How to Watch Boston Marathon 2025: Start Time & Route

The world-famous Boston Marathon is back for its 129th edition today, Monday, April 21, 2025. Thousands of runners and spectators have gathered to take part in the historic event. The race starts in Hopkinton and ends in downtown Boston, covering a total distance of 26.2 miles.

This marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world. People from across the globe travel to Boston to watch or take part in the race. As usual, the event has brought road closures, large crowds, and changes in public transportation.

What Time Does the Boston Marathon Start?

The event began early this morning. It started with a military march at 6 a.m. ET. After that, different race categories began at the following times:

• Men’s Wheelchair Race: 9:02 a.m.

• Women’s Wheelchair Race: 9:05 a.m.

• Handcycles and Duos: 9:30 a.m.

• Professional Men: 9:37 a.m.

• Professional Women: 9:45 a.m.

• Para Athletics Division: 9:50 a.m.

• Rolling start for all other runners: 10 a.m. ET

These times help manage the flow of runners and keep the race safe and organized.

What Is the 2025 Boston Marathon Route?

The Boston Marathon follows its historic route. It starts in Hopkinton and ends on Boylston Street in Boston. The route goes through several towns, including:

• Ashland

• Framingham

• Natick

• Wellesley

• Newton

• Brookline

• Boston

One popular spot along the course is Wellesley College. Here, students line up to cheer loudly for runners. This section is known as the “scream tunnel.” Another famous part of the route is “Heartbreak Hill” in Newton. It’s a tough uphill stretch that challenges many runners.

Road Closures for the 2025 Boston Marathon

To keep the marathon safe, many roads are closed along the route. These closures started early in the morning and will last most of the day.

In Brookline, for example, Beacon Street is closed to cars from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pedestrians can only cross the street at a few spots, like Tappan, Webster, and Hawes Streets.

Other towns like Hopkinton, Ashland, and Newton also have local road closures. Most of these are along Route 135 and Commonwealth Avenue. Drivers are advised to avoid these areas.

Public Transportation Changes

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has made several changes today. Copley Station, which is near the marathon finish line, is closed. Several bus routes are suspended or changed.

Subway and commuter rail lines will run on a modified weekday schedule. Extra trains will run to help carry the large number of people. The MBTA is asking people to plan ahead and expect delays.

How to Watch the 2025 Boston Marathon Live

If you can’t be there in person, you can still watch the Boston Marathon live. National TV coverage is available on ESPN2 starting at 9 a.m. ET. You can also stream the race online.

Streaming services like FuboTV, SlingTV, and DirecTV Stream are offering coverage. Some of them even offer free trials.

When Did the First Boston Marathon Take Place? 

The first Boston Marathon took place on April 19, 1897. It had only 15 runners. John J. McDermott from New York won the race. He finished the original 24.5-mile course in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 10 seconds. The route back then started in Ashland and ended in Boston.

Now, more than a century later, the Boston Marathon remains a major event in the world of sports. It brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and countries. Today’s race continues that proud tradition.