletic Association.”
On the back, the medal is stamped with the official race date: April 20, 2026.
A Golden Tribute to 130 Years
According to the B.A.A., the medal was made gold in color to recognize the 130th edition of the race, which began in 1897 and has become one of the most prestigious events in distance running.
The medal hangs from a blue and gold ribbon, also designed to commemorate the 130th running of the historic 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston’s Back Bay.
The medals are produced by Ashworth Awards, a company based in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, which has long partnered with the race.
The Boston Marathon remains one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors and routinely draws elite athletes and qualified runners from around the world. Tens of thousands of participants are expected to take part in the 2026 race, continuing a tradition that spans more than a century.
For many runners, the medal represents more than a finish line prize. It marks the end of months, and often years, of preparation to qualify for and complete one of the sport’s most storied races. In 2026, that medal will carry special significance as the event reaches its 130th running.
