5 Things You Need To Know About The 2025 Boston Marathon

BOSTON, MA — The 129th annual Boston Marathon is set for Monday with the weather looking great for spectators — if, perhaps, a touch warm for runners — with plenty of ways to follow the event either in person or from home.

Here are five things to know if you are looking forward to Marathon Monday in Massachusetts:

What Is The Weather Going To Be?

It is looking like a beautiful day for those looking to catch a glimpse of the Marathon, cheer on family and friends running the race, or simply enjoy the state holiday of Patriots Day if you happen to have it off.

The National Weather Service is forecasting mostly sunny skies with a high of 57 degrees and a light northwest wind that switches around to the southeast during the afternoon.

That may be a bit toasty for runners — who generally prefer cloudy skies with temperatures in the 40s — but much better than some recent years that included driving rain and heat pushing 90 degrees.

How Can You Watch In Person?

There are many great places to catch a view of the runners along the 26.2-mile course, whether you are looking to watch the early packs through Hopkinton, Ashland and Framingham, to root on runners during the challenges of Wellesley, Heartbreak Hill in Newton and Brookline, or cheer the final stretch along Commonwealth Avenue and Boylston Street to Copley Square.

Those planning to travel to the city should be aware that many roads will be closed with extensive race-related parking restrictions in place.

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Taking public transportation is strongly advised. The Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line will have a special Marathon Monday schedule, with additional inbound and outbound trains. All other Commuter Rail lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

The Green Line will be disrupted along the final stretch of the Marathon route during the race with some stops closed.

Copley Station is closed for the entire day. South Street, Kent Street, and Saint Mary's Street stations are closed from approximately 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Red, Orange, Green, Blue, and Silver lines will operate on a weekday schedule, with additional service before and after the race. Bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on the subway on the day of the Marathon.

Where Can You Watch It On TV/Streaming?

WCVB-TV (Channel 5) will broadcast Boston Marathon coverage starting at 4 a.m. on race day, and with the professional races beginning at 9 a.m. The marathon will also run across New England on WMUR (Channel 9) in Manchester, NH, WMTW (Channel 8) in Portland, Maine and WPTZ (Channel 5) in Burlington, VT.

All channels will offer streaming coverage on their respective websites.

Coverage will continue throughout the afternoon until most of the runners cross the finish line.

How To Follow Your Favorite Runners?

Whether you are looking to track the winners or your friends and family members who may be running for charity, the Boston Athletic Association will provide updated race results throughout the day.

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Past results, champions and a history of the race can be found here.

What Are The Safety Measures In Place For the Race?

This Tuesday was One Boston Day in honor of the 12th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, where three spectators were killed when multiple explosive devices detonated near the finish line. Two additional lives were lost during the pursuit and capture of those responsible for the bombings in the days that followed.

The BAA, Boston Police, state and federal authorities have put in place many enhanced safety precautions over the past decade to help make the Marathon an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

"The safety of our participants, volunteers and all others connected to the Boston Marathon is our priority," the BAA said. "Changes to the race route or a pause/cancellation of the race can occur prior to or during the race due to a wide range of public safety situations.

"We ask all participants to STAY ALERT, BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS and FOLLOW DIRECTIONS given to you at any point in time from public safety officials and volunteers."

Prohibited items for runners and spectators include backpacks, handbags, props, large flags, glass containers, containers of any kind in excess of 1 liter, strollers, suitcases and rolling bags, folding chairs, and costumes that include face coverings.

A full list of allowable and prohibited items can be found here (with police having discretion to inspect and reject any item as deemed necessary).