The 129th Boston Marathon is set to take place on Monday, April 21, 2025. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or tuning in from home, here’s everything you need to know to experience this iconic race.
Watch our 2025 Boston Marathon Watch Along Live Stream, hosted by Marathon Handbook editors Alex Cyr and Michael Doyle, along with special guests.
We’ll be offering a second-screen experience if you’re also watching the broadcast, or an alternative if you aren’t able to watch the race. We’ll go live starting at 9: 00 a.m. ET, about 30 minutes before the elite races begin.
Link to the stream HERE (or watch via the embedded stream above).
📺 How to Watch the Boston Marathon on TV and Online
Local Coverage (Boston & New England)
- WCVB Channel 5 (ABC): Offers exclusive live coverage starting at 4:00 a.m. ET, with professional races beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Coverage continues throughout the day, concluding with a special edition of Chronicle at 7:30 p.m. ET.
- Regional Simulcasts: The broadcast will also air on WCVB’s Hearst Television sister stations:
- WMUR News 9 ABC (Manchester, NH)
- WMTW Channel 8 ABC (Portland/Auburn, ME)
- WPTZ NBC5 (Burlington, VT/Plattsburgh, NY)
National Coverage
- ESPN2: Will broadcast live from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. Additional coverage and highlights will be available on SportsCenter and other ESPN platforms throughout the day.
Streaming Options
- Very Local App: Stream WCVB’s live coverage for free on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
- WCVB.com and WCVB App: Offers live streaming and real-time updates.
- FloTrack: Provides live streaming on various devices, including Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
- Olympic Channel: Offers free live streaming of the marathon.
- DIRECTV: Streams the marathon for subscribers.
International Coverage
The Boston Marathon will be broadcast globally through various partners, including:
- FloSports
- TSN/RDS (Canada)
- ESPN Brazil
- ESPN LATAM/Sur
- Eurosport/Eurosport India
- SMG (China)
- Astro (Malaysia)
- VTVCab (Vietnam)
- SuperSport (Africa)
- Olympic Channel
👟 Best Places to Watch the Boston Marathon In Person
Watching the Boston Marathon in person is a rite of passage for locals and an unforgettable experience for visitors. From small-town start lines to roaring city streets, each section of the course has its own vibe and charm. Here’s a mile-by-mile guide to some of the best viewing spots:
1. Hopkinton (Start Line – Mile 0)
Best for: Catching the opening energy and elite athletes
The town of Hopkinton comes alive on Marathon Monday as it welcomes tens of thousands of runners to the starting line on Main Street. Spectators here get to witness the emotional sendoff of the wheelchair division, elite athletes, and wave starts beginning around 9:00 a.m. Expect road closures and limited access — it’s best to arrive early via shuttle or on foot. While there’s not much movement to watch yet, the sheer anticipation and pageantry are worth experiencing at least once.
2. Ashland (Miles 3–5)
Best for: A more relaxed, small-town viewing experience
Ashland offers a quieter and more relaxed viewing atmosphere compared to other towns. You’ll find space to spread out along Pleasant Street, especially near the Ashland Town Hall and Clock Tower Plaza. It’s a great spot if you want to avoid dense crowds and catch runners as they settle into their pace. Bonus: It’s also part of marathon history — Ashland served as the race’s original start line until 1924.
3. Framingham (Miles 5–7)
Best for: Lively community feel with great train access
Downtown Framingham buzzes with spectators, music, and community spirit. Hollis Street and the area near the Framingham MBTA station are particularly festive. It’s a prime spot for friends and family trying to catch their runners mid-race, and it’s easily accessible via the commuter rail. The sidewalks fill up fast here, but the view is wide and flat — perfect for spotting runners and snapping great photos.
4. Natick Center (Miles 8–12)
Best for: Family-friendly spectating and grassy hangouts
This is one of the most charming stretches of the course, where crowds tend to gather around the Natick Common and surrounding shops and cafés. The town green offers a relaxed space to bring a picnic blanket or cheer with kids in tow. Natick often organizes live music or community events for Marathon Monday, making it a warm and welcoming place for groups and families.
5. Wellesley College (Mile 13.1)
Best for: Legendary cheers and runner interaction
If you’ve heard of the “Scream Tunnel,” this is it. Wellesley College students line the course holding witty signs, offering encouragement — and sometimes even kisses — to passing runners. Their cheer volume is legendary and can be heard well before you see them. It’s a unique moment in the race, both for participants and spectators. Get there early to claim a good spot along the college’s stone walls.
6. Newton Hills (Miles 16–21, incl. Heartbreak Hill)
Best for: Watching the race’s toughest test — and epic determination
This section is not just scenic but iconic. Runners face a series of challenging climbs culminating in Heartbreak Hill around Mile 20. It’s here where the race often shifts — physically and emotionally. Head to Commonwealth Avenue near Boston College for some of the loudest support outside the finish line. Students, alumni, and locals flood the area, handing out water, snacks, and words of encouragement. It’s emotional, inspiring, and very Boston.
7. Cleveland Circle (Mile 22)
Best for: Transition between suburbs and city with big crowds
Cleveland Circle marks the gateway into Boston proper. You’ll feel the crowd density and energy ramp up as runners descend from the Newton Hills into the Brighton/Brookline area. With the Green Line nearby and multiple bars and restaurants lining the course, it’s a popular viewing spot that balances comfort with intensity. Arrive early to grab patio seating or a perch near Beacon Street.
8. Kenmore Square (Mile 25)
Best for: Urban buzz and pre-finish energy
Just one mile from the finish line, Kenmore Square is a popular gathering place filled with fans waving signs, blasting music, and counting down bib numbers. It’s surrounded by iconic Boston haunts like Eastern Standard and the CITGO sign that looms large — a symbol for runners that they’re almost there. It’s not uncommon to see emotional breakdowns or late-race surges here. Spectating here is electric.
9. Copley Square (Finish Line – Mile 26.2)
Best for: Experiencing the emotional finale
The finish line on Boylston Street in Copley Square is the most iconic spot on the course — but it’s also the most challenging for spectators. Security is extremely tight, and access is restricted unless you have a designated finish line pass or are in the grandstands. Still, nearby areas such as the Boston Public Library steps or Newbury Street provide good overflow viewing. There’s nothing quite like the emotion and relief on runners’ faces as they cross the line.
