The fastest female marathon runner in North America is finally going to run in the most famous marathon of them all.
Emily Sisson, a two-time Olympian and the American record holder in the marathon, is set to compete in the 2026 Boston Marathon for the first time. Event organizers officially announced in December that the 34-year old would be in the field when the 130th edition of this race takes place on April 20.
“The Boston Marathon has been a race I’ve looked forward to competing in for many years,” Sisson said, according to the race’s official website. “I’m ready to take on the challenging course and be part of one of the legendary races in our sport.”
Sisson’s inclusion means this will be the first Boston Marathon since since 1978 – and only the third time ever – both the men’s and women’s American record holders will start the race. Connor Mantz, a 2024 Olympian who finished fourth in last year’s Boston Marathon, is also slated to be in the men’s field later this month.
Sisson set the American record at the 2022 Chicago Marathon when she finished in a time of 2:18:29.
Here’s what else to know about the 2026 Boston Marathon:
When is the 2026 Boston Marathon?
The 2026 Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 20 as part of the city’s annual Patriots Day festivities.
Boston Marathon start times 2026
- 6 a.m. – Military March
- 9:06 a.m. – Wheelchair Division – Men
- 9:09 a.m. – Wheelchair Division – Women
- 9:30 a.m. – Handcycles & Duo Participants
- 9:37 a.m. – Professional Men
- 9:47 a.m. – Professional Women
- 9:50 a.m. – Para Athletics Division
- 10 a.m. – Wave 1
- 10:15 a.m. – Wave 2
- 10:28 a.m. – Wave 3
- 10:41 a.m. – Wave 4
- 11:01 a.m. – Wave 5
- 11:21 a.m. – Wave 6
2026 Boston Marathon field: Notable runners
Sisson and Jess McClain, who was the top American female runner in last year’s Boston Marathon with a seventh-place finish, lead the contenders from the United States. Defending champion Sharon Lokedi of Kenya remains a favorite after setting a course record in Boston in 2025.
In addition to Mantz, American Clayton Young also had a top-10 finish at last year’s Boston Marathon. They’ll be trying to chase down Kenyan John Korir, who won last year’s Boston Marathon with the third-fastest time in race history.
Former Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, former U.S. women’s soccer star Kristine Lilly and Chelsea Clinton are among the celebrities entered to run this year in the Boston Marathon, according to race organizers.
How to watch 2026 Boston Marathon
The 130th Boston Marathon is scheduled to be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 beginning at 9 a.m. ET on April 20, with coverage going until 12:30 p.m. There will also be live updates provided on ESPN “Sportscenter” throughout the race. The Boston Marathon can be live streamed through ESPN Unlimited and Fubo.