Boston Marathon
Boston, United States
The oldest annual marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon is defined by its strict qualifying standards and its iconic course from Hopkinton to Boylston Street — including the notorious Heartbreak Hill.
Race profile
Date
Third Monday in April (Patriots' Day)
Course type
Point-to-point
Elevation
Net downhill with hills
Established
1897
Typical race-day weather
Unpredictable — can be cold, warm, or rainy
Warm conditions can significantly affect marathon performance. Use the Heat Adjusted Pace calculator to adjust your target pace on warmer race days.
How to enter
Qualification required
Qualification time required based on age and gender, or charity entry
Use the Race Time Predictor to check whether your current fitness puts you within reach of a qualifying time.
Pace planning for Boston Marathon
Tools to help you race smart
Race Time Predictor
Estimate your marathon finish time
Pace Calculator
Convert pace, speed, distance and time
Pace Band Generator
Print a split-by-split pace band
Negative Split Calculator
Plan a faster second half
GAP Calculator
Adjust effort for hills
Heat Adjusted Pace
Correct target pace for warm conditions
Boston Marathon — common questions
Is the Boston Marathon a fast course?
The Boston Marathon is net downhill with hills — it is a point-to-point course. Typical race-day temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C. Unpredictable — can be cold, warm, or rainy.
When is the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon is typically held in April. The usual date is the Third Monday in April (Patriots' Day).
How do I enter the Boston Marathon?
Qualification time required based on age and gender, or charity entry
How do I pace myself at the Boston Marathon?
Use the RunReps Race Time Predictor to estimate your finish time based on a recent race result, then the Pace Band Generator to create split-by-kilometre targets. Given the hilly profile, the Hill Grade Adjusted Pace calculator helps you plan by effort rather than pace on the climbs.