The 129th Boston Marathon, presented by Bank of America, is set to captivate the world on Monday, April 21, 2025, aligning with the monumental 250th Anniversary of Patriots’ Day. This iconic race, the world’s oldest annual marathon, will draw over 30,000 runners from across the globe to conquer the legendary 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston’s Back Bay. As a cornerstone of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the 2025 Boston Marathon promises a week brimming with athletic excellence, community spirit, and historical significance. Here’s everything you need to know about this unforgettable event.
A Milestone Marathon Meets a Historic Anniversary
The Boston Marathon 2025 is more than a race—it’s a celebration of resilience, unity, and history. Coinciding with the 250th Anniversary of Patriots’ Day, the marathon honors the early battles of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Patriots’ Day, observed annually on the third Monday of April, commemorates the courage of those who sparked a new nation, and this year’s milestone amplifies the festivities across Greater Boston.
Organized by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), founded in 1887, the marathon embodies the theme “Meet the Moment.” Whether you’re a runner, volunteer, or spectator, this event invites everyone to embrace the spirit of perseverance and community that defines Boston.
The Boston Marathon Course: A Journey Through History
The Boston Marathon route is as iconic as the race itself, stretching 26.2 miles from the starting line in Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street near Copley Square. Runners will pass through charming towns like Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline, each offering unique crowd support and energy.
Key highlights include:
- Heartbreak Hill in Newton, a challenging climb between miles 20 and 21 that tests runners’ endurance.
- The Wellesley Scream Tunnel at mile 13, where Wellesley College students cheer with unmatched enthusiasm.
- The final stretch on Boylston Street, where the roar of spectators fuels finishers to the iconic blue and yellow finish line.
This year’s race also marks 50 years of wheelchair racing at Boston, a legacy that began in 1975 when Bob Hall became the first official wheelchair finisher. Expect fierce competition from defending champions like Marcel Hug and Eden Rainbow-Cooper, alongside stars like Daniel Romanchuk, Susannah Scaroni, Catherine Debrunner, and Manuela Schär.
Elite Runners and Charity Champions
The 2025 Boston Marathon boasts a stellar field of elite runners. Returning champions Sisay Lemma (Ethiopia) and Hellen Obiri (Kenya) will defend their 2024 titles, facing tough competition from American contenders like Emma Bates and Colin Bennie. The women’s field is particularly stacked, with seven runners holding personal bests under 2:20, including Amane Beriso and Yalemzerf Yehualaw from Ethiopia.
Beyond the elites, thousands of charity runners will lace up for causes close to their hearts. The Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program aims to raise $50 million for 176 non-profits, showcasing the race’s commitment to community impact. From the Martin Richard Foundation to Girls on the Run, these runners embody the marathon’s spirit of giving back.
Marathon Weekend: A Packed Schedule of Events
The Boston Marathon weekend is a whirlwind of activities, kicking off days before the main event. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening in Boston, April 2025:
- One Boston Day (April 15, 2025): A citywide day of kindness and service honoring the resilience shown after the 2013 marathon tragedy. Join neighborhood cleanups, volunteer projects, or acts of generosity inspired by the Acts of Kindness Checklist (boston.gov/one-boston).
- B.A.A. 5K and Invitational Mile (April 19, 2025): Held on Saturday, these races offer runners and spectators a chance to experience the marathon atmosphere. The 5K weaves through Boston’s streets, while the Invitational Mile showcases top talent.
- Boston Marathon Expo (April 18-20, 2025): Hosted at the Hynes Convention Center, the expo is a runner’s paradise. Pick up bibs, shop adidas Boston Marathon gear, and engage with sponsors like Bank of America and DICK’S Sporting Goods.
- Boston Marathon Fan Fest (April 18-20, 2025): Located at Copley Square Park, Fan Fest features live music, race clinics, appearances by marathon legends, and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the pre-race excitement.
- Patriots’ Day Parade (April 21, 2025): Starting at City Hall Plaza around 9:15 AM, this parade celebrates the 250th anniversary with historical reenactments and community pride, winding through Hanover Street to the Paul Revere Mall.
- Mile 27 Post-Race Party (April 21, 2025): Held at City Hall Plaza, this lively bash offers a livestream of the race, a beer garden, live entertainment, and snacks. Tickets are just $5, with free entry for kids under 12.
For runners, carb-loading is a marathon tradition, and Boston’s restaurants are ready. Visit DalMoros at Quincy Market for free pasta with your bib, or indulge in specials at Artisan Bistro, UNI Restaurant, or LUCIE on Marathon Monday.
Patriots’ Day 2025: A 250th Anniversary Extravaganza
The 250th Anniversary of Patriots’ Day elevates this year’s marathon to new heights. Across Boston, Lexington, and Concord, expect a tapestry of events celebrating America’s revolutionary roots:
- Old North Church Lantern Service (April 18, 2025): Commemorate the “two if by sea” signal at 7:00 PM with a special service featuring historian Dr. Heather Cox Richardson.
- Lanterns and Luminaries (April 16, 2025): Hosted by Old North Illuminated, this event at Paul Revere Mall kicks off the weekend with a nod to 1775.
- Concord Museum and Minute Man National Historical Park (April 19-21, 2025): Explore artifacts like Paul Revere’s lantern and witness reenactments of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Admission is free on Patriots’ Day.
- Concord250 Celebrations (April 19, 2025): Concord’s semi-quincentennial features parades, battle reenactments, and family-friendly activities, drawing visitors to the birthplace of the Revolution.
These events, paired with the marathon, make April 2025 a bucket-list moment for history buffs and sports enthusiasts alike.
How to Participate or Spectate
Runners: Registration for the 129th Boston Marathon closed in September 2024, with a record 36,393 qualifier applications. To qualify, runners needed times 6 minutes, 51 seconds faster than their age and gender standards. The field includes residents from all 50 U.S. states and 128 countries, with 24,069 qualifiers accepted. Charity runners and invitational entrants round out the 30,000-participant field. For the 130th Boston Marathon in 2026, the qualifying window opened September 1, 2024—check baa.org for details.
Spectators: The Boston Marathon is a free, public event, with prime viewing spots along the course, especially at Kenmore Square, Heartbreak Hill, and Boylston Street. Arrive early, as crowds swell to over 500,000. Use the MBTA or Bluebikes to navigate road closures, detailed at boston.gov. Can’t make it in person? Watch live on WCVB Channel 5, ESPN2 (9 AM-12:30 PM ET), or stream via the Very Local app.
Volunteers: The B.A.A.’s Volunteer Corps is the backbone of the marathon. Opportunities range from course marshaling to water stations—sign up at baa.org.
Practical Tips for Marathon Weekend
- Transportation: Avoid driving due to extensive street closures in Boston, Brookline, and beyond. The MBTA offers increased service, including an Event Schedule for the Commuter Rail on April 19. B.A.A. shuttle buses transport runners to Hopkinton on race morning.
- Parking Restrictions: From Exeter Street to Kenmore Street, parking rules are strictly enforced April 18-21. Check boston.gov for specifics.
- Gear Check: Runners can check bags at designated areas in Hopkinton and retrieve them post-race near Copley Square.
- Weather Prep: April in Boston is unpredictable—pack layers for temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F. Spectators, bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
- Medal Engraving: Finishers can personalize their 2025 Boston Marathon medals (featuring the unicorn Spike and the 250th Patriots’ Day engraving) at select locations on April 21, first-come, first-served.
A Legacy of Impact
The Boston Marathon isn’t just a race—it’s a cultural phenomenon. With $1,214,500 in prize money across open, wheelchair, and para divisions (including $50,000 course record bonuses), it rewards excellence while fostering inclusivity. The B.A.A.’s year-round programs engage 35,000 Boston-area youth, promoting healthy lifestyles through running.
This year’s marathon also reflects on One Boston Day, a reminder of the city’s strength after 2013. As Jack Fleming, B.A.A. President and CEO, noted, “The 129th Boston Marathon…marks the 250th Anniversary of Patriots’ Day…[and] we acknowledge the selfless spirit and resilience shown by Bostonians.”
Why 2025 Is Unmissable
The 129th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2025, is a once-in-a-lifetime convergence of athletic prowess and historical reverence. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, cheering from the sidelines, or exploring Patriots’ Day reenactments, this event captures the heart of Boston. From the Hopkinton start line to the Boylston Street finish, every step tells a story of grit, community, and legacy.
Plan your visit, follow updates on baa.org, and join the world in celebrating the Boston Marathon 2025—a race that truly meets the moment.