Boston Marathon Weekend 2026
April 14–20 · Events, Pop-Ups, Shakeouts & More
Boston turns into a runner's paradise every April, and the 2026 Boston Marathon weekend is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying yet. With nearly every major running brand activating through pop-up stores, shakeout runs, cheer zones, panels, and parties, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the options.
That's why we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you plan your weekend, thanks to the help of Marathon Weekend — whether you're racing, spectating, or just soaking in the energy. From elite athlete meetups to community shakeouts, here's everything happening in Boston from Tuesday, April 14 through Marathon Monday, April 20.
Marathon Handbook Events in Boston
If you're travelling to Boston for race week, come and hang with us! Here's everything the Marathon Handbook crew has planned:
Live MH Podcast at Boston Fan Fest — Friday, April 17 at 6:30 PM
Kick off race weekend with us on Friday evening! Marathon Handbook is recording a live podcast episode at the Boston Fan Fest, presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods, right in City Hall Plaza. Come say hi, catch some great running chat, and soak up the pre-race atmosphere. Free to attend — no ticket required.
MILE ZERO Live Show (SOLD OUT) — Saturday, April 18 at 6:00 PM
The entire Marathon Handbook crew will host an intimate live show at Trident Booksellers + Cafe, 338 Newbury Street. MILE ZERO is an evening of storytelling, running talk, and special guests. Unfortunately, this one is sold out — keep an eye on our social channels for other details and events.
The Low-key Shakeout Run — Sunday, April 19 at 10:00 AM
Intentionally informal! Join the Marathon Handbook crew for an easy pre-race shakeout run from the finish line on Boylston Street. Whether you run 5K or 10K is entirely up to you — all that matters is showing up. Afterwards, we'll hang around for coffee and a casual meet-up with the crew.
- Meeting point: Boston Marathon Finish Line, Boylston Street
- Distance: 5K or 10K at easy pace — all abilities welcome
- Après-run: Informal hang and coffee with the Marathon Handbook crew
LIVE Boston Marathon Watchalong — Monday, April 20 from 9:00 AM
Join us on Marathon Monday for our live watchalong show — in person or stream along on YouTube. Hosted by Alex Cyr, Michael Doyle, and Katelyn Tocci, we'll be following the race live with commentary and special guests. Coffee and pastries provided for in-person guests at The Stacks private room upstairs at Trident Booksellers — just minutes from the finish line.
- In person: Trident Booksellers — The Stacks (upstairs), 338 Newbury St
- Online: Live on the Marathon Handbook YouTube channel from 9:00 AM ET
Official B.A.A. Events & Race Weekend Schedule
The 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America takes place on Monday, April 20, 2026, with a field of 30,000 athletes racing 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston. Alongside the race itself, the B.A.A. runs a full week of official events — here's what's on the calendar.
Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo
Friday April 17 – Sunday April 19 | Hynes Convention Center
The official race expo is open to participants and the public all weekend. Pick up your bib, explore the sponsor pavilion, and shop the largest collection of adidas Boston Marathon merchandise in the city. An expo speaker schedule is available on the B.A.A. website.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods
Friday April 17 – Sunday April 19 | City Hall Plaza
Fan Fest is the place to soak in race week atmosphere — live music, entertainment, photo-ops, and meet and greets. The Samuel Adams Run Pub is on-site serving a 26.2 Brew in the marathon-themed beer garden. This is also where you'll find the Marathon Handbook live podcast recording on Friday evening at 6:30 PM.
Boston Marathon Lights the Way presented by Bank of America
Thursday April 16 – Monday April 20 | Fairmont Copley Plaza
A free nightly light show illuminating the facade of the Fairmont Copley Plaza. For every emoji sent via the live interactive show, Bank of America donates $1 to participating charity programs. Hours: Thu–Sat 8–11 PM; Sun 8–10 PM; Mon 8–11 PM.
Boston 5K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
Saturday April 18 | 8:00 AM | Boylston Street Finish Line
Nearly 10,000 runners kick off the B.A.A. Distance Medley weekend with a 3.1-mile race through Back Bay, finishing at the iconic Boston Marathon finish line. A strong professional field features top American and international athletes.
B.A.A. Invitational Mile
Saturday April 18 | 11:00 AM | Boylston Street
Top professional milers race the mile distance alongside scholastic student-athletes from each of the eight cities and towns along the marathon route.
B.A.A. Youth Mile presented by Boston Children's Hospital
Saturday April 18 | 1:00 PM | Boylston Street
The inaugural B.A.A. Youth Mile is a free event open to ages 7–14, giving young runners the thrill of crossing the Boston Marathon finish line. No registration fee required.
130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America
Monday April 20 | Hopkinton to Boston
The world's oldest annually run marathon. 32,494 participants are entered, with 30,000 expected to start — representing 137 countries and all 50 U.S. states. The prize purse totals $1,484,500 across open, wheelchair, and para athletics divisions.
Start times (ET):
- 6:00 AM — Military March
- 9:06 AM — Wheelchair Men
- 9:09 AM — Wheelchair Women
- 9:30 AM — Handcycles & Duo Participants
- 9:37 AM — Professional Men
- 9:47 AM — Professional Women
- 9:50 AM — Para Athletics
- 10:00 AM — Wave 1
- 10:15 AM — Wave 2
- 10:28 AM — Wave 3
- 10:41 AM — Wave 4
- 11:01 AM — Wave 5
- 11:21 AM — Wave 6
Notable entrants this year include Des Linden (2018 Boston champion), Amby Burfoot (1968 champion), astronaut Suni Williams, former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, former U.S. soccer star Kristine Lilly, and Chelsea Clinton.
Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams
Monday April 20 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | City Hall Plaza
The official post-race celebration at City Hall Plaza — live music, refreshments, and the crowning of champions. Tickets are $10; media credential holders get in free.
Pop-Up Stores & Brand Hubs
Boston's iconic Boylston and Newbury Streets transform into a who's-who of running retail each April. In 2026, brands are setting up temporary flagship experiences mixing retail, social hubs, and race-week HQs. Here's where to find them:
| Brand / Venue | Address | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Tracksmith Trackhouse | 285 Newbury St | Apr 15–21 |
| Brooks Hyperion House | 400 Newbury St | Apr 16–20 |
| Adidas x Heartbreak "Hyper Hub" | 298 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge | Apr 16–21 |
| Nike x Heartbreak South End | 652a Tremont St | Apr 16–20 |
| PYNRS "The Home Run" at CNCPTS | 18 Newbury St | Apr 14–20 |
| rabbit Pop-Up Shop | 301 Newbury St | Apr 17–21 |
| HOKA Light House | 141B Newbury St | Apr 18–19 |
| Runna Race Hub | 583 Boylston St | Apr 17–21 |
| Rec Room (Running Supply x R.A.D) | 334 Newbury St | Apr 16–20 |
Tracksmith Trackhouse — 285 Newbury Street (Apr 15–21)
Tracksmith's Trackhouse turns into a marathon-week hub with the exclusive Boston '26 Collection on the racks, plus Heirloom Hoodie embroidery and finisher-poster stamping on-site. Hours: Wed–Sun 10am–6pm; Mon 12pm–6pm; Tue 8am–6pm. Pro tip: customization stations draw lines — arrive early.
- Wed Apr 15, 6 PM: Final Tune-Up run
- Fri Apr 17, 6:30 PM: Community Kick-Off Party (drinks, music, merch)
- Sat Apr 18, 9 AM: Saturday Shakeout
- Sat Apr 18, 9:30 AM: Stamata Shakeout, Screening + Panel at The Newbury Boston (RSVP required)
- Sun Apr 19, 8:30 AM: Pre-Race Shakeout
- Mon Apr 20, 12 PM: Marathon After Party + Finishers' Poster Stamping
Brooks Hyperion House — 400 Newbury Street (Apr 16–20)
Brooks' marathon-week home base offers rotating brand experiences, complimentary drinks, and exclusive giveaways — plus a packed schedule of community programming including shakeout runs with pro athletes, panels, a live podcast taping, and a post-race celebration with bib gold foiling and finisher tattoos. No RSVP needed for open hours. Hours: Thu 1–5 PM; Fri 10 AM–4 PM; Sat–Sun 10 AM–5 PM; Mon 12–6 PM.
- Fri Apr 17, 8 AM: Brooks Run Club Shakeout with Brooks Athletes
- Fri Apr 17, 4 PM: Panel: RUNHER (register online)
- Fri Apr 17, 6 PM: PYNRS: Spin the Block urban race
- Sat Apr 18, 8 AM: Brooks Run Club x Citius Mag Shakeout Run
- Sat Apr 18, 6 PM: Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara — Live! (Berklee Performance Center)
- Sun Apr 19, 9 AM: Brooks Run Club Shakeout with Des, Kara + Brooks Athletes
- Mon Apr 20, 6 AM: Brooks Mile 0: Shine Under Pressure
- Mon Apr 20, 12 PM: Brooks Mile 27: Celebration at the Hyperion House
Adidas x Heartbreak "Hyper Heartbreak" — 298 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (Apr 16–21)
Heartbreak Cambridge turns into a marathon-weekend "Hyper Hub" celebrating the adidas Hyperboost Edge. Hosted by Heartbreak leaders Fidelis Teixeira and Devin Miller, the weekend blends community and sport: a BAA 5K afterparty with global run leaders, a Boston-based film premiere, and an all-star shakeout. The Saturday morning BAA 5K brings thousands of runners to Boylston Street — the afterparty here is the place to be.
- Sat Apr 18, 9 AM: Heartbreak & adidas 5K Afterparty
- Sat Apr 18, 7 PM: Movie Premiere — Boston, You Earned It
- Sun Apr 19, 10 AM: Official adidas Hyperboost Boston 2026 Shakeout (852 Boylston St, with Believe in the Run)
Nike x Heartbreak South End — 652a Tremont Street (Apr 16–20)
Heartbreak and Nike Running roll out a full week of events under the theme "purpose doesn't need permission" — community meetups, marquee moments, and a shakeout run featuring Nike global legends alongside current stars.
- Thu Apr 16, 6:30 PM: Heartbreak Locals Night
- Fri Apr 17, 6:30 PM: Heartbreak Honors
- Sun Apr 19, 8:30 AM: Heartbreak Shakeout Run (with Nike global legends)
- Mon Apr 20, 10 AM: Heartbreak Cheer Zone (on-course)
- Mon Apr 20, 6 PM: Heartbreak Afterparty at Carrie Nation Cocktail Club
PYNRS "The Home Run" at CNCPTS — 18 Newbury Street (Apr 14–20)
PYNRS sets up a marathon-week "clubhouse" inside CNCPTS — a come-and-go hub with rotating activations from partners including Kane, Brooks, Suunto, Kickback Boston, Pioneers Run Crew, and Trail Blazers Run Co. More community energy than single-day event.
- Tue Apr 14, 6:30 PM: Run Crew Night
- Fri Apr 17, 6 PM: Spin The Block — urban race (co-hosted with Brooks)
- Sun Apr 19, 10 AM: The Interlude — recovery hangout
- Mon Apr 20, 8 PM: Medals & Marathon After Party (253 Tremont St)
rabbit Boston 2026 Pop-Up — 301 Newbury Street (Apr 17–21)
rabbit's Newbury Street pop-up is an all-day hang: shop the Boston Race Kit, browse the exclusive rabbit x Zach Litoff collection, and get an EZ Tee screen-printed on-site. Friday night brings a welcome reception (6–7:30 PM) with drinks, bites, and a chance to meet Litoff. Saturday and Sunday morning shakeouts with rotating partners — goodr + Yerba Madre on Saturday, HydraPak + Hyperice on Sunday. Hours: Fri 9 AM–5 PM; Sat–Sun 9 AM–6 PM; Mon 1–6 PM; Tue 8 AM–12 PM.
- First 75 at Saturday's shakeout get goodr sunglasses; first 50 Sunday get a custom rabbit x HydraPak bottle
HOKA Light House — 141B Newbury Street (Apr 18–19)
HOKA's two-day pop-up spotlights the brand-new Cielo X1 3.0 — their lightest super shoe to date. Think recovery lounge more than retail stop, with a shakeout run and space to refuel and reconnect. All runners welcome. Hours: Sat Apr 18, 10 AM–4 PM; Sun Apr 19, 9 AM–3 PM. Free RSVP online.
Runna Race Hub — 583 Boylston Street (Apr 17–21)
Runna's free, drop-in home base for race week features race kit customization, the Runna Apparel & Boston Collection, a recovery zone, fuel bar, and Runna race support throughout opening hours. Scheduled events include shakeout runs, a happy hour with product insights, and a Boston course preview with athletes Kayla Jeter and Anya Culling. Hours: Fri 10 AM–4 PM; Sat–Sun 10 AM–5 PM; Mon closed; Tue 9 AM–5 PM. Everything is free.
Rec Room — 334 Newbury Street (Apr 16–20)
A marathon boutique from Running Supply and R.A.D bringing brands you'd normally only find online into a physical space. Try on apparel, accessories, belts, and more in person.
Shakeout Runs & Community Events
Whether you're running the day before a race or just logging social miles, Boston race week is packed with options. Sunday morning is peak shakeout time — nearly every brand runs simultaneously along the Newbury/Boylston corridor. Arrive early for giveaways.
Wednesday, April 15
- 6:00 PM — Final Tune-Up: Tracksmith Trackhouse, 285 Newbury St
Thursday, April 16
- 6:30 PM — Heartbreak Locals Night: Nike x Heartbreak, 652a Tremont St
Friday, April 17
- 8:00 AM — Brooks Run Club Shakeout with Athletes: Brooks Hyperion House, 400 Newbury St
- 6:00 PM — Spin The Block (urban race): Lyrik / Brooks Hyperion House — PYNRS x Brooks x Kickback Boston
- 6:30 PM — Tracksmith Community Kick-Off Party: Trackhouse, 285 Newbury St
- 6:30 PM — Heartbreak Honors: Nike x Heartbreak, 652a Tremont St
Saturday, April 18
- 8:00 AM — Brooks Run Club x Citius Mag Shakeout: Brooks Hyperion House, 400 Newbury St
- 9:00 AM — Tracksmith Saturday Shakeout: Trackhouse, 285 Newbury St
- 9:00 AM — Heartbreak & adidas 5K Afterparty: Heartbreak Cambridge, 298 Massachusetts Ave
- 9:30 AM — Stamata Shakeout, Screening + Panel: The Newbury Boston, 3 Newbury St (RSVP required — limited capacity)
- 9:30 AM — rabbit x Litoff x goodr x Yerba Madre Shakeout: rabbit Pop-Up, 301 Newbury St
- 10:00 AM — Runna's Weekend Warmup 5K: Runna Hub, 583 Boylston St
- 11:00 AM — UYN x Forte Boston Marathon Shakeout: 173 Newbury St
- 5:00 PM — RIVS Run Club x Marathon Sports Shake-Out: 939 Boylston St
- 6:00 PM — Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara — Live!: Berklee Performance Center (Brooks)
- 7:00 PM — Movie Premiere: Boston, You Earned It: Heartbreak Cambridge (Adidas)
Sunday, April 19 — Pre-Race Shakeout Day
The big one. Pack comfortable post-run clothes — you'll want to hop between events along the strip.
- 8:15 AM — CrackedBell Hopkinton to Boston Sunday Shakeout: Boston Common
- 8:30 AM — Tracksmith Pre-Race Shakeout: Trackhouse, 285 Newbury St
- 8:30 AM — Heartbreak Shakeout Run: Nike x Heartbreak, 652a Tremont St (with Nike global legends)
- 9:00 AM — Brooks Run Club Shakeout with Des, Kara + Brooks Athletes: 400 Newbury St
- 9:00 AM — Team Abbott & Endorphins Boston Shakeout: Parkman Bandstand
- 9:00 AM — rabbit x Litoff x HydraPak x Hyperice Shakeout: 301 Newbury St (giveaways for first 50)
- 9:00 AM — Runna Boston Shakeout Run: 583 Boylston St
- 10:00 AM — Marathon Handbook Low-key Shakeout: Boston Marathon Finish Line, Boylston St — 5K or 10K, all paces welcome
- 10:00 AM — Official adidas Hyperboost Boston 2026 Shakeout: 852 Boylston St (with Heartbreak Run + Believe in the Run)
- 10:00 AM — Cooldown's Boston Marathon Shakeout: with Altra, Garmin, SaltStick, Feetures & more
Panels, Talks & Special Events
- Fri Apr 17, 4 PM — Panel: RUNHER — Brooks Hyperion House, 400 Newbury St. Register online.
- Sat Apr 18, 9:30 AM — Stamata Shakeout, Screening + Panel (Chasing 2:37) — The Newbury Boston, 3 Newbury St (Tracksmith). Panel with Stephanie Bruce, Elizabeth Chikotas, Maria Luevano-Salazar, and Katy Presley. RSVP required — limited seats.
- Sat Apr 18, 6 PM — Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara — Live! — Berklee Performance Center. Desirée Linden and Kara Goucher live podcast taping hosted by Brooks.
- Sat Apr 18, 7 PM — Movie Premiere: Boston, You Earned It — Heartbreak Cambridge. A Boston-based running film premiere hosted by Adidas x Heartbreak.
- Sun Apr 19, 4 PM — Boston Course Preview — Runna Hub, 583 Boylston St. With Runna athletes Kayla Jeter and Anya Culling.
Marathon Monday, April 20
On race day itself, there's plenty happening beyond the start line. Find the best spots to watch the Boston Marathon live — or join us for the watchalong. Here's the full race-day schedule:
- 6:00 AM — Brooks Mile 0: Shine Under Pressure — Race-morning send-off event
- 9:00 AM — MH Boston Marathon Watchalong — Trident Booksellers, 338 Newbury St (in person) + YouTube stream
- 10:00 AM — Heartbreak Cheer Zone — Nike x Heartbreak, 652a Tremont St
- 10:00 AM — Brooks Cheer Station at Wellesley — Mile 14 — At Marathon Sports
- 12:00 PM — Tracksmith Marathon After Party — Trackhouse, 285 Newbury St (free drinks, posters, hoodie embroidery)
- 12:00 PM — Brooks Mile 27: Celebration at the Hyperion House — 400 Newbury St (bib foiling, finisher tattoos, food & drinks)
- 6:00 PM — Heartbreak Afterparty — Carrie Nation Cocktail Club (Nike x Heartbreak)
- 8:00 PM — Medals & Marathon After Party — 253 Tremont St (PYNRS, Pioneers Run Crew, Trail Blazhers, CNCPTS)
Tips for Navigating Race Weekend
With so much happening across the city, a little planning goes a long way. Before you travel, check out our pre-race checklist and marathon race day checklist to make sure you've got everything covered. And if you're racing on Monday, be sure to read our guide on how to run the Boston Marathon course — the hills in Newton are humbling.
- Sunday morning is peak shakeout time — plan your route along Newbury/Boylston and hit multiple stops
- For events requiring RSVPs (Stamata, Brooks panels, rabbit runs), register early — capacity is limited
- Most pop-up shops open Thursday–Friday so you can browse without the weekend crowds
- Bring a tote bag — free giveaways are plentiful at early shakeout arrivals
- The HOKA Light House and Runna Hub both have recovery amenities — great pitstops between events
- Note that the Adidas/Heartbreak Cambridge hub is at 298 Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge, not on Newbury St — budget extra travel time
- For spectating the race itself, check our full spectator guide for the best viewing spots along the course
See you in Boston!
