On Monday, April 21, 2025, more than 30,000 runners will come together for one of the most renowned marathons in the United States—the Boston Marathon. The race will officially begin early in the morning, with events starting at 6 a.m. ET.
This will be the 129th running of the Boston Marathon, a highly anticipated event that draws competitors from various parts of the world. Both the reigning champions from the previous year, Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia and Hellen Obiri of Kenya, will be returning to defend their titles, with Obiri aiming for a remarkable third consecutive victory.
When is the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon takes place every year on Patriots’ Day, which honors the first battles of the American Revolution. In 2025, Patriots’ Day will be observed in several states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. However, Massachusetts, Maine, North Dakota, and Connecticut specifically observe Patriots’ Day on the third Monday of April, a tradition that coincides with the Boston Marathon.
Boston Marathon 2025 Start Time
The event kicks off with the ceremonial military march at 6 a.m. ET, marking the start of a day filled with excitement and competition. The men’s and women’s wheelchair races will follow shortly, beginning at 9:06 a.m. and 9:09 a.m., respectively. Here’s a breakdown of the start times for various categories of runners (all times are in ET):
- 9:06 a.m.: Men’s wheelchair
- 9:09 a.m.: Women’s wheelchair
- 9:30 a.m.: Handcycles & Duos
- 9:37 a.m.: Professional men
- 9:47 a.m.: Professional women
- 9:50 a.m.: Para athletics division
Runners will be assigned to different waves depending on their qualifying times.
Boston Marathon 2025 Route
The marathon will start in Hopkinton and continue through several towns, including Ashland and Framingham, as the distance covers 26 miles and 385 yards—standard for marathons. Runners will pass through Natick and Wellesley before reaching the crucial halfway point. As they approach the final stretch, they will go through Newton and Brookline, culminating at the iconic finish line on Boylston Street in Boston, located in the historical Copley Square.
Boston Marathon Winners
The competition this year is particularly exciting, as both 2024 champions are aiming for another win. Sisay Lemma, who recorded a time of 2:06:17 in the last marathon, will be pushing to repeat his success on the men’s side. On the women’s side, Hellen Obiri is looking to make history. If she wins again in 2025, Obiri would be the fifth woman to secure three consecutive victories, joining the ranks of Fatuma Roba, who achieved this feat in the late 1990s.
The Boston Athletic Association maintains a comprehensive record of marathon winners, dating back to the event’s inception in 1897.
Boston Marathon 2025 Weather
Weather conditions are anticipated to be favorable for the marathon. Forecasts suggest that Monday will be partly cloudy, with temperatures reaching a high of around 60 degrees. While there’s a chance of rain later in the evening, it is not expected to interfere with the race.
How to Watch the 2025 Boston Marathon
For those who want to catch the action live, local coverage in Boston will begin at 4 a.m. ET on WCVB Channel 5 (ABC). Additionally, the Very Local app will offer live streaming options, available only in select cities, which will include local ABC channels in regions such as Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.
National broadcasts will be featured on ESPN2, starting at 9 a.m. ET and continuing until 12:30 p.m. ET. This coverage aims to bring the spirit of the marathon to viewers across the country.
As the excitement builds for the 2025 Boston Marathon, participants and spectators alike look forward to a memorable day filled with athletic achievement and community spirit.
