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Boston Marathon Returns for 129th Edition: Key Highlights from the 2025 Race
The Boston Marathon, a globally acclaimed and esteemed race, once again captivated the city as it marked its 129th iteration. On April 21, 2025, over 30,000 participants, including notable figures from sports, entertainment, and various fields, convened for this prestigious event. Driven by personal goals, philanthropic endeavors, or the allure of competition, the 2025 Boston Marathon etched another memorable chapter in the race’s illustrious history. Discover the highlights, including winners and celebrity participants, below.
Boston Marathon 2025: Race Day Details
The 129th Boston Marathon unfolded on Monday, April 21, 2025, aligning with the 250th anniversary of Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts holiday commemorating the inception of the American Revolutionary War. The 26.2-mile race commenced in Hopkinton and culminated in the heart of downtown Boston, adhering to its time-honored route.
Participating in the Boston Marathon
An impressive 32,080 runners secured spots on the 2025 Boston Marathon entry roster, exceeding the 29,685 participants from the previous year. Qualification necessitated achieving a verified marathon time within the designated qualifying period, spanning from September 1, 2023, to September 13, 2024.
For individuals who did not meet the qualifying time benchmarks, alternative avenues for entry existed. These included fundraising through official Boston Athletic Association charity programs, securing invitational entries from sponsors or affiliated organizations, or obtaining entry via international tour operators offering travel packages inclusive of race registration.
Viewing the Boston Marathon
Local audiences in the Boston vicinity could access live coverage via WCVB Channel 5, commencing at 4:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Nationally, ESPN2 broadcast the marathon from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Digital streaming options were also available. WCVB’s comprehensive coverage was accessible on the Very Local app, a free platform downloadable on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV. ESPN+ provided live streaming of the marathon for its subscribers.
Celebrity Participants in the 2025 Marathon
Numerous prominent personalities engaged in this year’s race, showcasing a blend of athletic prowess and commitment to charitable causes:
- Paula Radcliffe: The former world record holder in the women’s marathon, bib number 215, continued her quest to complete all six World Marathon Majors.
- Amby Burfoot: The 1968 Boston Marathon victor and former Runner’s World editor maintained his annual tradition of running the race.
- Brian Diemer: The 1984 Olympic bronze medalist in the 3000m steeplechase participated alongside his daughter, McKenzie Pluymert.
- Scott Stallings: Professional golfer marked his marathon debut, running to benefit Golf Fights Cancer.
- Alice Cook: A former Olympic figure skater and sports broadcaster, she participated despite her ALS diagnosis, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
- Matt James: The reality TV personality from ‘The Bachelor’ completed his second Boston Marathon.
- Drew Carter: Boston Celtics play-by-play commentator, he ran to support the Shamrock Foundation.
Boston Marathon 2025: Race Champions
John Korir of Kenya emerged victorious in the men’s division, achieving an impressive time of 2:04:45. This win places him alongside his brother Wesley Korir (2012 champion) as a Boston Marathon winner. In the women’s race, Sharon Lokedi, also representing Kenya, secured first place and established a new course record with a time of 2:17:22.
“It feels so good,” Lokedi stated in a post-race interview on ESPN2. “It was challenging, and I persevered through it.”
In the wheelchair divisions, Marcel Hug of Switzerland clinched the men’s title for the eighth time with a time of 1:21:34. Susannah Scaroni of the U.S. claimed victory in the women’s wheelchair race in 1:35:20.