Boston Marathon 2025: Start Times, Route Details, and Key Info on Watching the Race

All Eyes on the 129th Boston Marathon: What You Need to Know

The Boston Marathon 2025 promises its usual blend of athletic drama, city-wide celebration, and logistical juggling. On April 21, tens of thousands of runners and cheering crowds will take over the streets, with the event marking its 129th year. This isn’t just another race—it's a marathon with a legacy, run on a course that has challenged and inspired generations.

Kicking things off bright and early, Military Marchers step off at 6:00 a.m. ET. After that, the big push happens in waves: Wheelchair divisions launch from 9:06 a.m., professional men sprint off at 9:37 a.m., professional women follow at 9:47 a.m., and Para Athletics athletes move at 9:50 a.m. Then come the rest of the runners, staggered in four big waves between 10:00 and 11:15 a.m. ET. These carefully timed starts help manage the huge field and keep the course flowing smoothly.

The famous route begins in Hopkinton, with that steep downhill start on Main Street that always excites first-timers. From there, the path follows Route 135, snaking through Ashland, Framingham, and Natick. The halfway point comes up near Wellesley, not far from the roar of the legendary ‘Scream Tunnel’ of Wellesley College students. The real challenge arrives in Newton, where a series of rolling hills—spanning roughly miles 17.5 to 21—can break anyone’s rhythm. Heartbreak Hill, just past Boston College, remains as infamous as ever. Runners who conquer this stretch earn every step to Boylston Street, where the finish line awaits near the heart of downtown Boston.

How to Watch, Track, and Navigate Race Day

If you want to follow your favorite runner, technology makes it simple this year. The Boston Marathon mobile app lets fans track participants’ progress across key timing mats—expect updates at 20K, halfway, 25K, 30K, 20M, 21M, 35K, 40K, and close to the end at 25.2 miles. For racers, digital clocks at every 5K and certain mile markers provide unofficial times, so you know if you’re on pace or need to dig deeper against the clock.

The lungs and legs aren’t the only things getting support: runners will find Poland Spring water and Gatorade Endurance Formula at multiple points, starting just after mile two. Fast-digesting Maurten Hydrogel is available at miles 11.8, 17, and 21.5 for a boost. Medical and first aid stations stand ready along the way for anyone in need, and when the going gets extra tough, volunteers and fans make up the marathon’s special energy.

Planning to watch in person or head into Boston on race day? Leave the car at home if you can. Streets on the course will be closed to traffic for most of the day, and expect disruptions on the MBTA (especially Green Line access at Woodland and Cleveland Circle stations). If you’re getting to Boston by public transit, check schedules in advance—transport adjustments are routine to keep runners and spectators safe. The finish area on Boylston Street will be bustling all day long but shuts down at about 5:30 p.m. ET to wrap up another marathon Monday.

Whether you’re running, cheering, or just trying to get to work, the Boston Marathon 2025 will make its presence felt far beyond the 26.2 miles of pavement. For Boston, this isn’t just a race—it’s a ritual, routine, and rite of passage all rolled into one unforgettable day each April.