18-04-2025
How to track a competitor in the Boston Marathon
Here are the best ways to track competitors over the 26.2-mile stretch.
The Boston Athletic Association's racing app
The BAA racing app will be your go-to tracker. You can find an athlete by entering a name, bib number, city, or team. Once you find your runner, hit the plus sign to save their profile and keep tabs on them during the race.
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The app includes a live course map, real-time leaderboards, social media connectivity, runner selfies, and updated results. In addition, you will find a tally of how much money each athlete has raised for charity, along with a direct donation link. There is also a spectator guide and a portal to buy official gear.
The BAA racing app is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play.
The BAA website
Once the race kicks off on Monday, the official BAA website will switch over to a live tracking format, offering an alternative to the app. You can access it
On television
ESPN2 will broadcast the marathon from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday. WCVB Ch. 5 returns its local coverage from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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On social media
The Boston Marathon's social media accounts — @BostonMarathon on
Wearable technology
If you're tracking an athlete in person, mapping out your viewing spots ahead of time can make a big difference — especially near landmarks like the Wellesley Scream Tunnel, Heartbreak Hill or the finish line.
If available, using GPS from your runner's smartwatch or fitness app can help you stay up to date, especially at these crowded spots.
Using the MBTA for transportation is recommended due to limited parking and street closures.
Watch your finish
WCVB, which is broadcasting the race, has a finish-line camera.
Max Schwartzberg can be reached at
