The Boston Marathon witnessed a similar number of no-shows as the previous year, easing concerns that international participants might avoid the event due to heightened U.S. border scrutiny. On Monday, 28,928 runners embarked on the 129th edition of the marathon from Hopkinton, out of 31,778 who registered. This means that 2,850 registered participants, or less than 9%, did not start the race.
In comparison, last year’s marathon saw 2,838 runners who did not commence the race. Obtaining a bib number for the Boston Marathon typically requires a qualifying time from another marathon. While many runners view participation as a significant achievement, unforeseen circumstances such as injuries or external events—like the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption that disrupted European flights—can lead to no-shows.
Despite full participation with entrants from 128 countries, there were sporadic reports suggesting some international runners might opt out due to political reasons or concerns about border issues. International travel to the U.S. has notably decreased, with Canadians among those hesitant to visit, influenced by President Donald Trump’s tariff discussions and implications of annexation.
Boston’s Mayor, Michelle Wu, emphasized inclusivity, stating that Boston welcomes everyone irrespective of federal-level developments. At a public safety briefing near the marathon’s finish line, she assured that Boston strives to be a home for all.
