Boston Marathon 2025: Start Time, Route and How to Watch

Newsweek

21-04-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon, returns for its 129th edition on Monday, April 21, 2025.
With tens of thousands of runners and spectators expected to flood the streets from Hopkinton to Boston, the city and surrounding areas will see massive turnout, extensive road closures and millions of viewers tuning in from around the globe.
What Time Does the Boston Marathon Start?
Emma Bates takes the lead after the start of the Boston Marathon, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Bates was the top American finisher.
Emma Bates takes the lead after the start of the Boston Marathon, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Bates was the top American finisher.
Jennifer McDermott/AP Photo
The race is scheduled to begin with a military march at 6 a.m. ET, followed by the Men's Wheelchair at 9:02 a.m., Women's Wheelchair at 9:05 a.m., Handcycles & Duos at 9:30 a.m., Professional Men at 9:37 a.m., Professional Women at 9:45 a.m., and Para Athletics Division at 9:50 a.m. The rolling start begins at 10 a.m. ET.
What Is the 2025 Boston Marathon Route?
The course remains the historic 26.2-mile stretch beginning in Hopkinton and ending on Boylston Street in Boston. It passes through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline. Notably, the route features "the signature 'scream tunnel'" at Wellesley College and climbs Heartbreak Hill in Newton.
Road Closures for the 2025 Boston Marathon
Extensive road closures will be in effect across the marathon route on Monday, April 21, 2025. In Boston and surrounding towns, several key streets will be shut down early in the morning to accommodate the event and ensure safety for participants and spectators.
In Brookline, vehicle traffic will not be allowed on Beacon Street between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m, and pedestrians will only be able to cross at select intersections such as Tappan, Webster, and Hawes streets. Other towns along the route—including Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Boston—will have localized closures primarily along Route 135 and Commonwealth Avenue.
Public transit adjustments are also in place. The MBTA will close stations near the marathon finish line, including Copley Station, and temporarily suspend or reroute several bus lines. Commuter rail and subway services will run on modified weekday schedules with added capacity to handle the increased demand. Travelers are encouraged to use public transit and expect delays if navigating near the course.
Full details are available on MBTA.com.
How to Watch the 2025 Boston Marathon Live
TV coverage of the race will air nationally on ESPN2 starting at 9 a.m. ET. Livestreams are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), SlingTV (low intro rate), and DirecTV Stream (free trial).
When Did the First Boston Marathon Take Place?
The inaugural Boston Marathon took place on April 19, 1897. "John J. McDermott of New York, emerged from a 15-member starting field and captured the first B.A.A. Marathon in 2:55:10, and, in the process, forever secured his name in sports history." The original route stretched 24.5 miles from Ashland to Boston.