BOSTON — Boston Marathon weekend will get off to a fast start on Saturday, April 18th, as more than 10,000 runners are expected to take part in the Boston 5K and B.A.A. Invitational Mile, bringing together defending champions, Olympians, Paralympians and world-class talent for a full day of racing through Back Bay.
The Boston 5K begins at 8:00 a.m. near Boston Common and finishes on Boylston Street at the iconic Boston Marathon finish line, setting the tone for one of the most anticipated weekends in road racing. At the front of the field, elite competitors from around the world will headline a deep and competitive lineup.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Gela Hambese returns after capturing the 2025 title in 14:53, nearly breaking the event record. She will face a strong international field that includes Melknat Wudu, Medina Eisa, Norah Jeruto and Daisy Jepkemei. American standout Taylor Roe, who finished third overall and was the top American in 2025, also returns alongside Katie Izzo, Emily Venters and Olympian Rachel Smith. Local attention will center on Wellesley native Maggie Donahue, who now competes professionally for the B.A.A. High Performance Team.
The men’s race will feature past champions Cooper Teare and Morgan Beadlescomb, both aiming to reclaim the title, along with a competitive field that includes Edwin Kurgat, Dan Michalski, Patrick Kiprop and Sean McGorty. Among the fastest entrants are Ethiopia’s Addisu Yihune and Mezgebu Sime, both of whom have run under 12:50 in the 5,000 meters. Athletes from the B.A.A. High Performance Team, including James Mwaura and Eric van der Els, will also compete.
The Para Athletics division will once again showcase elite talent, with eight-time Boston Marathon champion Marcel Hug set to compete against American Daniel Romanchuk, who is seeking to complete a career grand slam in Boston events. In the women’s field, Eden Rainbow-Cooper looks to secure a third consecutive victory, while five-time Boston Marathon champion Tatyana McFadden adds further star power. Returning champions across multiple classifications will also take part, continuing the event’s strong representation of para athletes.
Later in the morning, the B.A.A. Invitational Mile will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Boston Marathon finish line, featuring a lineup of international and local stars. Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi, the 2025 champion and World Championships silver medalist, returns to defend her title and will be challenged by Peabody native and Olympian Heather MacLean, as well as two-time defending champion Krissy Gear.
The men’s mile will include the entire Atlanta Track Club team, fresh off setting a world record in the indoor 4×800 meters, along with standout miler Isaac Basten and Canadian contender Aaron Ahl. All 15 professional men entered have broken the four-minute mile barrier, setting up one of the deepest fields in event history.
Adding to the day’s excitement, student-athletes from communities along the Boston Marathon route will compete in a Scholastic Mile and Middle School 1K, while a new B.A.A. Youth Mile will extend the action into the afternoon. Nearly 1,000 young runners ages 7 to 14 will have the opportunity to race on Boylston Street and cross the historic finish line, promoting health, fitness and a love of running for the next generation.
Organized by the Boston Athletic Association, which was established in 1887, the events highlight the organization’s ongoing mission to promote healthy lifestyles through sport. The races serve as the official kickoff to the 130th Boston Marathon, scheduled for Monday, April 20th, 2026, and part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
