Boston Marathon Betting Odds and Event Info
Date: 2027.04.19
Contest: Marathon
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
The Boston Marathon is one of the world's oldest and most iconic marathons. The Boston Marathon has traditionally been held on Patriots' Day (the third Monday of April).
Patriots' DayPatriots' Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts. Since Patriots' Day falls on the third Monday of April, the local residents of the area also refer to the day as Marathon Monday.
History
The marathon was part of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. Following the great success of the marathon in the Olympic Games, the idea of the Boston Marathon was conceptualized and conceived. The inaugural event was held in 1897, with John J. McDermott winning the race.
The event has a long annual tradition, although its format has occasionally changed. A military relay replaced the individual race in 1918. The 2020 mass-participation race was canceled because of the pandemic and replaced by a virtual event, while the 2021 race took place in October.
BAA
The Boston Marathon is organized by the Boston Athletic Association, which has overseen and managed the competition since 1897. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and is ranked among the world's top road racing events.
Tens of thousands of amateur and professional athletes participate in the competition each year. On average, the competition has attracted more than 500,000 spectators each year, making it one of America's most attended sporting events.
2026 Winners
John Korir of Kenya won the men's race in 2:01:52, retaining his title and setting a new course record. Sharon Lokedi, also of Kenya, successfully defended the women's title with a time of 2:18:51.
Men's Results
- 1st: John Korir, Kenya - 2:01:52.
- 2nd: Alphonce Felix Simbu, Tanzania - 2:02:47.
- 3rd: Benson Kipruto, Kenya - 2:02:50.
Women's Results
- 1st: Sharon Lokedi, Kenya - 2:18:51.
- 2nd: Loice Chemnung, Kenya - 2:19:35.
- 3rd: Mary Ngugi-Cooper, Kenya - 2:20:07.
In the wheelchair races, Marcel Hug of Switzerland won the men's title in 1:16:06, while Britain's Eden Rainbow-Cooper won the women's title in 1:30:51.
Route of the Boston Marathon
The marathon runs from Hopkinton to Copley Square. The course passes through eight cities and towns: Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston.
The total distance is 42.195 km, or 26 miles and 385 yards. The finish is on Boylston Street, following the familiar right turn onto Hereford Street and left turn onto Boylston.
Although the course loses elevation overall, the Newton hills make the second half demanding. Heartbreak Hill, near the 21-mile mark, is its most famous climb. Weather conditions can also have a major effect on the race.
Qualification
To be eligible for Boston Marathon participation, athletes must be aged 18 or more on race day. Runners applying through the qualifying process must record an accepted time at a certified full marathon during the designated qualifying window. Standards vary by age and gender division.
For 2027, the qualifying standard for runners aged 18-34 is 2:55:00 for men and 3:25:00 for women and non-binary athletes. Meeting the standard does not guarantee entry, as demand can require applicants to run faster than their age-group standard.
New for 2027, the Boston Qualifier Selection adds a random drawing for approximately 1,000 applicants who meet their qualifying standard but miss the acceptance cutoff. This is separate from the initial selection of the fastest qualifiers.
The 2027 qualifying process also introduces adjustments for steep downhill courses. Five minutes are added to times from courses with a net drop of 1,500-2,999 feet, and ten minutes for a net drop of 3,000-5,999 feet. Courses dropping 6,000 feet or more are ineligible.
Charity entries are available through a separate application process.
Records
Boston course records are separate from official marathon world records. The course's net downhill elevation and the separation between its start and finish make performances ineligible for world-record ratification.
Men's Record - John Korir
John Korir holds the men's Boston Marathon course record with his winning time of 2:01:52 in 2026. He improved Geoffrey Mutai's 2011 record of 2:03:02 by one minute and ten seconds.
Women's Record - Sharon Lokedi
In the women's category, Sharon Lokedi is the fastest runner at the Boston Marathon. She finished the marathon at 2:17:22 in 2025.
Prize Money
In 2026, the men's and women's open division winners each received $150,000. A $50,000 course-record bonus brought John Korir's total to $200,000.
Boston Marathon Betting
Where offered, betting markets may include the men's and women's race winners, finishing positions and head-to-head matchups. Availability varies by bookmaker.
Recent form, previous Boston performances, experience on hilly courses and the weather forecast are useful factors when assessing the field.
The 2027 Boston Marathon
The 131st Boston Marathon is scheduled for Monday, April 19, 2027, on Patriots' Day.
Qualifier registration took place from September 14 to 18, 2026, and is now closed. The professional fields and race-day start schedule have not yet been announced.
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