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Watch the 2026 Boston Marathon live streams as the 130th running of the Massachusetts race features a particularly strong elite field led by defending men's and women's champions John Korir and Sharon Lokedi of Kenya. On Monday, Patriots' Day, more than 30,000 will take on the notoriously undulating 26.2-mile course, including the infamous Heartbreak Hill six miles from the finish.
Here's how to watch Boston Marathon 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN.
The 2026 Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 20.
► Start time: 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. BST / 11 p.m. AEST
FREE stream — Olympic Channel (select countries)
U.S. — ESPN via Fubo / Sling
AUS — FloTrack
► Watch from abroad — Use NordVPN 100 % risk-free
The second stop of the World Marathon Majors series for 2026, Boston has once again attracted some of the world’s leading athletes. In the men’s field, 10 athletes have cracked the two-hour, five-minute mark, including defending champion Korir and Kenyan compatriot Benson Kipruto.
Other potential contenders for the title include reigning world champion Alphonce Felix Simbu, experienced Kenyan Cybrian Kotut and US record holder Conner Mantz and rising American star Alex Maier.
The women’s line-up is equally impressive as it includes numerous athletes who have run sub two hours and 18 minutes. Lokedi won the title last year in a course-record 2:17:22, while two-time winner Hellen Obiri, Irine Cheptai and Workenesh Edesawill all be expected to challenge. There is also a strong American contingent led by Fiona O'Keeffe, who won the 2024 Olympic trials.
In the wheelchair events, Marcel Hug seeks a ninth Boston title for the men, while Swiss compatriot Manuela Schar goes for a fifth win in the women's race.
You'll find a full race day schedule at the bottom of this page. But before that, check out all of the TV and streaming details below to find out how to watch 2026 Boston Marathon from anywhere.
Can I watch Boston Marathon 2026 for free?
Yes! The 2026 Boston Marathon is available for FREE on the Olympic Channel in select countries where the race doesn't already have a dedicated broadcaster. Japan is one of them.
This handy guide will let you work out if your country is one without a broadcaster.
Away from home right now? Remember to get a VPN to watch Boston Marathon 2026 for free as if you were right at home. NordVPN is our favorite.
Watch Boston Marathon 2026 from anywhere
Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the race on your usual domestic streaming service?
You can still watch the Boston Marathon 2026 live stream online thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for fans away on vacation or on business. Our favorite option is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:
Using a VPN is incredibly simple:
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if away from Japan but want to watch your usual free stream, you'd select a Japan-based server.
3. Enjoy the action. Head to the Olympic Channel and watch a Boston Marathon 2026 live stream as if you were back home in Japan.
How to watch Boston Marathon 2026 in the U.S.
The 2026 Boston Marathon is being shown on ESPN2 and via is streaming service ESPN Select in the U.S.. Subscription costs start from $12.99 a month or $129.99 a year.
You can also get ESPN through an OTT cable TV alternative such as Sling Orange, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
Fubo is the option we'd recommend. It includes ESPN, with prices starting from $55.99 a month.
If you're currently traveling overseas, don't worry, as you can use NordVPN to watch from abroad.
How to watch 2026 Boston Marathon in Canada
You'll need TSN in order to watch Boston Marathon 2026 live streams north of the border.
If you already get TSN through your cable provider, you'll be able to watch on TV or through its TSN Go app.
If you don't have cable, then you could go for TSN Plus instead, which lets you get access to all TSN has to offer on an $8/month or $80/year subscription basis.
Away from home while the race is on? Don't worry, as you can use NordVPN to watch from abroad.
How to stream the Boston Marathon 2026 live in the U.K.
Live coverage of the 2026 Boston Marathon is being provided by TNT Sports and streaming service HBO Max in the U.K..
TNT Sports TV channels are available as an extra subscription via your regular satellite or cable provider, including Sky and Virgin Media.
Live streaming is available via HBO Max, with a £30.99/month subscription or the 12-month Saver Plan that works out at £25.99 monthly.
If you have a Discovery+ account, it will be automatically ported over.
If you're currently traveling overseas, don't worry, as you can use NordVPN to watch from abroad.
Watch 2026 Boston Marathon live stream in Australia
The 2026 Boston Marathon is being shown on FloTrack in Australia, where a subscription costs US$29.99 (approximately AU$42) per month or US$150 (around AU$207) for a whole year.
Away from your Australian home right now? You can simply use a VPN, such as NordVPN, to watch the race as if you were back in Oz.
Boston Marathon schedule
- Monday, April 20, 2026 (All times are ET)
- 9:06 a.m. – Wheelchair Division – Men
- 9:09 a.m. – Wheelchair Division – Women
- 9:37 a.m. – Professional Men
- 9:47 a.m. – Professional Women
- 9:50 a.m. – Para Athletics Division
- 10 a.m. – Wave 1 of participants
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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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