The Boston Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a legendary pilgrimage for distance runners across the globe. With its roots dating back to 1897, this historic event is the oldest annual marathon in the world, and it continues to captivate athletes, spectators, and sports fans alike. As the 129th edition of the race approaches, runners from over 128 countries are preparing to line up in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, for a chance to conquer one of the most iconic courses in athletics.
But if you’re watching from home—or planning your Monday around the action—you might be asking the key question: what time does the Boston Marathon start? Here’s everything you need to know.
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When is the Boston Marathon 2025?
The 2025 Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 21, aligning with Patriots’ Day, a public holiday in Massachusetts that commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War. The marathon is always held on this day, making it one of the few major races run on a Monday.
What Time Does the Boston Marathon Start?
Start times for the 2025 Boston Marathon vary by division. The first wave of runners sets off bright and early in the morning. Here’s the full schedule, converted to different time zones for convenience:
- Wheelchair Division (Men): 9:02 a.m. (ET) / 7:02 a.m. (CDT – Mexico City)
- Wheelchair Division (Women): 9:05 a.m. (ET)
- Handcycles & Duos: 9:30 a.m. (ET)
- Professional Men: 9:37 a.m. (ET)
- Professional Women: 9:45 a.m. (ET)
- Wave 1 (general field): 10:00 a.m. (ET)
- Wave 2: 10:25 a.m. (ET)
- Wave 3: 10:50 a.m. (ET)
- Wave 4: 11:15 a.m. (ET)
Where to Watch the Boston Marathon 2025 Live?
If you can’t make it to Massachusetts, there are several options to follow the race live:
Television Coverage
- United States: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
- Mexico & Central America: ESPN
- Spain: Teledeporte, Eurosport
Online Streaming
- United States: FuboTV (with free trial)
- Mexico & Argentina: Disney+
Major networks will also offer real-time updates, interviews, and special coverage of elite runners, historic moments, and the crowd-filled atmosphere along the course.
Why Is the Boston Marathon So Special?
The Boston Marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors, alongside New York, London, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo an Sydney. But unlike its peers, Boston requires runners to qualify with specific time standards based on age and gender. This makes entry highly competitive—and deeply meaningful to those who earn their bib.
Historic and Social Milestones
The Boston Marathon has been a pioneer in many ways:
- It was the first city marathon to allow official female participation in 1972, though trailblazers like Roberta Gibb and Katherine Switzer ran it unofficially in the 1960s, challenging gender norms and rewriting history.
- It was the first major marathon to introduce a non-binary category in 2023.
- It has only been canceled once—in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It offers the highest prize money among the World Marathon Majors: $150,000 for the male and female winners, plus a $50,000 bonus for any course record.
What Is the Boston Marathon Course Like?
The 26.2-mile (42.195 km) route runs from Hopkinton to Boston, passing through eight municipalities and thousands of cheering fans. The course is famous for landmarks like:
- Heartbreak Hill: a brutal incline around mile 20 (km 32) that has crushed even elite runners.
- Wellesley College Scream Tunnel: where students loudly cheer runners for nearly a quarter-mile.
- Boylston Street Finish Line: the emotional final stretch in Copley Square.
Who Sponsors the Boston Marathon 2025?
This year, the presenting sponsor of the Boston Marathon is Bank of America, taking over from John Hancock in a 10-year partnership. Other notable sponsors include:
- Schneider Electric (sustainability partner)
- Gatorade, Poland Spring, Samuel Adams
- Tata Consultancy Services, Maurten, Clif Bar
- JetBlue, Abbott, DICK’S Sporting Goods
- iFIT, Shokz, CITGO, Honda, ESPN
If you’re a runner, a fan, or simply someone who appreciates human resilience, the Boston Marathon is a must-watch. Its combination of elite athleticism, historic significance, and emotional triumph make it one of the most inspiring events in the sporting calendar.
So now that you know what time the Boston Marathon starts, set your reminders, grab your coffee, and get ready to cheer on the runners as they chase greatness down Boylston Street.
