Boston, MA – Excitement is in the air as the world’s oldest annual marathon, the Boston Marathon, kicks off today with promises of sunny skies, celebrity appearances, and fierce competition among elite athletes. Former New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski and ex-Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara are set to make special appearances, adding an extra layer of excitement to this prestigious event.
Gronkowski, serving as the race’s grand marshal, will lead the festivities by delivering the trophy to the finish line, while Chara aims to conquer his second Boston Marathon. Last year’s champions, Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri from Kenya, return to defend their titles against a field of approximately 30,000 runners and para-athletes, each vying for personal records and a shot at glory.
How and When to Tune In
The 2024 Boston Marathon will be broadcast live from Hopkinton, MA, to Boston today, April 15, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET (5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. PT) on ESPN. For local coverage, tune in to WCVB 5 starting at 4:00 a.m. ET.
For those without cable, several streaming options are available. Sling TV offers access to ESPN through its Orange and Orange + Blue tiers, with a current 50% discount on the first month. FuboTV provides a sports-centric streaming experience, offering a seven-day free trial. Hulu + Live TV also includes ESPN along with a variety of other channels for sports enthusiasts.
Race Day Schedule
The action-packed schedule for the Boston Marathon 2024 features various divisions starting at 6:00 a.m. ET with Military Marchers and culminating with Wave 4 at 11:15 a.m. ET. Elite runners, wheelchair athletes, and para-athletes will showcase their skills and determination throughout the morning.
Contenders for Victory
In the men’s elite division, Evans Chebet returns after overcoming an Achilles injury, seeking his third Boston Marathon win. Notable challengers include Sisay Lemma, Gabriel Geay, and Albert Korir. On the women’s side, Hellen Obiri, Worknesh Degefa, and Emma Bates lead a field of elite runners, promising fierce competition and potentially record-breaking performances.
Prize Money and Rewards
Winners of the Boston Marathon stand to claim over $1.2 million in prize money. The first-place finishers in both the men’s and women’s divisions will each pocket $150,000, with substantial rewards for top finishers in other categories, including wheelchair and para-athletics divisions.
Race Duration and Historical Performance
Competitors have up to six hours to complete the marathon, with past winners setting impressive times. Last year’s champions, Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri, finished in 2:05:54 and 2:21:38, respectively, underscoring the elite level of talent on display.
Join the Marathon Experience
Whether you’re a dedicated fan of endurance sports or simply curious about this iconic event, the 2024 Boston Marathon promises captivating moments and inspiring performances. Tune in live to witness history in the making, as runners push their limits through the storied streets of Boston.
For more information on streaming options and event details, visit ESPN, Sling TV, FuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV. Don’t miss out on this year’s Boston Marathon—an event that blends athleticism, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most celebrated races.
