Runners Gear Up for 129th Boston Marathon on April 21

BOSTON, Mass. — The 129th Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 21, with approximately 30,000 runners set to compete in the historic race. The event marks Patriots’ Day in the United States and falls on Easter Monday this year. Elite runners, including defending champions Hellen Obiri and Sisay Lemma, will be among those vying for victory as the race winds from Hopkinton to Copley Square.

Obiri, a two-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, is looking to secure a third consecutive title in Boston. After achieving a bronze medal in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she aims to reclaim her dominance despite facing fierce competition from a deep Kenyan field. “Defending a win is never easy, but I am happy to have done it,” Obiri said. “On race day, I will again push for the win and hope to make it three in a row.”

Her challengers include Mary Ngugi-Cooper, Edna Kiplagat, and Emma Bates, with the latter being the top American finisher in the past two editions. Kiplagat, a two-time Boston winner, is also expected to mount a strong challenge alongside the fresh legs of 2022 New York Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi.

On the men’s side, Lemma is seeking redemption after an injury-plagued year. He previously won the Boston Marathon but skipped the Olympic competition due to health issues. “I will be 100% ready in April because the Boston Marathon is a special event,” Lemma remarked ahead of the race.

Alongside Lemma, contenders such as two-time Boston champion Evans Chebet and fresh marathon debutant, double 5000m world champion Joshua Cheptegei, will push for top honors. The field also features world-class Kenyan and Ethiopian runners who have established personal bests under 2:26.

The race course presents both challenges and excitement, starting on Main Street in Hopkinton with a downhill stretch before facing the infamous Newton hills. Spectators can expect a lively atmosphere, especially near landmarks like the Scream Tunnel at Wellesley College and Heartbreak Hill near Boston College.

This year’s event is particularly notable as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, adding a historical significance to the day. The Boston Athletic Association plans to hold a ceremony at 9:30 a.m. to honor this milestone before the race officially begins.

For viewers interested in watching the event, broadcast coverage will be available across various platforms. WCVB Channel 5 will provide live coverage starting at 4 a.m. ET, and ESPN will cover the event for North American audiences from 8:30 a.m. ET to 1 p.m. ET. International streams will be accessible via Olympic Channel and other regional broadcasters.

As with previous years, marathon enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their viewing spots early. Notably, the finish line on Boylston Street tends to be crowded, with alternative cheering locations along the route. Runners and their supporters are reminded of prohibited items near the marathon route to ensure safety and smooth passage.

The Boston Marathon not only serves as a test of endurance for athletes but also highlights stories of triumph and resilience within the running community. With barriers pushed and personal bests sought, the 129th Boston Marathon promises an engaging mix of competitive spirit and community support.