The 129th Boston Marathon takes place alongside the 250th anniversary of Patriots’ Day — a convergence of athletic tradition and Revolutionary War history. On April 21, 2025, the race takes on added meaning, coinciding with a major historical milestone. The symbolism of running through towns tied to the first battles for independence gives this year’s event a unique sense of purpose and pride.
Why 2025 matters more than usual
This year’s Boston Marathon is a triple celebration of endurance, history and progress. The event honors the 250th anniversary of Patriots’ Day, the marathon’s 129th edition and 50 years of wheelchair athletes being officially welcomed to the starting line.
The Boston Athletic Association has embraced the theme “Meet the Moment,” capturing the shared spirit of resilience and community. As thousands prepare to gather in Hopkinton this year, the moment becomes not just about covering miles, but about honoring the history behind them — the dedication of every runner, the power of every cheer and the legacy of this legendary course.
The marathon also shares the spotlight with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution’s early stirrings just miles north in Lexington and Concord. With the marathon always scheduled on Patriots’ Day, the overlap gives the 2025 edition a deeper sense of meaning, connecting each mile with a legacy that began two and a half centuries ago.
What to expect on race day
The Boston Marathon is always a spectacle, but the 2025 race brings something extra. Spectators can expect larger crowds, more schoolchildren waving flags and conversations that bridge generations. That collective energy becomes especially meaningful on the toughest stretches of the course, such as the Newton Hills.
The Boston Athletic Association reveals that the 129th Boston Marathon will commemorate the American Revolution’s beginnings just a few miles north of the route in Lexington and Concord. As part of race day programming, a special Patriots’ Day ceremony will take place at the finish line at 9:30 a.m. on Boylston Street, where spectators and the media are encouraged to arrive early to witness the tribute.
How to watch
Spectators who plan to attend in person should arrive early, especially near the finish line on Boylston Street, where the Patriots’ Day ceremony is scheduled. With added programming and larger crowds expected this year, securing a good viewing spot will be key.
For those who will not line up in Hopkinton or cheer from the sidelines, there are still plenty of ways to take in the 2025 Boston Marathon. The race will be broadcast live on local and national networks and will also be streamed digitally, giving viewers across the country and beyond a chance to be part of the day.
Live local coverage
Boston-area viewers can tune into WCVB Channel 5 for exclusive live coverage beginning at 4:00 a.m. on Marathon Monday. The broadcast will include early race day moments through the elite finishes and beyond.
Streaming
Live streaming is available via the Very Local app, which is free and compatible with smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. You can search for Very Local in your device’s app store to download and watch.
The Boston Marathon will also be simulcast on WCVB’s Hearst Television sister stations across the region, including WMUR News 9 ABC in Manchester, N.H.; WMTW Channel 8 ABC in Portland and Auburn, Maine; and WPTZ NBC5 in Burlington, Vt., and Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Live national coverage
National coverage of the 129th Boston Marathon will air on ESPN2 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST. ESPN will also include marathon coverage on SportsCenter and other network platforms throughout the day.
Official broadcasters
International broadcast availability may vary by region for viewers tuning in from outside the United States. To know how to watch the Boston Marathon in your country, visit the official broadcaster directory for updated listings and streaming options.
Where history meets every mile
This year’s Boston Marathon carries more than just the crowd’s roar and the rhythm of determined footsteps — it holds meaning. The 129th edition is woven with deep historical resonance, from the revolutionary echoes of Patriots’ Day to the personal milestones of every participant. As athletes cross the finish line on Boylston Street, they meet a moment 250 years in the making.
A luxury travel, food and adventure journalist with a passport full of stories from over 46 countries, Mandy specializes in uncovering unforgettable experiences across the globe. With a deep love for the Far East and a diver’s eye for hidden worlds, she brings readers along on immersive journeys that blend indulgence with discovery and she shares it all on Ticket to Wanderland.