Last October, I realized the 2025 Boston Marathon would be the Golden Anniversary of Boston Billy’s first victory there in a course record 2:09:55. Wearing a slightly too big pair of Nike Boston ’73s given to him by the not quite yet legendary Steve Prefontaine, Bill Rodgers stopped to tie his shoes a few times before stepping into history.
Realized this because Bill reminded me. So, anyway, I had hoped to be there for the party. Doesn’t look like I’ll make it. But I do have press credentials. Shout out to Chris Lotsborn, Director of Race Communications & Media. I submitted a clipping from the 1979 BAA Marathon and I like to think that won over the authorities.
What follows is the actual official email from the BAA. With some redactions. No way am I disclosing the various food locations available only to members of the media.
BOSTON (9-April) —The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) looks forward to welcoming runners from around the world to Boston for the 129th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America on Monday, April 21, 2025. In advance of race week, we’d like to share the following reminders and schedule with members of the media.
Credential Pick-Up: Approved accredited media will pick-up credentials within the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel’s State Suite (lower level) from Thursday, April 17 through Sunday, April 20 within the following hours:
All media members will be required to agree to the Boston Marathon News & Media Access Guidelines upon picking up credentials. NOTE: Some non-rights holding organizations have coordinated group pick-up of credentials with the B.A.A. We will be in touch with such organizations soon with further details.
As a reminder, accredited media are not allowed on the race course at any time. Media must stay off the roadway, and are only allowed in designated Media areas or in public spectator areas.
Boston Marathon Media Resources (Media Guide/Professional Athlete Bios/Uniform Guide/Maps)
Updated Field Lists: Field lists are available within our media resources page. Of note, the following athletes have withdrawn from the Boston Marathon Professional Men’s and Women’s fields: Joan Melly (ROU), Lindsay Flanagan (USA), Kellyn Taylor (USA), Hannah Lindholm (SWE), Christian Allen (USA), Aaron Pike (USA), Josh Cassidy (CAN), and Yen Hoang (USA). Emily Lipari (USA) has withdrawn from the Boston 5K and Davis Bove (USA) has withdrawn from the B.A.A. Invitational Mile.
The following athletes have been added to the Professional Men’s and Women’s fields: Tsegay Weldlibanos (ERI, 2:07:35 PB), Brian Schrader (USA, 2:09:46 PB), and Viola Cheptoo (KEN, 2:22:44 PB). Annie Rodenfels (USA) and Millie Paladino (USA) have been added to the Boston 5K. Kate Mitchell (USA) has been added to the B.A.A. Invitational Mile.
129th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America Fast Facts (as of April 8, 2025).
- 31,941 participants are entered; 30,000 expected to run on raceday.
- 18,168 Men, 13,697 Women, 76 Non-Binary Entrants
- Residents of 128 Countries and All 50 U.S. States
- Citizens of 129 Countries
- 4,606 Massachusetts Residents Entered
- 9,500+ Volunteers, including 1,600 Medical Volunteers
- Goal of $50 million fundraised through the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.
- 176 non-profits are part of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program
- 26 miles, 385 yards through 8 cities and towns
- $1,214,500 Prize awards available across Open, Wheelchair, and Para Athletics Divisions (including $50,000 course record bonus for open and wheelchair athletes)
2025 STORYLINES:
Meet the Moment
This year, we embrace the powerful theme of “Meet the Moment.” Whether you’re a runner, a volunteer, a spectator, or a supporter, the Boston Marathon is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and perseverance. As we prepare to gather on the iconic start line in Hopkinton, we honor the moments that define us: the dedication of every runner, the strength of every cheer, and the history of this legendary race. This is your moment to be part of something bigger, and together, we will meet it.
50 Years of Wheelchair Racing
2025 marks 50 years of wheelchair racing in Boston. On April 21, 1975, Bob Hall made history by completing the course in 2:58, becoming the first official wheelchair finisher in Boston and paving the way for more than 1,800 athletes to follow over the coming five decades. Bob’s pioneering effort helped distinguish Boston at the forefront of wheelchair racing, something that will be on full display as the world’s best square off at the front of the field. Among the notable returners in the wheelchair division are defending champions Marcel Hug and Eden Rainbow-Cooper, as well as American stars Daniel Romanchuk and Susannah Scaroni. Paralympic champion Catherine Debrunner and fellow Swiss star Manuela Schär also will race.
Patriots’ Day
The 129th Boston Marathon will be run in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of Patriots’ Day, marking the American Revolution’s early beginnings just a few miles north of the race route in Lexington and Concord. Patriots’ Day is woven into the fabric of the Boston Marathon, with the race having been scheduled on the holiday every year since its inception in 1897.
Raceday Program Note: A special ceremony honoring Patriots’ Day will occur at the finish line at 9:30 a.m. on race morning. Spectators and media are encouraged to be in place early to see the special recognition of the 250th anniversary on Boylston Street.
Professional Field
Returning as open division champions are Hellen Obiri (Kenya) and Sisay Lemma (Ethiopia). Obiri looks to become the first woman since 1999 to win three consecutive Boston Marathon titles (something only four women have ever done) while Lemma will square off against two-time winner Evans Chebet and American Olympians Conner Mantz and Clayton Young. This year’s field includes 22 sub-2:09 men and 17 sub-2:23 women. Des Linden, Dakotah Popehn, Keira D’Amato, Emma Bates, Jessica McClain, Sara Hall, and Sara Vaughn are part of the deepest American women’s field in race history, with 14 U.S. women having run sub-2:26.
Para Athletics Divisions
Athletes from six countries will compete across seven Para Athletics Divisions in Boston, with top finishers earning prize money and awards. Among the men’s champions returning are El Amin Chentouf (Morocco, T12 vision impairment), Marko Cheseto Lemtukei (USA, T62/T64; T42/T44 lower-limb impairment), Atsbha Gebremeskel (Ethiopia, T45-T47 upper-limb impairment), Thomas Cantara (USA, T20 intellectual impairment), and Andrew Thorsen (USA, T13 vision impairment). Chentouf, Cheseto Lemtukei, and Cantara hold event records for their respective classifications. New to Boston will be T12 Paralympic Marathon gold medalist Wajdi Boukhili of Tunisia. Richard Whitehead MBE (Great Britain), the decorated four-time Paralympic medalist sprinter-turned-prolific marathoner, will race in the T62/T64; T42/T44 Division seeking his first Boston title.
Kelly Bruno (T62/T64; T42/T44 lower-limb impairment) and Cristina Burbach (T35-T38 coordination impairment), both course record holders, are back to lead the women’s field, and will be joined by Paralympic swimmer and triathlete Melissa Stockwell (T43/T61/T63, lower-limb impairment).
B.A.A. Racing App presented by TCS – https://www.baa.org/baa-mobile-app
Live tracking, interactive course map, cheer cards, leaderboards, and more are available within the B.A.A. Racing App presented by TCS. The mobile app is free to download and we encourage all to download and become familiar prior to race day.
Mixed Zone
Members of the media looking to interview general athletes or professional athletes outside of the top three may do so at the designated mixed zone area located at the northeast intersection of Boylston Street & Dartmouth Street. To access this area from the Fairmont Hotel, you must walk down Berkeley or Clarendon Streets to Boylston Street, then turn left. From Newbury Street or points north, you may enter this location via the Dartmouth Street/Boylston Street intersection. A map of this area is available in the media resources link above and within the media center.
B.A.A. representatives will be on hand to help coordinate athlete availability upon request within the mixed zone. Note that only official broadcasters are allowed outside of the designated Mixed Zone. All champion and top finisher interviews will continue to be held in the Fairmont Copley Hotel Grand Ballroom Press Center.
Media Schedule of Events (subject to change)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
Start Line Painting | Timing TBA | Hopkinton Start Line (weather dependent)
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
Finish Line Decal Installation | Timing TBA | Boston Marathon Finish Line (weather dependent)
FRIDAY, APRIL 18 THROUGH MONDAY, APRIL 21
Boston Marathon Lights the Way: presented by Bank of America | Fairmont Copley Plaza
This free evening showcase will illuminate the magnificent facade of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, providing an unforgettable visual experience. Nightly from April 18-21, immerse yourself in the inspiring stories of some of this year’s fundraising athletes. See their journeys, the medals, and a live donation meter where you can contribute to their cause. Illumination hours are Friday, April 18 & Saturday April 19 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sunday, April 20 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; Monday, April 21 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
Public Safety Press Conference | 9:00 a.m. | Fairmont Copley Plaza Grand Ballroom
Public safety and race officials will share pertinent information to ensure a safe and successful Boston Marathon experience.
Bank of America Professional Athlete Press Conference | 10:00 a.m. | Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
Members of the Bank of America Professional Athlete field, including Olympic and Paralympic medalists, race champions, and winners of Abbott World Marathon Majors races, will be available for group and individual interviews.
B.A.A. Youth Relay Challenge | 4:00 p.m. | Boylston Street Finish Line
Young student-athletes from the Greater Boston community will participate in the B.A.A. Youth Relay Challenge, featuring relay races and short sprints along Boylston Street. More than 400 youth athletes are expected to participate in the free event.
FRIDAY, APRIL 18 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 20
Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo | Hynes Convention Center
The Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo will be open to participants and members of the public from Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20. Participants will pick up their bib numbers and explore a sponsor pavilion, pose for photo-ops, and shop the largest collection of adidas Boston Marathon merchandise in town. A speaker schedule is available here.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods | City Hall Plaza
Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods in City Hall Plaza will be the place to soak in the race week atmosphere. Fan Fest will play host to live music, entertainment, photo-ops, meet and greets, and more. An events schedule is available here.
Samuel Adams Run Pub | City Hall Plaza
Unwind at the Samuel Adams Run Pub within Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods! Enjoy a Samuel Adams 26.2 Brew and explore the marathon-themed beer garden featuring fun throughout the weekend.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
Boston 5K presented by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | *NEW ROUTE FOR 2025 FINISHING AT BOSTON MARATHON FINISH LINE* | 8:00 a.m.
Nearly 10,000 participants will take part in the first race of the B.A.A. Distance Medley, racing 3.1 miles through Back Bay. A stellar professional field features top American and international athletes. This race starts near Boston Common and finishes at the Boston Marathon finish line.
B.A.A. Invitational Mile | Boylston Street Finish Line | 11:00 a.m.
The B.A.A. Invitational Mile features some of the top professional milers in the world, as well as scholastic student-athletes from each of the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route. A list of top entrants will be announced closer to race day.
MONDAY, APRIL 21 (Patriots’ Day)
129th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America | Hopkinton to Boston
A field of 30,000 athletes will participate in the 129th running of the Boston Marathon, covering 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston. The world’s oldest annually run marathon celebrates community spirit and the pursuit of athletic excellence each year. A media work room with seating will be available first-come, first- served in the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel.
Schedule of Starts:
6:00 a.m. ET – Military Marchers
9:06 a.m. ET – Wheelchair Division – Men
9:09 a.m. ET – Wheelchair Division – Women
9:30 a.m. ET – Handcycle & Duo Participants
9:37 a.m. ET – Professional Men
9:47 a.m. ET – Professional Women
9:50 a.m. ET – Para Athletics Divisions
10:00 a.m. ET – Wave 1
10:25 a.m. ET – Wave 2
10:50 a.m. ET – Wave 3
11:15 a.m. ET – Wave 4
Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams | 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | City Hall Plaza
The Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams takes center stage at Boston’s City Hall Plaza. Join as we cheers to conquering 26.2 miles, crown champions, enjoy live music and refreshments. Media members can gain access to the Post-Race Party with their media credential. Tickets are $5.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
Boston Marathon Champions’ Photo Op at View Boston | Tentative Time 9:30 a.m. | View Boston at the Prudential
This photo op will celebrate Boston Marathon Champions high atop the city at View Boston.
Boston Marathon Champions’ Press Conference | 10:30 a.m. | Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
This press conference will feature champions of the 129th Boston Marathon and other notable finishers, as well as officials from the Boston Athletic Association.
B.A.A. Mission: Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running.
B.A.A. Vision: Committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The economic impact of the 2024 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America produced $509.million in state and local economic activity. The 129th Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 21, 2025.
The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.