The 130th Boston Marathon: Patriots’ Day Race Draws Record Crowds and Elite Competition

The 130th Boston Marathon took place on Monday, April 15, 2024, as part of Patriots’ Day celebrations in Massachusetts. More than 30,000 runners from around the world lined up in Hopkinton to tackle the historic 26.2-mile course, marking one of the largest fields in the race’s storied history. The event, held annually on the third Monday in April, combines elite athletic competition with deep-rooted New England tradition, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators along the route from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square.

Organized by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), the marathon remains one of the world’s most prestigious road races and a qualifying event for the Olympic Games and other international competitions. This year’s race featured strong fields in both the men’s and women’s open divisions, as well as record participation in the para athletics and wheelchair divisions.

Elite Race Highlights: Evans and Obiri Claim Victory

In the men’s open division, Evans Chebet of Kenya successfully defended his title, winning in 2:06:51. Chebet, a two-time Boston Marathon champion (2022, 2023), pulled away from a competitive lead pack in the final miles over the notorious Newton hills, securing his third victory in the race. His win made him the first man since Lelisa Desisa (2013–2015) to win three Boston titles.

In the women’s open division, Hellen Obiri of Kenya captured her first Boston Marathon title in 2:22:37. Obiri, a two-time Olympic medalist and former world champion in the 5,000 meters, surged past defending champion Sharon Lokedi in the final kilometer to claim victory. Her win marked the first time a Kenyan woman had won the race since 2019.

Both winners received $150,000 for their victories, part of a total prize purse exceeding $800,000 distributed across elite, masters, and para divisions.

Historic Participation and Community Impact

The 2024 Boston Marathon saw over 30,000 official starters, with approximately 26,800 finishers recorded by the B.A.A. — one of the highest completion rates in recent years. Runners represented all 50 U.S. States and more than 120 countries, underscoring the race’s global appeal.

Beyond the elite field, the marathon continues to serve as a major platform for charitable fundraising. Official B.A.A. Charity runners raised over $20 million for hundreds of nonprofit organizations, continuing a tradition that has generated more than $400 million since the program’s inception in 1989.

Spectator turnout was estimated at over 500,000 along the course, with particularly large crowds gathering in Wellesley, Newton’s Heartbreak Hill, and along Boylston Street near the finish line. The race concluded under clear skies with temperatures in the mid-50s°F, ideal conditions for distance running.

Patriots’ Day: The Holiday Behind the Race

The Boston Marathon is traditionally held on Patriots’ Day, a state holiday in Massachusetts (and Maine) commemorating the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the opening engagements of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. Observed on the third Monday in April, the holiday features reenactments, parades, and civic ceremonies across the Commonwealth.

In 2024, Patriots’ Day fell on April 15, aligning the marathon with the holiday for the 57th consecutive year. The B.A.A. Has scheduled the race on Patriots’ Day since 1969, when the holiday was moved to a fixed Monday to create a three-day weekend.

The marathon’s association with Patriots’ Day has turn into a defining feature of the event, symbolizing perseverance, civic pride, and the enduring spirit of self-governance — values echoed in the athletic challenge of the 26.2-mile course.

Looking Ahead: Future of the Boston Marathon

With the 130th edition complete, the B.A.A. Has begun preparations for the 2025 race, scheduled for April 21, 2025. Organizers continue to emphasize accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity, including ongoing efforts to reduce the event’s environmental impact through waste reduction, carbon offsetting, and expanded public transit partnerships.

The Boston Marathon remains not only a test of athletic endurance but also a living tradition that connects sport, history, and community. As one of the six World Marathon Majors — alongside Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York — it continues to set the standard for excellence in long-distance running.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time did the 2024 Boston Marathon start?

The 2024 Boston Marathon began in waves, with the mobility impaired division starting at 6:40 a.m., followed by the wheelchair division at 7:00 a.m., and the elite women and handcycle divisions at 7:10 a.m. The elite men started at 7:25 a.m., with the first wave of general runners beginning at 8:00 a.m. All start times were in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

How do runners qualify for the Boston Marathon?

To qualify for the Boston Marathon, runners must meet age- and gender-specific time standards set by the B.A.A., typically achieved by completing a certified marathon within a specified window (usually 18–24 months prior to the race). Qualifying times are adjusted annually based on application volume, with faster times required when demand exceeds available spots. For the 2024 race, qualifying times ranged from 3:00:00 for men aged 18–34 to 4:55:00 for women aged 80 and over.

Is the Boston Marathon open to the public?

Yes, while entry is competitive and based on qualifying times or invitational spots (such as charity partners, international federations, or sponsor entries), the race is open to any runner who meets the B.A.A.’s eligibility criteria. Spectators are welcome along the entire course at no cost, with optimal viewing areas in Hopkinton, Wellesley, Newton, and downtown Boston.

Has the Boston Marathon ever been canceled?

The Boston Marathon was canceled only once in its history — in 2020 — due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It had been held annually since 1897, making it the world’s oldest annual marathon. In 2020, the B.A.A. Offered a virtual option and postponed the in-person race to October, which was later canceled due to public health concerns.

Where does the Boston Marathon start and finish?

The race starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, on Main Street near the town common, and finishes on Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, just steps from Copley Square and the Boston Public Library. The point-to-point course spans 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) and includes notable challenges such as the Wellesley “scream tunnel,” the Newton hills, and the final stretch along Beacon and Boylston Streets.