COVID changes

The Boston Marathon will be a bit different this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

For the very first time, the iconic race is taking place in the fall and there will be a rolling start.

Here are the key changes for Monday’s race:

Earlier start times: The men’s wheelchair division kicks off the marathon at 8:02 a.m., followed by the women’s wheelchair division at 8:05 a.m., handcycle and duo participants at 8:30 a.m., professional men’s at 8:37 a.m., professional women’s at 8:45 a.m., and the para athletics division at 8:50 a.m.

Rolling start: The rolling start for all participants begins at 9 a.m. and will go until about 11:30 a.m. Also, the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton has been eliminated this year.

Field size cut: This year’s field size has been reduced by 36% compared to recent years — from 31,500 entrants to 20,000.

Health and safety protocols: All participants are required to provide proof of vaccination or get a negative COVID-19 test. Masks are required within the start area until participants cross the starting line.

The B.A.A. Racing App is free. It features live participant tracking, leaderboards, results, interactive course map, race information and more. Search “Boston Marathon” in the mobile app store to download.