Boston Marathon 2023

Running routeMarathonBoston, MA, USA

APR17MON

Boston Marathon 2023

9:00 am

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious marathon. Since John McDermott won the race in 1897, runners from all over the world have come to Boston to test themselves.

The race begins in the charming town of Hopkinton and descends gradually for the first four miles. The next 12 miles (19 km) are fairly flat with some memorable highlights like the Wellesley College “Scream Tunnel.” At mile 16 (25 km), the Newton Hills begin. The last of these hills, Heartbreak Hill, which falls between miles 20 and 21, is the toughest challenge on the course. In 1936, Johnny Kelly patted Ellison Brown on the back as he passed him on their way up Heartbreak. Brown came back to win, breaking Kelly’s heart in the process, and the name stuck.

After you summit Heartbreak Hill, it’s a gradual descent to the finish line. In the last mile, you’ll make the two most famous turns in the world of marathoning, right on Hereford, and left on Boylston. Then, it’s only a few hundred meters to the finish line in Copley Square. After crossing that line 55% of runners will upload their race to Strava. Join the community!

Details

Distance
26.21 mi
Elevation Gain
862 ft
Surface Type
Road

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The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious marathon. Since John McDermott won the race in 1897, runners from all over the world have come to Boston to test themselves.

The race begins in the charming town of Hopkinton and descends gradually for the first four miles. The next 12 miles (19 km) are fairly flat with some memorable highlights like the Wellesley College “Scream Tunnel.” At mile 16 (25 km), the Newton Hills begin. The last of these hills, Heartbreak Hill, which falls between miles 20 and 21, is the toughest challenge on the course. In 1936, Johnny Kelly patted Ellison Brown on the back as he passed him on their way up Heartbreak. Brown came back to win, breaking Kelly’s heart in the process, and the name stuck.

After you summit Heartbreak Hill, it’s a gradual descent to the finish line. In the last mile, you’ll make the two most famous turns in the world of marathoning, right on Hereford, and left on Boylston. Then, it’s only a few hundred meters to the finish line in Copley Square. After crossing that line 55% of runners will upload their race to Strava. Join the community!

Course Map and Elevation

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Frequently Asked Questions