Boston Marathon Prepares for Historic 129th Running Amid Global Excitement

BOSTON (April 9, 2025) — The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is gearing up to host the 129th Boston Marathon, presented by Bank of America, on April 21, 2025. With contestants arriving from around the world, the iconic race promises to be a landmark event on Patriots' Day.

Media members are reminded to pick up their credentials at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel from April 17 through April 20. Credential distribution will occur in the State Suite on the lower level, where media personnel will need to acknowledge the B.A.A.’s media agreement before gaining access. It is important to note that accredited media will not be permitted on the race course at any time.

The B.A.A. stresses the importance of staying informed about the Boston Marathon through its Media Resources page. Detailed participant guides, athlete bios, and the official media guide, containing critical start lists and course maps, provide journalists with updated information.

Several athletes have officially withdrawn from this year’s race, including Joan Melly (ROU), Lindsay Flanagan (USA), and Hannah Lindholm (SWE), while newcomers like Tsegay Weldlibanos (ERI) and Brian Schrader (USA) join the competition.

As of April 8, the marathon will feature participants from an estimated 128 countries, including a significant representation from the United States with over 4,600 Massachusetts residents registered. The event aims to raise $50 million through its charity program, with 176 non-profits participating.

The 129th Boston Marathon will commemorate the 50th anniversary of wheelchair racing in the event’s history. Notable competitors include defending champions Marcel Hug and Eden Rainbow-Cooper, who will face off against top American talents in this year’s wheelchair division.

A special ceremony celebrating Patriots’ Day will occur at 9:30 a.m. at the finish line, drawing attention to the historical context surrounding this much-loved racial event, which has been held on Patriots’ Day since it began in 1897.

Both the men’s and women’s professional divisions are set to be highly competitive. Hellen Obiri and Sisay Lemma, the defending champions, are expected to return. Obiri seeks to make history by becoming the first woman since 1999 to win three consecutive Boston Marathon titles.

This year will see notable changes, including a revised course finishing at the Boston Marathon Finish Line. The layout will challenge this year’s athletes, who must conquer the infamous Heartbreak Hill.

The B.A.A. Youth Relay Challenge aims to engage the younger generation, drawing hundreds of local student-athletes to participate in relay races as part of race week festivities, promising an exciting atmosphere leading up to Marathon Monday.

Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the public events and observe the professional races. Furthermore, the mile post-race party at City Hall Plaza will provide entertainment and refreshments as runners celebrate their achievements.

The B.A.A. Racing App, provided by TCS, will offer live tracking and an interactive course map as well as resources to engage fans and participants alike. All athletes must complete their journey through the backdrop of rich history that has come to define the Boston Marathon.

As the 129th Boston Marathon rapidly approaches, thousands of runners will gather at the starting line in Hopkinton on April 21, looking to affirm their place in marathon history.