How to track a runner, and other details fans should know about the 130th Boston Marathon - The Boston Globe
Everything fans need to know ahead of the famed Patriots Day race.
www.bostonglobe.comHere are the latest updates on Boston Marathon tracker options and how to follow runners this year.
What’s new for live tracking
- The official Boston Marathon Racing App (free on iOS and Android) remains the primary way to follow runners in real time, with live tracking, split times, interactive course maps, and leaderboards. It also shows fundraising totals for each runner. The app has been updated ahead of race day to improve reliability and user experience.[1]
- The BAA website also offers live tracking and search by runner name or bib number on race day, which feeds into the same live data used by the app.[1]
- For broader viewing, ESPN2 provides live TV coverage in the morning, with additional coverage on SportsCenter; this is useful if you want a broadcast companion to the live tracker.[1]
Where to access live tracking
- BAA Racing App: Free download from the App Store or Google Play; includes live runner tracking and course maps.[1]
- BAA website: Live tracking and results searchable by runner name or bib number on race day.[1]
- WCVB’s Find Your Finish: Camera clips showing runners crossing the finish line in near real time after they complete the race. Useful for quick finish-line checks.[1]
Additional context and background
- MyLaps and other timer/tracking systems have historically provided live tracking features for major marathons, including Boston, with bib-tag based timing and live leaderboards; the Boston Marathon app and BAA site are the current user-facing interfaces most people rely on today.[2]
- Coverage and features can evolve year to year, so it’s a good idea to check the official Boston Marathon pages or the app’s update notes close to race day for any new features or changes in how to track runners.[5]
Illustration to help you visualize tracking
- If you want a quick mental model: think of the tracker as a digital “flight map” for runners—each bib number is a tagged aircraft emitting position updates, which feed into the app and website’s live map and leaderboard. This analogy mirrors how many large time-tracking systems operate in mass-participation events.[2]
Cited sources
- Information on live tracking, app features, and broadcast coverage from Boston Marathon coverage and official resources.[1]
- Background on live tracking technology and platforms used by major marathons.[2]
- Additional guidance and updates from local coverage and event media notes.[5]
If you’d like, I can tailor a quick follow-along plan for race day based on your location in London (UK) and preferred mix of app vs. broadcast viewing.