2025 Boston Marathon: What You Need to Know for Race Day

BOSTON, Mass. — On Monday, April 21, tens of thousands of athletes will converge in Hopkinton to compete in the iconic Boston Marathon, the longest-running annual marathon in the world. Celebrated as one of the seven World Marathon Majors, this year’s event promises not only the thrill of competition but also a vibrant celebration of endurance and community.

The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) reports that runners from all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and 118 countries will take part in the 129th Boston Marathon. Last year’s champions, Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia and Hellen Obiri of Kenya, will return to defend their titles against elite American contenders like Medford’s Emma Bates and Princeton’s Colin Bennie. Thousands of additional competitors will represent various charities.

The marathon occurs on Patriot’s Day, which this year marks the 250th anniversary of the first battles of the Revolutionary War, adding historical significance to the racing tradition. Leading up to the marathon, numerous events and celebrations amplify the excitement, with the BAA encouraging participants to utilize official transportation on race morning to avoid congestion.

“It’s a fantastic atmosphere; there’s something special about running in Boston,” said Colin Bennie, a local standout hoping to make an impression this year. “Whether you are a novice or an elite runner, the crowd support is unparalleled.”

Runners should note that bus pick-up will begin at 6:45 a.m. on Charles Street, and participants are required to present their bib numbers to board. The final bus to the starting line will depart from Boston Common at 9:30 a.m., allowing ample time for racers to prepare.

The marathon course unfolds over 26.2 miles, starting from Main Street in Hopkinton and traversing through several communities, including Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and into Wellesley before surging through to Newton and finally concluding at Boston’s Copley Square. The finish line will officially close at 5:30 p.m., so all runners must complete the course by that time.

The cascading start times for different divisions commence with the Men’s Wheelchair division at 9:06 a.m., followed by Women’s Wheelchair at 9:09 a.m., Professional men at 9:37 a.m., and Professional women at 9:47 a.m. Additional waves will launch at intervals until 11:15 a.m.

For those supporting runners, a designated Family Meeting Area is conveniently set up along Stuart Street, where families can gather to connect post-race. Participants are encouraged to avoid driving due to expected road closures and limited parking; public transportation options like the MBTA and BlueBikes are highly advocated.

The Boston Marathon Expo, running from April 18-20, offers runners and spectators the opportunity to collect bib numbers, race packets, and merchandise at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center. This year’s Expo features panels, sponsor exhibits, and a photo booth for memorable snapshots.

On race day, fans can tune in to local broadcasts beginning at 4 a.m. for comprehensive coverage, with ESPN2 showcasing the marathon from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Various regional stations will also air the event, ensuring that supporters nationwide can share in the excitement.

The energy and resilience of the Boston Marathon not only showcases athletic excellence but also celebrates community spirit, as residents and visitors gather to honor this historic race.