What famous marathon was scheduled to be held in Boston, U.S., on April 20, 2026?

The famous marathon scheduled to be held in Boston, U.S., on April 20, 2026, is the Boston Marathon. This iconic race is traditionally held on Patriots' Day, a holiday observed in Massachusetts and Maine on the third Monday of April, commemorating the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which marked the start of the American Revolutionary War. The Boston Marathon holds the distinction of being the world's oldest annual marathon, with its inaugural running taking place in 1897.

The inspiration for the Boston Marathon came from the success of the first marathon competition at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens. Initially, the race was called the American Marathon and covered a distance of 24.5 miles. Over the years, the course was adjusted to the now-standard marathon length of 26.2 miles, and the starting line was moved to Hopkinton, Massachusetts, with the finish on Boylston Street in Boston. Women were officially allowed to enter the event starting in 1972, though Roberta Gibb famously ran the course unofficially in 1966.

Today, the Boston Marathon remains one of the world's most prestigious road racing events, attracting more than 30,000 entrants from nearly 130 countries and all 50 states. It is known for its challenging course, including the infamous "Heartbreak Hill," and for its rigorous qualifying standards, which require runners to achieve specific finish times in a previous marathon to even apply for entry. The race draws over 500,000 spectators annually, creating a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere along the route.