Athletes have until 5:30 p.m. to complete the course.
The Boston Marathon finish line will close at 5:30 p.m., approximately 6 hours after the final participant crosses the starting line. This timing is to allow for the road re-opening program to commence.
Clocks will be positioned throughout the course featuring the time of day.
Any participant who requires longer out on course will be directed to the sidewalk by event personnel. Once roads begin to reopen to vehicular traffic, course infrastructure (such as timing systems, course clocks, medical stations and water stations) will all begin to close. Runners on the course after this time accept that they will be on their own and should plan accordingly.
All those who complete the course after the finish line closes at 5:30 p.m. will be considered a post-race participant and will not appear in the official finisher results, nor will be eligible for an Abbott World Marathon Major star.
Tracking of participants on the B.A.A. Racing App will continue after the finish line closes to allow friends and family to reunite with participants more easily.
BIB NUMBERS
The B.A.A. uses a timing tag attached to the back of your bib number to score the race.
This bib number with timing tag must be worn on the front of your running jersey or outermost garment from start to finish for you to be recognized as completing the race and receiving an official finish time.
Those unable to cross the finish line by 5:30 p.m. will not be considered an official finisher.
Do not forcefully bend, crease, or heavily wrinkle your number, as damaged timing tags may not work on race day.
The timing tag identifies your bib number and should not be worn by any other entrant.
The B.A.A. uses “net” time as your official time. Your time will begin when you cross the start line. It is this net time which can be used as your qualifying time for the next Boston Marathon, and it is the time printed on your finisher’s certificate.
