Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

The Boston Marathon first place prize is a cash purse paid to the men’s and women’s open-division winners, along with a trophy and a symbolic laurel wreath. The exact dollar amount is set by the race organizers each year and can change, so check the current official race announcements before relying on a specific figure.

What the first place prize includes

The winner’s package at Boston has three main parts. The first is the cash purse, which is the largest and most discussed element. The second is the winner’s trophy, a physical award presented at the awards ceremony. The third is the laurel wreath, a tradition that connects the race to its Greek roots. Many elite athletes also receive appearance fees and bonuses, which are negotiated separately from the published purse and are not part of the official prize structure.

Why the purse is split by place

Boston pays prize money to a set number of finishers, not only the winner. The purse is divided so that the top placers receive the most, with each subsequent place receiving less. This structure rewards competitive racing at the front of the field and helps attract deep elite fields each year. Bonuses are often tied to course records or time standards, which means the winner’s total can rise well above the base prize if a record is broken.

Factors that affect the total payout

Several variables determine what a winner actually takes home:

  • Base purse: The advertised first place cash award set by the race for that year.
  • Course record bonuses: Extra money for breaking the men’s or women’s course record.
  • Time bonuses: Additional payments for finishing under specified time thresholds.
  • Sponsor incentives: Brand agreements that pay athletes for wins or podium finishes.
  • Taxes and fees: Winnings are generally taxable income, and athletes may pay agent or management fees from the total.

The official purse and bonus schedule is published by the Boston Athletic Association before the race. Reading that schedule is the most reliable way to understand what the first place prize is in a given year.

What to do if you want the current details

If you are researching the prize for an article, a betting pool or a race recap, follow these steps:

  1. Check the Boston Athletic Association’s official website for the current year’s prize money announcement.
  2. Look for the published bonus schedule, which lists course record and time-based awards separately.
  3. Confirm whether the figure is the base purse or the total including bonuses.
  4. Cross-check with post-race reporting from major running outlets, noting the date of publication.
  5. Be cautious with social media claims, which often mix up base purse, bonuses and appearance fees.

Why winners’ earnings vary from the headline number

Headline prize figures are a starting point, not a guarantee of take-home pay. Athletes pay taxes on winnings, and many have coaches, agents and training costs that come out of their earnings. Sponsorship deals often matter more to an elite runner’s income than a single race purse. Anyone building a financial plan around prize money should consult a qualified financial professional.

Is the Boston Marathon prize the same for men and women?

The published purse structure is designed to be equal across the men’s and women’s open divisions, with the same place-based payouts. Bonus schedules can differ, so compare the official announcement line by line.

Do finishers outside the top placers get money?

Boston pays prize money to a set number of top finishers. Most runners in the field do not receive a cash award, though they receive the standard finisher medal and race recognition.

Is the laurel wreath a real prize?

Yes, it is an official tradition of the race, presented to the winners as a symbolic honor. It has no cash value of its own.

Where can I find the history of the Boston Marathon winners?

The race’s official historical records and results archive list past winners and times. For context on the race’s early history, see First Boston Marathon Winning Time: Records, Course Factors and Results, which covers the early winning performances and how course conditions shaped them.

How does the Boston first place prize compare with other major marathons?

Purse sizes differ between major marathons and change from year to year. For a comparison of how other races handle winners’ awards, see NYC Marathon First Place Time: Winning Times and What They Take and Marathon First Place Prize: 7 Best Medals and Awards Compared for Race Winners.

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Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our marathon & half-marathon guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.