When And How To Watch The Boston Marathon
You can follow our live coverage of the Boston Marathon on race day on our homepage (or bookmark this link), and our live Watch Along Show on our YouTube channel (link here or watch above), starting at 9:00 a.m. ET Monday morning (30ish minutes before the race start time).
Start Date
The 2025 Boston Marathon is slated for Monday, April 21, 2025.
Start Time
The professional men will go off at 9:37 a.m. ET.
The professional women will go off ten minutes later at 9:47 a.m. ET.
Have family or friends running the race? We have the full list of start times below:
| Military March | 6:00 a.m. ET |
| Men’s Wheelchair | 9:06 a.m. ET |
| Women’s Wheelchair | 9:09 a.m. ET |
| Handcycle & Duos | 9:30 a.m. ET |
| Professional Men | 9:37 a.m. ET |
| Professional Women | 9:47 a.m. ET |
| Para Athletics Division | 9:50 a.m. ET |
| Wave 1 | 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 |
How to Watch The Boston Marathon
Whether you’re tuning in locally, nationally, or from abroad, there are plenty of ways to catch every stride of the 129th Boston Marathon live on race day.
📺 Local Broadcast: WCVB Channel 5 (ABC – Boston)
Boston-area viewers can catch exclusive, live local coverage of the 2025 Boston Marathon on WCVB Channel 5, starting bright and early at 4:00 a.m. ET on Marathon Monday, April 21, 2025.
WCVB’s live broadcast will also be simulcast regionally on its Hearst Television sister stations, including:
- WMUR News 9 ABC – Manchester, New Hampshire
- WMTW Channel 8 ABC – Portland/Auburn, Maine
- WPTZ NBC5 – Burlington, Vermont / Plattsburgh, New York
For additional details, visit wcvb.com/boston-marathon or verylocal.com/cities/boston.
📱 Stream the Race: Very Local App
Prefer to stream? You can watch the marathon live on the free Very Local app, available for smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Just search “Very Local” in your device’s app store and download it ahead of race day.
🌍 National Coverage: ESPN2
For viewers across the U.S., ESPN2 will provide national live coverage from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. Additional updates and highlights will appear throughout the day on SportsCenter and other ESPN platforms.
More information is available at espn.com.
🌐 International Coverage
The Boston Marathon will also be broadcast globally through a range of international partners, including:
- Olympic Channel
- FloSports
- TSN/RDS (Canada)
- ESPN Brazil
- ESPN LATAM/Sur
- Eurosport / Eurosport India
- SMG (China)
- Astro (Malaysia)
- VTVCab (Vietnam)
- SuperSport (Africa)
Course Map
The Boston Marathon is widely considered the second-hardest course of all the World Marathon Majors.
Why isn’t it considered the hardest? Well, despite its rolling terrain and the notorious Heartbreak Hill, leading to nearly 250m of positive elevation gain, the race is actually net downhill once you factor in the nearly 390m of elevation loss throughout the course.
The Boston Marathon course is the most historic marathon in the world, and although the start and finish lines have been slightly altered over the years, much of the course remains exactly as it was originally designed over a hundred years ago.
Since 1924, the race has started in the town of Hopkinton and, from there, descends through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley.
As runners enter Newton, the course gradually rises to the famous Heartbreak Hill. As runners finally crest the hill, they can see downtown Boston for the first time, just a few miles out in the distance.
After running through Brookline, the course enters Boston, where it finishes on historic Boylston Street.
Despite its net downhill, Boston can be a challenging marathon to pace correctly. If you’re looking for some pro tips, check out our chat with Boston veteran Des Linden here to get it just right.
Weather
Marathon Monday is now in the 7-day weather forecast, and things are looking pretty good right now (though it is still early).
Currently, it looks like race day will be sunny with mild temperatures starting in the mid 40’s at the start of the race, rising to about 55 F towards the end of the race.
The wind shouldn’t be a factor, and humidity will be low on race day, presenting near ideal conditions, so long as the sun isn’t too strong and temperatures stay below 60 F during the second half of the race.
BOSTON WEATHER
Prize Money
Prize money at the Boston Marathon is equally distributed amongst the men and women in all divisions. Additionally, the Boston Marathon offers a $50,000 course record bonus should the record be broken.
| Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $150,000 |
| 2nd | $75,000 |
| 3rd | $40,000 |
| 4th | $25,000 |
| 5th | $18,000 |
| 6th | $13,500 |
| 7th | $10,500 |
| 8th | $8,500 |
| 9th | $7,000 |
| 10th | $5,500 |
| Course Record Bonus | $50,000 |
Total Prize Money (Open): $705,000
Men’s And Women’s Elite Startlists
Men’s Startlist
| MEN’S FIELD | COUNTRY | PERSONAL BEST |
| Sisay Lemma | ETH | 2:01:48 (Valencia, 2023) |
| John Korir | KEN | 2:02:44 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Evans Chebet | KEN | 2:03:00 (Valencia, 2020) |
| CyBrian Kotut | KEN | 2:03:22 (Berlin, 2024) |
| Haymanot Alew | ETH | 2:03:31 (Berlin, 2024) |
| Daniel Mateiko | KEN | 2:04:24 (Valencia, 2024) |
| Alphonce Felix Simbu | TAN | 2:04:38 (Valencia, 2024) |
| Lelisa Desisa | ETH | 2:04:45 (Dubai, 2013) |
| Victor Kiplangat | UGA | 2:05:09 (Hamburg, 2022) |
| Asefa Boki | ETH | 2:05:40 (Amsterdam, 2024) |
| Tebello Ramakongoana | LES | 2:06:18 (Xiamen, 2025) NR |
| Abel Kipchumba | KEN | 2:06:49 (Berlin, 2022) |
| Tsegay Weldlibanos | ERI | 2:07:35 (Sacramento, 2024) |
| Patrick Tiernan | AUS | 2:07:45 (Houston, 2024) |
| Conner Mantz | USA | 2:07:47 (Chicago, 2023) |
| Clayton Young | USA | 2:08:00 (Chicago, 2023) |
| Rory Linkletter | CAN | 2:08:01 (Seville, 2024) |
| CJ Albertson | USA | 2:08:17 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Amanuel Mesel | ERI | 2:08:17 (Valencia, 2013) |
| Yemane Haileselassie | ERI | 2:08:25 (Houston, 2025) |
| Erenjia Jia | CHN | 2:08:32 (Berlin, 2024) |
| Zach Panning | USA | 2:09:16 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Colin Bennie | USA | 2:09:38 (Chandler, 2020) |
| Brian Shrader | USA | 2:09:46 (Chicago, 2023) |
| Reed Fischer | USA | 2:10:14 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Tesfu Tewelde | ERI | 2:10:21 (St. Paul, 2024) |
| Wesley Kiptoo | KEN | 2:10:28 (Chicago, 2023) |
| Johannes Motschmann | GER | 2:10:39 (London, 2024) |
| Nathan Martin | USA | 2:10:45 (Duluth, 2023) |
| Ryan Ford | USA | 2:11:08 (New York City, 2024) |
| Colin Mickow | USA | 2:11:22 (Chandler, 2020) |
| Turner Wiley | USA | 2:11:55 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Robert Miranda | USA | 2:12:07 (Sacramento, 2024) |
| Charlie Sweeney | USA | 2:12:23 (Chicago, 2024) |
| JP Flavin | USA | 2:12:34 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Ryan Eiler | USA | 2:13:36 (New York City, 2024) |
| Joseph Whelan | USA | 2:13:39 (Duluth, 2019) |
| Donnie Cowart | USA | 2:13:39 (Cottage Valley, 2023) |
| Steven Martinez | USA | 2:13:44 (Sacramento, 2024) |
| Lyle O’Brien | USA | 2:13:58 (Duluth, 2024) |
| Erik Linden | USA | 2:14:15 (Sacramento, 2024) |
| Andrew Bowman | USA | 2:14:19 (Sacramento, 2024) |
| Ben Kendell | USA | 2:15:11 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Jacob Heslington | USA | 2:15:12 (Orlando, 2024) |
| Primoz Kobe | SLO | 2:14:56 (Boston, 2024)* |
| Louis Serafini | USA | 2:14:59 (Sacramento, 2024) |
| Yudai Fukuda | JPN | 2:15:57 (Gold Coast, 2024) |
| Hiroaki Furukawa | JPN | 2:16:14 (Kumamoto, 2024) |
| Grant O’Connor | USA | 2:16:17 (Boston, 2024) |
| Aaron Davidson | USA | 2:16:30 (Duluth, 2023) |
| Kevin Kirk | USA | 2:16:33 (Twin Cities, 2024) |
| Michael Blaszczyk | USA | 2:16:43 (Sacramento, 2023) |
| Joost Plaetinck | USA | 2:16:47 (Sacramento, 2023) |
| Kyle Johnson | USA | 2:16:59 (Duluth, 2024) |
| Jesse Davis | USA | 2:17:30 (Indianapolis, 2023)* |
| Dustin Bybee | USA | 2:19:48 (St. George, 2023)* |
| Jonathan Kotter | USA | 2:20:08 (St. George, 2023)* |
| David Cisewski | USA | 2:20:53 (Chicago, 2023)* |
| Juan Vidal Ribero | ESP | 2:22:14 (Valencia, 2023)* |
| Sam Morse | USA | 2:22:15 (Boston, 2024)* |
| Pablo Villalobos Bazaga | ESP | 2:22:32 (Seville, 2024)* |
| Iain Hunter | USA | 2:23:45 (St. George, 2023)* |
| Muktar Edris | ETH | Debut / 1:00:52 HM |
| Barry Keane | IRL | Debut/ 1:02:35 HM |
Table data: BAA.org
* Denotes Masters
Women’s Startlist
| WOMEN’S FIELD | COUNTRY | PERSONAL BEST |
| Amane Beriso | ETH | 2:14:58 (Valencia, 2022) |
| Yalemzerf Yehualaw | ETH | 2:16:52 (Amsterdam, 2024) |
| Irine Cheptai | KEN | 2:17:51 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Keira D’Amato | USA | 2:19:12 (Houston, 2022) |
| Rahma Tusa | ETH | 2:19:33 (Houston, 2024) |
| Edna Kiplagat | KEN | 2:19:50 (London, 2012)* |
| Buze Diriba | ETH | 2:20:22 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Mary Ngugi-Cooper | KEN | 2:20:22 (London, 2022) |
| Sara Hall | USA | 2:20:32 (Chandler, 2020)* |
| Calli Hauger-Thackery | GBR | 2:21:34 (Berlin, 2024) |
| Hellen Obiri | KEN | 2:21:38 (Boston, 2023) |
| Emma Bates | USA | 2:22:10 (Boston, 2023) |
| Tsige Haileslase | ETH | 2:22:10 (Hamburg, 2023) |
| Sharon Cherop | KEN | 2:22:28 (Berlin, 2013)* |
| Desiree Linden | USA | 2:22:38 (Boston, 2011)* |
| Viola Cheptoo | USA | 2:22:44 (New York City, 2021) |
| Sharon Lokedi | KEN | 2:22:45 (Boston, 2024) |
| Sara Vaughn | USA | 2:23:24 (Chicago, 2023) |
| Stacy Ndiwa | KEN | 2:23:42 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Gabi Rooker | USA | 2:24:29 (Chicago, 2024) |
| Kellyn Taylor | USA | 2:24:29 (Duluth, 2018) |
| Dakotah Popehn | USA | 2:24:40 (Chicago, 2023) |
| Jackie Gaughan | USA | 2:24:40 (Sacramento) |
| Cynthia Limo | KEN | 2:25:10 (Hamburg, 2024) |
| Lily Partridge | GBR | 2:25:12 (Valencia, 2023) |
| Jess McClain | USA | 2:25:46 (Orlando, 2024) |
| Tristin Colley | USA | 2:25:58 (Chicago, 2023) |
| Annie Frisbie | USA | 2:26:18 (New York City, 2021) |
| Stephanie Bruce | USA | 2:28:41 (Sacramento, 2024)* |
| Kodi Kleven | USA | 2:30:43 (St. George, 2024) |
| Lindsey Bradley | USA | 2:31:46 (Indianapolis, 2024) |
| Sarah Reiter | USA | 2:31:58 (Duluth, 2023) |
| Diana Bogantes | CRC | 2:32:08 (Valencia, 2023) NR |
| Jessie Cardin | USA | 2:33:34 (Chicago, 2022) |
| Ashlee Powers | USA | 2:33:40 (Twin Cities, 2024) |
| Kaylee Flanagan | USA | 2:34:03 (Berlin, 2024) |
| Mimi Smith | USA | 2:34:24 (Chicago, 2023) |
| Rachel Hannah | CAN | 2:34:33 (Toronto, 2024 |
| Megan O’Neil | USA | 2:34:55 (St. Paul, 2024) |
| Anna Benedettini | USA | 2:35:12 (Cottage Valley, 2023) |
| Hailey Bowes | USA | 2:35:36 (Chicago, 2023) |
| Rena Elmer | USA | 2:35:45 (Duluth, 2024)* |
| Veronica Eder | USA | 2:35:46 (Orlando, 2024) |
| Claire Benjamin | USA | 2:35:53 (Sacramento, 2023) |
| Amanda Beach | USA | 2:35:59 (Indianapolis, 2024) |
| Abbie McNulty | USA | 2:36:00 (Sacramento, 2023) |
| Sydney Bowman | USA | 2:36:01 (NYC, 2023) |
| Stephanie Rouse | USA | 2:36:20 (Sacramento, 2023) |
| Lucy Dobbs | USA | 2:36:33 (Indianapolis, 2023) |
| Tammy Hsieh | USA | 2:37:00 (Sacramento, 2023) |
| Sarah Czuprynski | USA | 2:37:21 (Sacramento, 2024) |
| Margaret Vido | USA | 2:38:06 (Sacramento, 2023) |
| Lianne Pagano | USA | 2:38:26 (Sacramento, 2023) |
| Kylee Raftis | CAN | 2:38:45 (New York City, 2024) |
| Emilee Risteen | USA | 2:38:46 (Duluth, 2023) |
| Allie Hackett | USA | 2:38:54 (Duluth, 2023) |
| Dot McMahan | USA | 2:38:34 (Orlando, 2024)* |
| Kate Bazeley | CAN | 2:39:30 (Toronto, 2024)* |
| Meriah Earle | USA | 2:34:17 (Duluth, 2022)* |
| Laurie Knowles | USA | 2:41:05 (Duluth, 2024)* |
| Melissa Perlman | USA | 2:42:50 (Chicago, 2024)* |
| April Lund | USA | 2:43:35 (Indianapolis, 2023)* |
| Amber Green | USA | 2:45:37 (St. George, 2023)* |
| Amber Thielbar | USA | 2:45:45 (North Bend, 2024)* |
Table data: BAA.org
* Denotes Masters
Key Storylines To Follow
The Men’s Field
The men’s field in Boston this year is packed with talent, making it anyone’s race to win. Leading the charge is Sisay Lemma, the defending champion. Lemma’s personal best of 2:01:48 is the fastest in the field, and he’s no stranger to the pressure of big races. While he missed the Paris Olympics last year due to injury, he’s bounced back in a big way and will be eager to defend his crown.
John Korir is another major player, coming off a sensational win at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, where he clocked 2:02:43. That time makes him the second-fastest man in this year’s field. Korir is the younger brother of Wesley Korir, who won Boston in 2012, so there’s a family legacy at play here. He finished fourth in Boston last year, but with his current form, he’s a legitimate threat for the win.
Evans Chebet is practically synonymous with Boston at this point. A two-time winner in 2022 and 2023, Chebet knows every twist and turn of this course. While he missed the podium last year, he finished second in New York later in the year, proving he’s still at the top of his game. His experience on Boston’s tricky terrain could give him an edge over faster but less-seasoned competitors.
Gabriel Geay from Tanzania might not have the same name recognition as some of the others, but his 2:03:00 PR speaks for itself. Geay has been steadily improving and could surprise the field, so keep an eye on him if the pack decides to go out fast.
Geoffrey Kamworor is another intriguing name. Known as the “Man of All Surfaces” for his success on the track, roads, and cross country, Kamworor has been working on making his mark in the marathon. With a personal best of 2:05:23 and a history of tactical brilliance, he’s the dark horse who could disrupt the race.
And let’s not forget the Americans. Conner Mantz leads the U.S. contingent with his fearless racing style. He’s coming off an eighth-place finish at the Paris Olympics and has the kind of aggression that could pay off on Boston’s hills.
Clayton Young, Mantz’s Olympic teammate, is making his Boston debut and brings a steady, calculated approach to the race. Scott Fauble, meanwhile, is a Boston veteran who knows exactly how to pace himself for a strong finish on Boylston Street.
The Women’s Field
Hellen Obiri is the name on everyone’s lips, and for good reason. The two-time defending champion is aiming for her third straight win in Boston, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Catherine Ndereba in the early 2000s. Obiri, a former track star with two Olympic silver medals, made her marathon debut just a few years ago, and she’s been dominating since the get-go.
Amane Beriso is the Ethiopian powerhouse who clocked a jaw-dropping 2:14:58, making her the fifth-fastest woman in marathon history. She’s proven she can handle big races, winning the World Championships in 2023. Boston’s course is unpredictable, but if Beriso is in form, she could rewrite the story on Patriots’ Day.
Sharon Lokedi might not have the same resume as Obiri or Beriso, but don’t underestimate her. Lokedi made waves with her stunning marathon debut at the 2022 New York City Marathon, where she won and then took third place in 2023. In Boston last year, she battled Obiri for the top spot and ultimately finished second. Lokedi is known for her tenacity, and with another year of marathon experience under her belt, she could very well be the one to upset Obiri’s streak.
Yalemzerf Yehualaw, just 25 years old, brings a dangerous mix of youth and experience. With a personal best of 2:16:52 and multiple wins on the world stage, including the London and Amsterdam Marathons, she has the credentials to challenge anyone in this field.
The American women heading into the 2025 Boston Marathon bring a mix of seasoned experience and rising talent. Keira D’Amato leads the pack with her 2:19:12 personal best, a former American record. Sara Hall, with a lifetime of consistent performances and a best of 2:20:32, remains a force in the field and thrives in tactical races that Boston often demands. Des Linden, the 2018 champion, is back for her 12th Boston Marathon and is always a fan favorite.
Emma Bates stands out with her 2:22:10 PR and a top-10 finish at the Paris Olympics, making her a strong contender for a podium spot. Nell Rojas, a two-time top American finisher in Boston, is another local favorite, known for her strength on rolling terrain. Lindsay Flanagan, with a 2:23:31 PR, continues to climb the ranks and could have a breakout performance on Marathon Monday.
Don’t forget, you can follow our live coverage of the Boston Marathon on race day here, starting at 9:00 a.m. ET Monday morning (30 minutes before the race start time).
