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Sunday Special: Your Complete Guide to the 2025 Boston Marathon

Everything You Need to Know

Author

Letty Lundquist
April 20th, 2025

Sunday Special: Your Complete Guide to the 2025 Boston Marathon

Get ready for a spectacle, Boston! Patriots' Day on Monday, April 21st, 2025, will once again transform our streets into a vibrant arena for the 129th running of the legendary Boston Marathon. As your eyes and ears on the ground, I'm here to equip you with the essential information to make the most of this incredible day. Whether you're a seasoned marathon enthusiast or experiencing the thrill for the first time, this guide will ensure you're ready to cheer on 30,000 determined athletes as they conquer the 26.2-mile journey from Hopkinton to Boylston Street.  

Who Is Who This Boston Marathon?👟

Watch as we discuss tomorrow’s field in depth!

Mark Your Calendars: The Soundtrack of Marathon Monday

To ensure you don't miss any of the inspiring action, here's the official schedule of starts:

  • 6:00 a.m. ET: Witness the powerful and symbolic start of the Military Marchers.

  • 9:06 a.m. ET: Feel the adrenaline as the elite Men's Wheelchair Division blazes off the starting line.

  • 9:09 a.m. ET: Be inspired by the speed and determination of the elite Women's Wheelchair Division.

  • 9:30 a.m. ET: Cheer on the incredible Handcycle & Duo Participants as they showcase their strength.

  • 9:37 a.m. ET: The moment many have been waiting for – the elite Professional Men's race begins!

  • 9:47 a.m. ET: The fierce competition of the elite Professional Women's race gets underway.

  • 9:50 a.m. ET: Show your unwavering support for the remarkable athletes in the Para Athletics Divisions.

  • From 10:00 a.m. ET: The waves of dedicated runners in Waves 1 through 4 will embark on their personal triumphs, starting in 25-minute intervals.

Getting Around: Your Transportation Game Plan

Navigating the city on Marathon Monday requires a strategic approach. With road closures and enthusiastic crowds, public transportation will be your best ally in reaching various vantage points along the course:

  • The MBTA Commuter Rail: A reliable option for accessing towns west of Boston, getting you closer to the early miles of the race. Be sure to consult the special Marathon Monday schedules for updated service information.

  • The MBTA Green Line: Your key to navigating within the city and reaching areas like Newton and Brookline as the race progresses towards the finish. Keep an eye on any potential service adjustments for race day.

For spectators requiring accessible viewing, designated ADA-accessible seating is available near the Finish Line at the intersection of Boylston Street and Hereford Street.

Tune In and Stream: Don't Miss a Single Stride

Even if you can't be on the course, you can still experience every thrilling moment from the comfort of your home or on the go:

  • Local Pride on WCVB Channel 5 (ABC): For those in the Boston area, your exclusive live coverage kicks off bright and early at 4:00 a.m. ET on Marathon Monday. Fuel up and tune in!

  • Stream the Energy with Very Local: Download the free "Very Local" app on your smartphones, tablets, or smart TVs to catch the live stream wherever you are.

  • Regional Broadcasts: Our neighbors in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont/Plattsburgh can join the excitement via the simulcast on WMUR News 9 ABC (Manchester, NH), WMTW Channel 8 ABC (Portland/Auburn, ME), and WPTZ NBC5 (Burlington, VT/Plattsburgh, NY).

  • National Coverage on ESPN2: Viewers across the nation can catch the live broadcast on ESPN2 from 9:00 a.m. ET to 12:30 p.m. ET.  

  • The ESPN Network: Stay updated with race highlights and analysis throughout the day on SportsCenter and other ESPN platforms.

  • Global Reach: For our international audience, be sure to check your local listings for coverage on broadcasters like FloSports, TSN/RDS, SMG, ESPN Brazil, ESPN LATAM/Sur, Eurosport India, Eurosport, Astro, VTVCab, Supersport, and the Olympic Channel.

The Headliners: Elite Runners to Watch

The 129th Boston Marathon boasts a phenomenal lineup of elite athletes from around the globe, all vying for victory. Here are some of the top contenders you'll want to keep your eye on:  

Elite Men to Watch at the Boston Marathon

Here's a look at some of the top contenders in the elite men's field for the Boston Marathon, along with their personal best marathon times and notable achievements:

  1. Sisay Lemma (Ethiopia): The reigning champion, boasting a remarkable personal best of 2:01:48 (Valencia, 2023) and aiming for a rare back-to-back victory.

  2. John Korir (Kenya): Fresh off a dominant win in Chicago, he arrives in Boston with serious intentions and a personal best of 2:02:44 (Chicago, 2024).

  3. Evans Chebet (Kenya): A two-time Boston Marathon winner, his familiarity with the course makes him a constant threat, with a personal best of 2:03:00 (Valencia, 2020).

  4. Cybrian Kotut (Kenya): A strong performance in Berlin signals his readiness to contend at the highest level, with a personal best of 2:03:22 (Berlin, 2024).

  5. Haymanot Alew (Ethiopia): Another Ethiopian talent with impressive speed and endurance, holding a personal best of 2:03:31 (Berlin, 2024).

  6. Daniel Mateiko (Kenya): A consistent performer on the international stage, always in the mix, with a personal best of 2:04:24 (Valencia, 2024).

  7. Lelisa Desisa (Ethiopia): A two-time Boston Marathon champion, looking to recapture his crown, with a personal best of 2:04:45 (Dubai, 2013).

  8. Abel Kipchumba (Kenya): Possessing the raw speed to challenge the leaders in the field, with a personal best of 2:06:49 (Berlin, 2022).

  9. Patrick Tiernan (Australia): An Olympian with a solid personal best, ready to test himself on the Boston hills, clocking in at 2:07:45 (Houston, 2024).

  10. Conner Mantz (USA): A strong American contender with a personal best of 2:07:47 (Chicago, 2023).

  11. Clayton Young (USA): Another promising American athlete with a personal best of 2:08:00 (Chicago, 2023).

  12. Rory Linkletter (Canada): Representing Canada with a personal best of 2:08:01 (Seville, 2024).

  13. CJ Albertson (USA): Known for his aggressive racing style, with a personal best of 2:08:17 (Chicago, 2024).

  14. Yemane Haileselassie (Eritrea): An experienced runner with a personal best of 2:08:25 (Houston, 2025).

  15. Zach Panning (USA): A determined American athlete with a personal best of 2:09:16 (Chicago, 2024).

  16. Reed Fischer (USA): An American runner looking to make his mark, with a personal best of 2:10:14 (Chicago, 2024).

  17. Wesley Kiptoo (Kenya): A Kenyan athlete with a personal best of 2:10:28 (Chicago, 2023).

Elite Women to Watch at the Boston Marathon

Here's a look at some of the top contenders in the elite women's field for the Boston Marathon, along with their personal best marathon times and notable achievements:

  1. Amane Beriso (Ethiopia): With the fastest personal best in the elite field at 2:14:58 (Valencia, 2022), she is a top favorite for the win.

  2. Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Ethiopia): Making her highly anticipated Boston debut, bringing significant talent and speed with a personal best of 2:16:52 (Amsterdam, 2024).

  3. Irine Cheptai (Kenya): A consistent performer with a strong recent marathon under her belt and a personal best of 2:17:51 (Chicago, 2024).

  4. Keira D'Amato (USA): The former American record holder, seeking a triumphant return to marathon racing with a personal best of 2:19:12 (Houston, 2022).

  5. Rahma Tusa (Ethiopia): A seasoned marathoner with a proven track record in major events and a personal best of 2:19:33 (Houston, 2024).

  6. Edna Kiplagat (Kenya): A true legend of the sport, always a formidable competitor with a personal best of 2:19:50 (London, 2012).

  7. Buze Diriba (Ethiopia): Coming off a strong performance in the Chicago Marathon, indicating her readiness, with a personal best of 2:20:22 (Chicago, 2024).

  8. Mary Ngugi-Cooper (Kenya): A consistent top performer in major marathons worldwide with a personal best of 2:20:22 (London, 2022).

  9. Sara Hall (USA): A resilient and experienced American runner, known for her tenacity, with a personal best of 2:20:32 (Chandler, 2020).

  10. Calli Hauger-Thackery (Great Britain): An exciting talent in the marathon world, eager to test herself in Boston with a personal best of 2:21:34 (Berlin, 2024).

  11. Hellen Obiri (Kenya): The two-time defending champion, aiming for a historic and elusive third consecutive Boston victory! Her personal best is 2:21:38 (Boston, 2023).

  12. Emma Bates (USA): A determined American athlete with her sights set on a breakthrough performance and a personal best of 2:22:10 (Boston, 2023).

  13. Sharon Cherop (Kenya): A former Boston Marathon champion, bringing invaluable experience to the race with a personal best of 2:22:28 (Berlin, 2013).

  14. Desiree Linden (USA): The beloved 2018 Boston Marathon champion, returning for her remarkable 12th finish on Boylston Street with a personal best of 2:22:38 (Boston, 2011).

  15. Viola Cheptoo (USA): A strong and consistent competitor with a personal best of 2:22:44 (New York City, 2021).

  16. Sharon Lokedi (Kenya): Finished a close second in last year's thrilling race and will be hungry for the top spot with a personal best of 2:22:45 (Boston, 2024).

  17. Sara Vaughn (USA): Coming off a strong showing in the New York City Marathon, she's a force to be reckoned with and a personal best of 2:23:24 (Chicago, 2023).

  18. Dakotah Popehn (USA): Formerly known as Dakotah Lindwurm, with a personal best of 2:24:40 (Chicago, 2023). She recently finished 3rd at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials and competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

  19. Jess McClain (USA): Coming off a strong performance at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials with a personal best of 2:25:46 (Orlando, 2024), and a notable finish at the New York City Marathon.

(Professional Wheelchair Division - The Speed Demons)

Witness the incredible speed and athleticism of the top contenders in the wheelchair division:

Men's Field:

  1. Marcel Hug (Switzerland): The undisputed king, holding the course record and a multiple-time champion.

  2. Johnboy Smith (Great Britain): A powerful competitor with a significant personal best.

  3. Daniel Romanchuk (USA): A past Boston Marathon winner, always a serious threat for the title.

  4. Kota Hokinoue (Japan): An experienced and consistent racer in the elite ranks.

  5. Rafael Botello Jimenez (Spain): A seasoned competitor with multiple strong finishes in Boston.

  6. David Weir (Great Britain): A legendary Paralympian bringing his vast experience to the Boston streets.

  7. Patrick Monahan (Ireland): A consistent top performer in major international marathons.

Women's Field:

  1. Susannah Scaroni (USA): The reigning Boston Marathon champion, a fierce and determined athlete.

  2. Manuela Schär (Switzerland): A multiple-time Boston winner and the current course record holder.

  3. Tatyana McFadden (USA): A decorated Paralympian with a long and illustrious career.

  4. Catherine Debrunner (Switzerland): A rising star in the division, known for her incredible speed.

  5. Eden Rainbow Cooper (Great Britain): The victor of the 2024 race, aiming to defend her hard-earned title.

  6. Marie Emmanuelle Noemi Alphonse (Mauritius): A consistent top finisher in major wheelchair marathons.

  7. Christie Dawes (Australia): A veteran competitor with years of experience and unwavering determination.

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible dedication and athleticism on display at the 129th Boston Marathon. Whether you're lining the course or watching from afar, you're part of something truly special. Let's make this Patriots' Day one to remember!