Boston is gearing up for one of its biggest annual sporting events as the Boston Running Festival returns on Sunday 12th April, with thousands of runners and spectators expected to descend on the town.
Organisers have confirmed that some travel disruption is likely throughout the day, with a number of key road closures and temporary restrictions in place to ensure the safety of participants.
From 7am, Skirbeck Road will operate under a one-way closure between South End and Fishtoft Road, remaining in place for the duration of the event.
Several other key closures include Wide Bargate (Tawney Street / Pen Street crossroads) and Market Place, both closed from 6am until approximately 10am.
In addition, John Adams Way will see temporary restrictions on four occasions, allowing runners to safely cross at Botolph Street onto Main Ridge.
Motorists are being advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys, or avoid the town centre where possible.
Participants will take on four different routes, covering both urban and rural parts of the borough. Large crowds are expected to line key stretches including Frieston Road, Woodthorpe Avenue, Eastwood Road, Priory Road, Butterwick Road, Bennington Road, Highgate, Shore Road, Clampgate Road, Church Green Road, Toot Lane, Kingsway, Fishtoft Road and Skirbeck Road, alongside a number of surrounding rural roads.
Runners will also be supported throughout the course, with 12 water stations and portaloos positioned at key points to ensure hydration and comfort across all distances.
The full and half marathons will begin in Market Place, while the 10K and Fun Run will start from Central Park.
All races will finish at Boston College, where a brand-new Runners Village is being introduced for 2026. The village will feature a range of local traders and favourites including Nik ‘n’ Mix, Over The Moon Bars, Lincs Runners, Nuda Nutrition, Pig and Pastry, Gourmazin, Really Awesome Coffee and Frisky Fudge. Support services will also be available on the day, including free post-race massages from HS Health Group physiotherapists.
To support participants, Central Cars will once again be on hand throughout the day to assist anyone needing transport back to the finish line.
Boston VIBE will be providing live coverage throughout the day, bringing updates, photos and key moments from across the course as the event unfolds.
Race Director Kay Bonnell said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome runners and spectators back to Boston for this year’s marathon. It’s a fantastic community event that brings people together from across the borough and beyond.
“We’d like to thank residents and businesses in advance for their patience with the road closures, and we encourage everyone to come out, support the runners, and enjoy what promises to be a brilliant day for Boston.”
Residents are encouraged to check routes in advance and show their support as Boston once again hosts one of Lincolnshire’s standout sporting events.
