The Boston Marathon 2025 is not just a race; it’s a worldwide sporting ritual, a citywide party, and a test of endurance that it would be hard to be part of whatever the rest of the year will be for millions of people. As the 129th running of the event takes place April 21, 2025, runners, fans and families from near and far are looking for the best ways to track the Boston Marathon 2025, watch every moment live, and find their favorite athletes as they move from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston. Here is everything you need to know about Boston Marathon 2025 tracking and start times, as well as marathon route details and how to watch or follow every step of the way on Marathon Monday.
Table of Contents
Boston Marathon 2025: Facts and Significance
- Date: Monday, April 21, 2025 (Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts)
- Year: 129th annual Boston Marathon
- Participants: More than 30,000 runners from around the world
- Distance: 26.2 miles, from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, Boston
- Cultural Impact: The world’s oldest annual marathon, founded in 1897, and a date on the world sporting calendar.
When Does the Boston Marathon Start? Full Schedule and Start Times
The Boston Marathon 2025 features a series of staggered starts for different divisions, ensuring a smooth flow of athletes and a spectacular viewing experience. All times below are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT):
| Division | Start Time (EDT) |
| Men’s Wheelchair Division | 9:06 a.m. |
| Women’s Wheelchair Division | 9:09 a.m. |
| Handcycles & Duos | 9:30 a.m. |
| Elite Men | 9:37 a.m. |
| Elite Women | 9:47 a.m. |
| Para Athletics Division | 9:50 a.m. |
| Wave 1 (General Entry) | 10:00 a.m. |
| Wave 2 | 10:25 a.m. |
| Wave 3 | 10:50 a.m. |
| Wave 4 | 11:15 a.m. |
Marathon Monday is synonymous with the Boston Marathon, as the race always takes place on Patriots’ Day, a public holiday in Massachusetts commemorating the start of the American Revolution
Boston Marathon Route: Hopkinton to Boston
The 26.2-mile course is known for its challenging terrain and boisterous crowds. Here’s a breakdown of the route:
- Beginning: Main Street, Hopkinton, MA
- Towns Along the Route: Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton (which had the notorious Heartbreak Hill), Brookline
- Finish line: Boylston Street, by Copley Square, Boston
Notable Features:
- Heartbreak Hill: A steep incline at mile 20, famous for testing runners’ mettle.
- Wellesley Scream Tunnel: The midway point, where students from Wellesley College — in the name of tradition — scream their heads off for runners.
Boston Marathon 2025: How to Watch on TV and Online
Whether you’re in Boston, or anywhere in the world, there are several ways to watch all the action live:
TV Broadcast
| Region | Channel(s) | Start Time (Local) |
| United States | ESPN2 (national) | 9:00 a.m. EDT |
| Boston/New England | WCVB Channel 5 (ABC) | 4:00 a.m. EDT (pre-race), race coverage from 9:00 a.m. |
| Canada | TSN/RDS | 9:00 a.m. EDT |
| International | ESPN (various regions), Olympic Channel, Very Local app | Varies |
Live Streaming Options
- ESPN+: National live stream starting at 9:00 a.m. EDT.
- FuboTV: Offers ESPN2 and a free trial for new users.
- Sling TV, DirecTV, YouTube TV: Carry ESPN2 for cord-cutters.
- Very Local App: Free local streaming of WCVB’s coverage.
- B.A.A. Website & App: Live tracking, leaderboards, and updates.
International Streaming
- Olympic Channel (Olympics.com): Global streaming access.
- Flotrack: International coverage and live streams.
Boston Marathon Tracking: How to Track Runners in Real Time
Boston Marathon Tracker (Official)
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Racing App is the runner’s most comprehensive tracking tool:
- Live Tracking: Track any runner by name or bib number, with updates in real time at 16 checkpoints along the course.
- Interactive Course Maps: Track where runners are along the route.
- Leaderboards: Monitor elite and age-group standings.
- Fundraising Totals: Track charity runners’ progress.
- Where to find it: Free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Tracking via Social Media
- Boston Marathon Social Handles: X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
- Live Blogs & Updates: The Boston Globe, CBS Boston and NBC Boston have live commentary and highlights.
Where to Watch the Boston Marathon in Person
There are many classic places to watch racers along the Boston Marathon route:
- Lines are drawn (Hopkinton): Electric atmosphere as runners begin
- Wellesley College: The Scream Tunnel at Mile 13.
- Newton Hills: Notably Heartbreak Hill, for drama during the mid-race.
- Kenmore Square: The last mile, with deafening crowds.
- Finish Line (Boylston Street): The most iconic view, but very crowded — get there super early!
Tips for Spectators:
- Take public transportation — roads are heavily closed.
- Wear layers — Boston weather can be tricky in April.
- Get the B.A.A. app for real-time tracking of runners and race maps.
2025 Boston Marathon: Key Runners and Storylines
- Last Year’s Winners: Sisay Lemma (Ethiopia, men’s), Hellen Obiri (Kenya, women’s)
- ELITE FIELD Top international marathoners and U.S. hopefuls
- Celebrity Runners: Watch for recognizable names from sports and entertainment.
- Charity Runners: The thousands who run to raise millions.
Marathon Monday: A Celebration Day in Boston
- Patriots’ Day: The marathon is the centerpiece of this Massachusetts holiday celebrating battles against the British, but it’s also a day for parades, Red Sox baseball and citywide revelry.
- (Community Spirit): Hundreds of thousands pack the route, making it one of the most supportive and festive marathons in the world.
Boston Marathon 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
| When is the Boston Marathon 2025? | Monday, April 21, 2025 (Patriots’ Day) |
| What time does the Boston Marathon start? | First division at 9:06 a.m. EDT; general entry at 10:00 a.m. EDT |
| How can I watch the Boston Marathon live? | ESPN2 (national), WCVB Channel 5 (Boston), TSN/RDS (Canada), ESPN+ (streaming), FuboTV |
| How do I track a runner? | Download the B.A.A. Racing App or use the B.A.A. website for live tracking |
| Where does the marathon start and finish? | Starts in Hopkinton, finishes on Boylston Street, Boston |
| How long is the Boston Marathon? | 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) |
| How many runners participate? | Over 30,000 in 2025 |
| What is Marathon Monday? | Local nickname for Patriots’ Day, the day of the Boston Marathon |
| How can I follow live updates? | B.A.A. app, B.A.A. website, social media, live blogs by major news outlets |
Conclusion:
These images showcase what really happens on marathon day and provide readers with a special opportunity to experience the Boston Marathon 2025 like never before.
Whether you’re a spectator cawing from the sidelines, monitoring a loved one’s progress, or tuning in from hundreds of miles away, the Boston Marathon 2025 provides an unmatched fusion of athletic showcase, citywide celebration and global connection. With strong tracking tools, multiple live viewing options and a historic course full of history to explore, the 2025 Boston Marathon should offer inspiration and excitement for everyone.
Download the B.A.A. Racing App, listen to live coverage, and join millions as we echo every step of this historic race. Marathon Monday is not just about racing — it’s about traditions, triumph, and the indomitable nature of Boston and the running world.
For details, check the Boston Athletic Association’s official site and follow the Boston Marathon 2025 on social media for live updates, highlights and results.
Stay informed with the latest news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive insights like Boston Marathon 2025 and C.J. Stroud. Visit Buzz Explained for more top stories, updates, and expert coverage from all around the world!