The 2026 Boston Marathon is the 130th edition of the iconic race, scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026. There are plenty of freebies, runner perks, recovery events, and cheer spots for marathoners and spectators before, during, and after race day.
If you aren’t running, cheer (and nosh) along the course — especially around the finish area, Copley Square, and other high-energy spectator spots like Heartbreak Hill and the iconic turn onto Boylston Street from Hereford.
💙💛BEFORE THE RACE: SHAKEOUT RUNS, POP-UPS AND MORE:
Multi-Day:
- Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo: The expo runs Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19 at the Hynes Convention Center, with bib pickup, sponsor activations, photo ops, and merchandise.
- Club OOFOS: Reset, get race-ready or recover with Club OOFOS and learn all about the game-changing footwear while enjoying snacks, smoothies, hydration, and learning how to recharge and recover intentionally with OOFOS. Club OOFOS is conveniently steps from the finish line on the 2nd floor of Westin Copley. April 17-20.
- HOKA Light House Boston: Free soundwork and breathwork sessions to prep before race day, swag and a chance to win the latest HOKA, the Cielo X1 3.0, and HOKA FlyLab from Saturday, April 18- Sunday, April 19 at 141B Newbury Street
- View Boston Boston Marathon: All registered 2026 Boston Marathon runners receive complimentary admission to View Boston from Thursday, April 16 through Tuesday, April 21. Must show bib for free admission.
- Run Strong, Finish Sweet: Bring your 2026 Boston Marathon bib or medal to Pic & Mix Candy Shop between April 17 and April 24 to receive a free gift with purchase.
- Borrachito Runner Perks: Boston Marathon runners can receive a free taco from Friday, April 17 through Monday, April 20 when they show a bib or registration.
- Helly Hansen: 20% off with bib or medal all marathon weekend
- Lululemon: 25% off up to 10 items with bib or medal all marathon weekend
- Studs: 20% off piercing services and fashion earrings April 16-20
- Heartbreak Hill Running Company powered by Nike: All race week the sports powerhouses are offering fun and free events like a shakout, block party, and cheer zone
Thursday, April 16:
- Shakeout Run with WHOOP Run Boston x Major Miles: 3-mile run and community hang at One Kenmore Square, Boston, MA 02215, Boston at 6 PM
- Locals Night Shakeout with Heartbreak Hill and Nike: Half workout and half party beginning at 6:30 PM at 652 Tremont Street
Friday, April 17:
- Boston 2026: Community Kick Off Party: Kick off the weekend at the Tracksmith Trackhouse at 285 Newbury Street from 6:30-9 PM
Saturday, April 18:
- Rhone x JOYN Fitness Series: $45 skydeck yoga at View Boston
- Heartbreak Street Fair: The Heartbreak and Nike Running street fair features runner services, photo-ops, giveaways, and high profile guests and surprises. Race the gorilla, Heartbreak Bill and win big! 10 AM-4 PM at 652 Tremont Street
Sunday, April 19:
- Heartbreak Shakeout Run: Join Coach Dan & Nike professional athletes and legends for our most ambitious shakeout ever! (That’s saying a lot if you remember last year!) Check-in from 8:30 AM at 652 Tremont Street
💙💛DURING THE RACE: CHEER ZONES & SPECTATOR SPOTS:
- Endorphins Cheer Zone at Mile 24: Join the crew to make some noise for the runners with just two miles left in the course
- Wellesley Scream Tunnel at Mile 13: Mile 13 brings high energy with Wellesley College students known to create a noise tunnel to motivate athletes halfway on the course
- Hereford Street at Mile 26: Known as the “greatest left turn in the world,” this turn occurs just before the finish at Boylston as is considered one of the best spectating spots
- Heartbreak Hill Newton at Mile 20: Join the Heartbreak Hill Running Company on its namesake hill at the Newton shop on Mile 20 from 10 AM-5 PM
For more places to watch the race, check out our guide to the best spectator spots, and best stops for food along the Boston Marathon racecourse.
💙💛AFTER THE RACE & BOSTON MARATHON FREEBIES:
Free Medal Engraving:
- 2026 Boston Finisher Medal Engraving with Saucony: Tuesday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marathon Sports Brand House, 671 Boylston St.; engraving is free, first come, first served, and limited to one medal per person.
- Free Medal Engraving at Capital One Cafe on Boylston Street: Celebrate on Tuesday, April 21 from 11 AM-4 PM with a free medal engraving just steps from the finish line. The cafe will also offer 50% off beverages for athletes
- Club OOFOS Free Medal Engraving and OOFOS customization: Get your medal engraved at the OOFOS pop-up on the 2nd floor of Westin Copley on April 20
Free Food:
- Legal Sea Foods: Marathon runners can get a free cup of chowder throughout marathon weekend by showing a bib at participating locations.
- DalMoro’s Fresh Pasta To Go: Free pasta for runners who show a race registration or bib, available April 18 through April 21.
- Levain Bakery: Marathon runners who finish on Monday can get a free cookie by showing their medal before 9 p.m.
- Sullivan’s: Free soft serve for marathon runners who flash their medal at Hanover or Castle Island on Monday and Tuesday.
- Tuscan Kitchen Seaport: Runners who present their bib or medal can get complimentary bolognese on Friday, April 18, Saturday, April 19, and Monday, April 21.
- Boston Provisions Market: Free caviar topper with purchase of lobster roll from April 15-20
- Rocco’s Sport & Rec: Free wings or tendies April 17-20
- Lakon Paris Patisserie: Free Boston Marathon cookie from April 18-20
Free Recovery:
- Marathon Recovery Fest: A recovery-focused event is scheduled for runners on April 20–21.
- View Boston: Registered runners get complimentary admission during marathon week, making it an easy post-race stop for celebratory views.
- Marathon Recovery Fest: Moki Sauna is hosting Marathon Recovery Fest on April 20–21 for Boston Marathon runners.
- Remedy Place: 20% off all services before, during, or after race training
Free Events:
- Time Out Market Marathon Monday Party: A free Marathon Monday party is listed at Time Out Market with a DJ, drink specials, and raffle prizes.
- HAF Boston Marathon Watch Party: Rochambeau is hosting a watch party on Marathon Monday with music, food, and a cash bar.
- F1 Arcade: Free racing for two people. Open to athlete and volunteers April 17-22
Free Admission or Classes:
- View Boston: Registered 2026 Boston Marathon runners receive complimentary admission during marathon week.
- Run Strong, Finish Sweet: Bib- and medal-based offers are available through April 24 for runners celebrating after the race.
