30,000 Runners from Over 100 Countries to Compete
The 128th edition of the Boston Marathon is set to kick off on Monday, with a diverse field of 30,000 runners from over 100 countries expected to participate. Held on Patriots’ Day, the race covers 26.2 miles of undulating terrain, presenting a formidable challenge to participants.
Key Race Information and How to Watch
The race will commence with the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions, followed by the elite men’s and women’s races and the mass start. Viewers can catch the action live on various platforms, including WCVB 5, ESPN2, Eurosport, and FloSports.
Notable Contenders in the Elite Field
Kenyan Evans Chebet aims to achieve a remarkable feat by winning the Boston Marathon for the third consecutive year. Other top contenders include Ethiopian Sisay Lemma and Tanzanian Gabriel Geay in the men’s race, while decorated Kenyan distance runner Hellen Obiri and former New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi lead the women’s field.
Special Participants and Prize Money
Former Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi, ex-Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, and NFL star Rob Gronkowski will add excitement to the event. The race boasts a diverse field representing 129 countries and all 50 US states, with significant prize money up for grabs, including a $50,000 bonus for breaking the course record.
Weather Forecast for Race Day
Weather conditions, crucial for the challenging course, are expected to be favorable this year, with temperatures reaching 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius). Participants can anticipate cloudy skies in the morning, turning sunny later, with low chances of rain and moderate winds throughout the day.
CNN’s Elliana Hebert contributed to this report.