April has arrived, signaling that competitors are preparing to travel to Massachusetts for the 129th Boston Marathon. The oldest marathon in the world commences on Patriots’ Day in Boston, which falls on Monday, April 21. This annual event is one of the six World Marathon Majors and draws tens of thousands of participants and spectators across its various activities, culminating in the 26.2-mile race from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, to Boston. The marathon features both professional and amateur runners and is organized annually by the Boston Athletic Association, with this year’s event sponsored by Bank of America.
Here is what you need to know about the 2025 Boston Marathon.
1. When was the 2025 Boston Marathon?
The 2025 Boston Marathon was held on Patriots’ Day, which, as always in Massachusetts, is observed on the third Monday of April. This year, that date was April 21st.
2. What time did the Boston Marathon start?
The start times for the 2025 Boston Marathon were staggered. The first wave of racers began at approximately 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), with the final wave (Wave 4) starting around 11:15 a.m. ET.
The Boston Marathon finish line closed at 5:30 p.m. ET, approximately six hours after the last participants crossed the starting line.
3. What was the 2025 Boston Marathon course?
The 26.2-mile marathon course for the 2025 race began in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and proceeded through the towns of Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline. The route then entered Boston, culminating in a finish on Boylston Street, adjacent to the Boston Public Library.
Detailed course maps, including mile markers and elevation information, were available on the official Boston Marathon website.
4. How was the 2025 Boston Marathon broadcast?
In 2025, the Boston Marathon was broadcast on WCVB Channel 5 in Boston from 4:00 a.m. ET to 8:00 p.m. ET, similar to the 2024 coverage.
The race was also simulcast on WCVB’s regional sister stations: WMUR in Manchester, New Hampshire; WMTW in Portland/Auburn, Maine; and WPTZ in Burlington, Vermont/Plattsburgh, New York.
For viewers outside of the Northeast, ESPN provided coverage of the race from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. ET.
5. Who won the 2024 Boston Marathon?
In the previous year’s race, 2024, Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia secured victory in the overall and men’s division with a finishing time of 2:06:17.
Hellen Obiri of Kenya won the women’s division in 2024, crossing the finish line in 2:22:37.
