Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
5d ago

Boston Marathon Finalizes Six-Wave Start as Race Week Kicks Off

A new six-wave format aims to ease course flow during a packed week of civic events.

The starting area of the 130h Boston Marathon at Hopkinton.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 21: Sharon Lokedi of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the 129th Boston Marathon Women’s division on April 21, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Image
Image

Overview

  • The 26.2-mile race, set for Monday, April 20, begins with wheelchair athletes at 9:06 a.m. and sends six open-division waves through 11:21 a.m.
  • Organizers expect about 30,000 runners from nearly 130 countries and all 50 states, with the expanded wave plan designed to spread runners more evenly on the course.
  • One Boston Day on Wednesday features memorials on Boylston Street, city service projects, acts of kindness, and free Stop the Bleed training sessions.
  • The Fan Expo opens Friday at the Hynes Convention Center, with Saturday’s slate featuring the Boston 5K, the B.A.A. Invitational Mile, and the Youth Mile.
  • Nationwide TV coverage airs on ESPN2 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET, with additional ESPN segments and local live coverage on ABC affiliate WCVB; fans can track runners on the B.A.A. Racing app and plan Heartbreak Hill viewing as elites pass late morning.