The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) has updated its finish line policy for the 2025 Boston Marathon following concerns raised during the 2024 race.
Previously, runners had a 6-hour window from the moment the last runner left the starting line in Hopkinton to reach the finish in Boston and be listed as an official finisher. However, participants on the course couldn’t know the exact moment the final starter began, leaving them uncertain about when the six-hour countdown started and the exact time they needed to finish by in order for their result to officially count.
With the new rule, runners must cross the finish line on Boylston Street by a set time—5:30 p.m. (local time, of course)—to be considered an official finisher.
This policy change doesn’t add much wiggle room for those at the back of the pack. In 2024, the last runner left at 11:28 a.m., setting the cutoff at 5:28 p.m. But the fixed time eliminates uncertainty for participants about their deadline.
Being listed as an official finisher includes a name and placement in the results (and bragging rights), which is essential for eligibility in the World Marathon Majors (WMM) six-star medal count.
In 2024, confusion arose when some runners believed they had officially finished based on information provided during the race and at the finish line. A few even received their six-star medal, only to find out later they weren’t official finishers, some having missed the cutoff by only 37 seconds.
In 2024, 497 runners crossed the finish line after the 5:28 p.m. cutoff. Although their names and times were listed, they weren’t given official placements. Volunteers distributed medals well into the evening. Many who missed the cutoff started in the last wave or ran significantly slower than six hours but still finished within the official window.
