Runner Information
How to Get There
We encourage you to arrive at the Boston Common early, as several roads surrounding the Common will be closed by 7:15 AM. Use of public transportation is strongly recommended. The race site is within easy walking distance of the Boylston or Arlington MBTA Stops (Green Line) or Park Street MBTA Stop (Red or Green Line). Parking on race day is limited. The Boston Common Garage will be open for entry until 8:00 AM. It will be closed for entry from 8:00 AM–11:00 AM. Reverse exiting (via the entry) begins at 9:00 AM.
Number & Shirt Pick-Up
Pre-race bib number and shirt pick-up options will be available at the following locations:
Marathon Sports Norwell & Marathon Sports Reading
Tuesday, October 6 | 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Marathon Sports Wellesley & Brooks Boston Store
Wednesday, October 7 | 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Marathon Sports Cambridge & Brooks Boston Store
Thursday, October 8 | 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Brooks Boston Store
Friday, October 9 | 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Number and shirt pick-up will also be available on race day:
BOSTON COMMON PARADE GROUNDS
Saturday, October 10 | 6:00 – 8:30 AM
You may pick up for friends and family, but PLEASE let them know to avoid any confusion.
2026 Shirt & Finisher Medal
Shirts are limited to the first 7,000 registrants. Every race finisher receives a medal.
What to Bring
Bib number, safety pins, and warm-up clothing.
IMPORTANT: To ensure the safety of all participants, we prefer that you do not run with headphones.
Baggage Claim
There will be a baggage claim area on the Boston Common Parade Grounds. Items checked at baggage claim must be in a bag, no loose items will be accepted. Your baggage claim ticket, which is located on your bib number, will be used to identify your baggage. You must show your race number to claim your baggage. Race management will not be held responsible for lost or stolen articles. All baggage must be claimed following the race and before 12:00 Noon.
Race Timing
The race will be timed by an electronic timing tag affixed to your bib number. In order to receive an accurate time, please confirm your bib is:
- Clearly visible on the front of the torso
- Unaltered and unmodified (do not fold or wrinkle)
- Pinned in all four corners
- Not covered (jackets, runner belts, water bottles, etc.)
Instant results available on-site and will be emailed directly to you!*
*Results emailed to participants who provide email at time of registration
Seeding
New Start Loading for 2026
We’re making a few changes to how runners load onto Charles Street this year to help everyone get to the start line smoothly. Bibs are divided into two colors based on the estimated finish time provided at registration:
- Pink Bibs: Estimated finish time of 1:02 or faster (approximately a 10-minute-per-mile pace or faster). Enter Charles Street at the crosswalk to the Public Garden.
- Blue Bibs: Estimated finish time of 1:02 or more (approximately a 10-minute-per-mile pace or slower). Enter Charles Street at the intersection of Boylston and Charles Streets.
Everyone starts together at 9:00 AM. Your bib color simply determines where you enter the starting area. Start line seeding announcements will begin at 8:30 AM, so listen for corral-loading announcements and follow the volunteers holding your seeding signs. If you’re running with a friend who has a different color bib, both of you should use the Blue Bib entrance.
Click here for full start loading and seeding information
Live Runner Tracking
Back again, the Boston 10K for Women will offer live runner tracking powered by Laurel. A timing tag built into each race bib will provide updates from checkpoints along the course, allowing friends and family to follow your progress from anywhere. No app download is required, and runners do not need to carry a phone for tracking to work.
Supporters can use live tracking to see where a runner is on the course, view splits and projected finish times, sign up for text alerts as runners pass key points, and know when to head to the finish line to cheer them in. Tracking will go live on race morning, but supporters can look up a runner by name or bib number ahead of time and save their individual tracking link.
Note: Runners will only appear in the tracking system once they have been assigned a bib number.
Medical Information
If You Feel Ill, Stop Running!
If you need help during the race, move to the side of the road and contact the nearest Course Marshall or police officer. They will alert the Boston EMS medical bike team or ambulance that medical assistance is needed. If you see another runner in distress, please notify the nearest Course Marshall or police officer with the injured runner’s location.
Fill out the back side of your bib with any medicinal allergies you might have, as well as a local emergency contact.
Runner Courtesy
Please be courteous to your fellow runners. Due to the size of the field, consideration of your fellow runners is essential to ensure a safe race. If you want to stop running, please pull off to the side before you stop.
Click here for additional runner courtesy information.
Water Stations and Mile Markers
There will be five water stations along the route and two on the Boston Common. Stay hydrated! Each mile will be clearly marked.
Results
The results will be posted immediately after the race, near the awards stage. A complete results listing can be found on the website. The Post-Race Celebration & Awards will be held after the race on the Boston Common Parade Grounds.
Drug Testing
This race is subject to drug testing.
Date
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Start Line
Beacon Street
Finish Line
Charles Street between the Public Gardens and Boston Common
Location
Race day activities will be at the Boston Common Parade Grounds
