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Boston Marathon 2025: A Legendary and Historic Event
The Boston Marathon is a legend. A dream race for numerous runners worldwide. Established in 1897, it’s the oldest marathon in the world. This 2025 edition promises a spectacular event with Hellen Obiri and Sisay Lemma returning to Massachusetts to defend their titles.
| Over a Century of History
Founded in 1897, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest marathon. It takes place each year on the third Monday in April, during Patriot’s Day, a significant Massachusetts holiday commemorating the first battles of the American Revolution. Running a marathon on a Monday is quite unique globally. In Boston, it’s a deep-rooted tradition, a homage to American history.
Boston also has iconic figures such as Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to unofficially run the marathon in 1966, and Kathrine Switzer, the official trailblazer in 1967. They turned this race into a true symbol of women’s emancipation, immortalized by the legendary bib number 261, which still carries a powerful message today. It’s also impossible to mention this race without remembering the tragic 2013 bombings, which left a permanent mark on everyone. From that tragedy emerged a slogan now synonymous with resilience: “ Boston Strong”, proudly displayed 1 km from the finish line.
| A Marathon for Elite Runners
Boston is one of the seven World Marathon Majors. But it stands out as the only one requiring qualifying times for all participants. Running in Boston is an earned privilege. In 2025, nearly 36,400 runners attempted to qualify, with impressive times (under 2:55 for men aged 18 to 34), but only 24,069 earned their spot. It represents a dream achievement for many: the ultimate goal in an amateur runner’s career. This is why runners proudly wear the famous “Boston Marathon Celebration Jacket”. Even the GOAT Eliud Kipchoge answered Boston’s call in 2023. That day, the Kenyan encountered a challenging race, hitting the marathon wall and finishing 6th.
This choice is not random. Venice Beach is much more than a backdrop: it’s a symbol. It represents the Californian lifestyle and a city blending sport and cultures from all over the world. By starting the race in this laid-back and warm setting, LA2028 aims to make a strong impression, much like Paris 2024 did with the Eiffel Tower or Les Invalides. It’s also an invitation for the world to discover L.A. through its stunning Pacific Coast.
| A Course with a Unique Challenge
The Boston Marathon route is anything but standard. Starting with a downhill from Hopkinton (a 44m drop in the first km), it spans eight cities before reaching downtown Boston. The course mixes rolling hills, tricky descents, and challenging climbs, culminating with the famous Newton Hills. The most feared? Heartbreak Hill, located at the 20th mile, when legs start to tire. Before crossing the finish line, runners must conquer 248 meters of elevation gain. Add to this often unpredictable weather, swinging from scorching sun like 2024, to torrential rain or cold winds as in 2018, and you have a race as legendary as it is unpredictable. Welcome to Boston.
| A Highly Competitive 2025 Edition
Every year, the best runners in the world gather on the streets of Boston. The 2025 lineup is no exception, featuring several Major winners, male athletes with sub-2:05 times, and top female contenders ready to tackle this challenging course. Experience and race strategy often outweigh personal records here. Defending champions Hellen Obiri and Sisay Lemma will be present.
Evans Chebet will attempt to reclaim his crown, having won in 2022 and 2023 before finishing 3rd in 2024. Eyes will also be on fellow Kenyan, John Korir. He impressed in 2024 with a 4th place finish in Boston and a prestigious win in Chicago with 2:02:44. Other contenders include Cybrian Kotut, Haymanot Alew, and Daniel Mateiko, who are expected to make strong bids. Additionally, the spotlight will be on the top three American marathoners of 2024: Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and CJ Albertson.
| Athlète | Pays | Record Personnel |
|---|---|---|
| Sisay Lemma | ETH | 2h01’48 |
| John Korir | KEN | 2h02’44 |
| Evans Chebet | KEN | 2h03’00 |
| Cybrian Kotut | KEN | 2h03’22 |
| Haymanot Alew | ETH | 2h03’31 |
| Daniel Mateiko | KEN | 2h04’24 |
| Alphonce Felix Simbu | TAN | 2h04’38 |
| Lelisa Desisa | ETH | 2h04’45 |
For the women, the lead pack will be tight around Hellen Obiri. The double World Champion at 5,000 m will face Sharon Lokedi, victorious in New York in 2022, and the indefatigable Edna Kiplagat, always formidable on this type of course. But it’s the Ethiopians who might shake up the rankings. Amane Beriso, with an impressive 2:14:58 in Valencia, arrives in Boston as the favorite. Alongside her, Yalemzerf Yehualaw, former 10 km world record holder, and Rahma Tusa, in top form after Houston, clearly aim for the podium. Let’s not forget Irine Cheptai, who recently finished third in Chicago. American athletes will play boldly on home turf. Keira D’Amato, Sara Hall, Emma Bates, and Desiree Linden will attempt to weave through this fierce lineup, spurred on by the crowd’s cheers.
| Athlète | Pays | Record Personnel |
|---|---|---|
| Hellen Obiri | KEN | 2h23’10 |
| Amane Beriso | ETH | 2h14’58 |
| Irine Cheptai | KEN | 2h17’51 |
| Joan Melly | ROU | 2h18’04 |
| Keira D’Amato | USA | 2h19’12 |
| Rahma Tusa | ETH | 2h19’33 |
| Edna Kiplagat | KEN | 2h19’50 |
| Dorian Louvet, à la quête des 7 Majors
Among this year’s entrants, a well-known French figure will take part: Dorian Louvet. This running influencer continues his “Miles of Discovery” project, a personal and athletic adventure across the world’s greatest marathons. His goal? To run the 7 Majors in one year. Boston will be a pivotal step in this grand challenge.
The Boston Marathon is much more than a race. It’s a life experience. An immersion in history, self-exceeding, and pure passion for running. For those who run it, the goal isn’t always the time, but the honor of earning their place at the start line. And for spectators, it’s the chance to cheer on the world’s best runners. An event not to be missed.
✔ The race will be broadcast live on Monday, April 21st starting at 3:30 PM on Eurosport 2.
