On Monday, April 21, 2025, the 129th running of the Boston Marathon will unfold, drawing over 30,000 runners from more than 100 countries to participate in one of the most prestigious races in the world. This historic marathon, organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), is not just a race; it’s a celebration of endurance, community, and resilience, coinciding with Patriots' Day, a public holiday that commemorates the battles of the American Revolution.
The day kicks off early, with events starting at 6 a.m. ET, when the military marchers will take their place at the starting line in Hopkinton. The excitement builds as the wheelchair divisions begin just after 9 a.m. ET, followed by the professional men and women’s races shortly thereafter. Here’s the full schedule of events:
- 6:00 a.m. ET – Military Marchers
- 9:06 a.m. ET – Men's Wheelchair Division
- 9:09 a.m. ET – Women's Wheelchair Division
- 9:30 a.m. ET – Handcycle & Duo Participants
- 9:37 a.m. ET – Professional Men
- 9:47 a.m. ET – Professional Women
- 9:50 a.m. ET – Para Athletics Divisions
- 10:00 a.m. ET – Wave 1
- 10:25 a.m. ET – Wave 2
- 10:50 a.m. ET – Wave 3
- 11:15 a.m. ET – Wave 4
The Boston Marathon course stretches 26 miles and 385 yards, beginning in Hopkinton and winding its way through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline, before culminating on Boylston Street in Boston, right next to the iconic Boston Public Library. This year’s race is particularly special, as both last year’s champions are back to defend their titles. Sisay Lemma, the Ethiopian runner who won the men’s race in 2024 with a time of 2:06:17, aims to repeat his success. Meanwhile, Hellen Obiri from Kenya is pursuing a historic third consecutive victory in the women’s division, which would make her only the fifth woman to achieve this feat in the marathon’s long history.
Obiri's potential win would place her alongside Fatuma Roba, who accomplished the remarkable achievement of three consecutive wins from 1997 to 1999. The competition will be fierce, as she faces off against other elite runners, including Evans Chebet, who claimed victory in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the marathon.
Weather conditions on race day are expected to be favorable, with a forecast predicting partly cloudy skies and a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a welcome change from the unpredictable weather that can often affect the race, ensuring that runners can focus on their performance rather than battling the elements.
For spectators, the Boston Marathon offers an electrifying atmosphere, with prime viewing locations set up along the route. Notable spots include the famous “scream tunnel” at Wellesley College, the South Framingham train station, Cleveland Circle, and Kenmore Square. The finish line on Boylston Street is always a bustling hub of excitement, and those hoping to witness the conclusion of the race are encouraged to arrive early and utilize public transportation to navigate the crowds.
Safety is paramount during the event, and race organizers have implemented strict measures to ensure the well-being of participants and spectators alike. Roads along the marathon route will be closed throughout the day, with specific times for closures in each town. Hopkinton will see road closures from 7:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while closures in Boston will extend until 7 p.m. Runners who fall behind the required pace of 13:44 minutes per mile will be instructed to move to the right side of the road as officials begin to reopen the course.
Local coverage of the marathon will begin at 4 a.m. ET on WCVB Channel 5 (ABC) in Boston, with national coverage rolling out on ESPN2 starting at 9 a.m. ET. Viewers can also stream the event online through platforms like ESPN+ and various live TV services offering free trials.
The Boston Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a powerful symbol of endurance and community spirit, particularly in light of the challenges faced in recent years. The event continues to draw massive support from local spectators, who line the streets to cheer on the athletes, making it a memorable experience for participants and fans alike.
As the countdown to the race continues, excitement builds for what promises to be another unforgettable edition of the Boston Marathon. With elite athletes, thousands of enthusiastic spectators, and a storied tradition, the 2025 race is set to be a showcase of determination and athletic prowess.
