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4w ago

129th Boston Marathon Begins with Historic Tributes and Ideal Conditions

The world's oldest annual marathon honors the 250th anniversary of Patriots' Day and the 50th anniversary of its wheelchair division as elite competitors prepare to race.

Former Boston Bruins NHL player Zdeno Chara (center #3333) looks on before he crosses the finish line of the 128th Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Hopkinton, MA – April 16: An employee of Mission Turf Services works on painting the starting line for the 129th Boston Marathon. (Photo by Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The 129th Boston Marathon officially started at 6 a.m. EDT with a ceremonial military march by the Massachusetts National Guard, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
  • Elite wheelchair racers launched their events shortly after 9 a.m., followed by professional runners and staggered waves of amateur participants.
  • Defending champions Sisay Lemma, Hellen Obiri, Marcel Hug, and Eden Rainbow-Cooper are competing against a historically deep field of international contenders.
  • This year marks the 50th anniversary of the wheelchair division, with Bob Hall, its inaugural competitor, serving as grand marshal for the event.
  • Near-perfect weather conditions, with temperatures in the 50s and light winds, are expected to support strong performances along the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston.