"Calm, calm, calm. Relax, relax, relax."

Welcome to your guide to the 2026 Boston Marathon! We just about one week away from the 130th running of the world's oldest marathon. This year's Boston Marathon takes place, as always, on the third Monday of April — this year, that's April 20. In this mega-episode, I (along with a team of experts and insiders) attempt to answer all of your questions about all things Boston. Katie Hawkes and Lauren Proshan from the Boston Athletic Association are here to talk logistics (take some deep breaths — the journey to the start line is doable, and you won't be waiting around for too long once you get there!), elite athlete coordinator and B.A.A. Chief Operating Officer Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year's professional fields and about which storylines to follow, and 2018 champion and Boston favorite Des Linden joins to talk course strategy. Get excited: Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering, or watching from home, it's always a Boston to remember.

SPONSOR: Shokz! The official headphone of the Boston Marathon! Use code ALI for $10 off your next Shokz purchase. (I love the Open Run Pro 2.)

IN THIS EPISODE:

B.A.A. director of brand and experience Katie Hawkes talks about the significance of the Boston Marathon, and shares what's new for 2026 (4:45)
Want to run Boston someday? Here's what you need to know about getting in (38:25)
B.A.A Chief Operating Officer and elite athlete coordinator Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year's professional athlete fields, and shares the storylines to watch (56:45)
Lauren Proshan, the B.A.A.'s chief of race operations and production, explains the process of getting to the start line in Hopkinton, and what to know once you're there (1:22:40)
2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden breaks down the Boston Marathon course (2:05:45)
All about the Boston Marathon finish line (2:36:25)

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