Boston turns into a runner’s paradise every April, and the 2025 Boston Marathon weekend is shaping up to be the most electrifying yet. With nearly every major running brand activating through pop-up stores, shakeout runs, cheer zones, panels, and parties, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options.
That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you plan your weekend — whether you’re racing, spectating, or just soaking in the energy. From elite athlete meetups to community shakeouts, here’s everything happening in Boston from Wednesday through Marathon Monday.
READ MORE: The 2025 Boston Marathon: The Complete Guide
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.
Marathon Handbook: Mile Zero
Marathon Handbook invites you to an intimate live show on Saturday, April 19th, 2025, from 5:30PM to 7:30 PM.
Join the Marathon Handbook team—Michael Doyle, Katelyn Tocci, and Alex Cyr—for an engaging evening featuring special guests Amby Burfoot, legendary Boston Marathon champion, and Brady Holmer, renowned sports science writer.
The panel will dive deep into the lore, current state, and reality of running the Boston marathon, as well as how Boston runners can leverage the latest sports science in their marathon efforts on Monday.
The talk will be followed by a Q+A session, then drinks and snacks will be provided with some time to hang out with the panel and attendees.
Limited seating available, RSVP today.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Location: Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
📍 POP-UP STORES & BRAND HUBS
Boston’s iconic Boylston and Newbury Streets will transform into a who’s-who of running retail. Brands are setting up temporary flagship experiences — a mix of retail therapy, social hubs, and race-day HQs.
Here’s a breakdown of the key locations and their dates:
| Brand | Address | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Bandit | 250 Newbury St | Apr 18–22 |
| Brooks Hyperion House | 141 Newbury St | Apr 18–22 |
| On Labs | 400 Newbury St | Apr 17–22 |
| Marathon Sports | 939 Boylston St / 671 Boylston St | Apr 17–22 |
| PUMA “The High Point” | 745 Boylston St | Apr 18–20 |
| RUNNA | 141 Newbury St | Apr 18–22 |
| Tracksmith “Trackhouse” | 285 Newbury St | Permanent |
| Heartbreak Hill Running Co. | 652 Tremont St | Permanent |
SHAKEOUTS, RUNS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
Whether you’re shaking off pre-race jitters or logging social miles with fellow runners, there’s no shortage of events on the move.
PUMA: The High Point Activation (745 Boylston St)
PUMA is doubling down on its running brand cred with a dynamic three-day activation just steps from the finish line. The High Point blends tech previews, community energy, and elite presence.
- Thursday, April 17
- 10:30 AM – Media Tour: A behind-the-scenes look at PUMA’s new raceday innovation.
- 6:00 PM – Go Wild Shakeout Run: A 3-mile public run in collaboration with TrailblazHERs.
- Saturday, April 19
- 10:00 AM – Elite Athlete Meet & Greet: Dakotah Lindwurm, Edna Kiplagat, Rory Linkletter, and more.
- 6:30 PM – Chase the High Urban Race + Party: An unsanctioned city scavenger run with music, lights, and no set course.
- Sunday, April 20
- 8:00 AM – “What’s Your High?” Shakeout: The capstone shakeout event featuring massive crowds, music, and vibes.
Nike x Heartbreak Hill Running Co.
Nike is taking over Heartbreak Hill’s South End and Newton locations for a blend of fun and function.
- Sunday, April 20
- 9:00 AM – Community Shakeout Run at Heartbreak S.E. (652 Tremont St) — open to all, 3 miles with pace leaders.
- Monday, April 21
- 10:00 AM – Mile 20 Cheer Zone at Heartbreak Newton (638 Commonwealth Ave). Expect signs, DJ sets, and team energy.
Adidas: Running Studio (Newbury St)
Adidas is bringing its A-game with an all-weekend lineup of invite-only and open community events centered at their Running Studio hub.
- Friday, April 18
- 5:00–7:00 PM – Boston 13 Launch Party (invite-only)
- Saturday, April 19
- 8:00 AM – BAA 5K Cheer Zone
- 9:00–11:00 AM – Product Deep Dive + Brunch
- 1:00 PM – Kofuzi’s Gameshow
- Afternoon – Group Expo Visit
- Sunday, April 20
- 8:30 AM – Shakeout to Heartbreak Hill Co.
- 2:00 PM – Donut Hour with Alex Hermanson
- 4:00 PM – “Fast is a Mindset” Talk with Erin Azar
Saucony: Café Landwer Activation (653 Boylston St)
Saucony is hosting events that blend performance, identity, and community empowerment — anchored at a café just blocks from the finish.
- Friday, April 18
- 8:00 AM – Saucony Group Run
- 4:30 PM – Run As One Panel: A dialogue on running, culture, and community with Sidney Baptista and Katherine Johnson.
- Saturday, April 19
- 4:30 PM – Design & Innovation Panel: Featuring Jared Ward, Vanessa Fraser, and CPO Brian Moore.
- Sunday, April 20
- 12:30 PM – MENTL.SESH Workshop: A mental wellness and resilience workshop led by Lisa Rainsberger and Liz Beecroft.
Tracksmith Trackhouse (285 Newbury St)
Boston-based Tracksmith is hosting intimate and community-forward events, all from its historic Trackhouse HQ.
- Wednesday, April 16
- 6:30 PM – Final Boston Speed Session
- Friday, April 18
- 6:30 PM – Community Kick-Off Party (drinks, music, and merch)
- Saturday, April 19
- 9:00 AM – Shakeout with Mario Fraioli
- Sunday, April 20
- 9:00 AM – Out-and-Back Boston Course Shakeout
- Monday, April 21
- 12:00 PM – Marathon Afterparty
- Poster Pickup & Hoodie Customization (also available Tuesday)
New Balance: Marathon at the TRACK
Kick off marathon weekend with an unforgettable Saturday night at the Trackhouse. This unique team relay invites groups of 10 to 26 runners to collectively cover the marathon distance — 211 laps on the track — with complete freedom to divide the laps however they choose. As runners tag in and out, the infield transforms into a festive hub with food, cocktails, beer, and live entertainment.
- Saturday, April 19
- 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Asics x BITR: Boston Marathon Shakeout Run
Start your morning with one of the most beloved traditions of Boston Marathon weekend — the ASICS shakeout run. Hosted at the ASICS House on Newbury Street, this community-centric run welcomes runners of all paces for a casual few miles and a chance to connect before race day. Arrive early to score one of ASICS’ coveted corduroy hats, available to the first 500 attendees. No RSVP required — this free event is open to all.
- Sunday, April 20
- 8:00 AM – 119 Newbury Street
PANELS & CONVERSATIONS
Brooks Hyperion House (141 Newbury St)
Brooks is diving into storytelling with athlete and community-centric discussions.
- Friday, April 18
- 3:00 PM – “Power of Community” Panel: Hosted by Kiera Smalls with voices from Game Changers and Prolyfyck Run Crew.
- 5:00 PM – Shakeout + Meet the Pros (Jess McClain, Zach Panning)
- 7:00 PM – “Nobody Asked Us” Podcast Live with Des & Kara
- Saturday, April 19
- 11:00 AM – Pre-Race Preview: Des Linden, CJ Albertson, Emily Abbate dive deep into the Boston course.
- Sunday, April 20
- 11:00 AM – For the Long Run Panel: Kara Goucher, Aliphine Tuliamuk, and Dot McMahan talk parenthood and pro running.
AFTERPARTIES & CELEBRATIONS
After the race, it’s time to celebrate (or recover). Boston offers a variety of post-race options to close the weekend in style.
- Tracksmith Afterparty
Mon, Apr 21 – 12:00 PM @ Trackhouse (285 Newbury St)
Free drinks, commemorative posters, and custom Heirloom Hoodie embroidery. - Brooks Post-Race Bash
Mon, Apr 21 – 12:00–7:00 PM @ Hyperion House
Food, drinks, giveaways, finisher scarves, and medal engraving for BRC members. - Heartbreak Hill Party
Mon, Apr 21 – 6:00–9:00 PM @ 11 Beacon St
A downtown celebration to close out the marathon weekend. - On x Mental Athletic Party
Mon, Apr 21 – 6:00–10:00 PM @ 400 Newbury St
A high-energy community bash with live music and good vibes.
