Boston Marathon: The Race, The Legacy, The 2025 Highlights

Boston Marathon:

The Race, The Legacy, The 2025 Highlights

For so many marathoners, qualifying for Boston isn’t just a goal—it’s the goal. It’s a badge of honor that represents discipline, grit, and months (or years) of hard training. You can’t just sign up and show up. You earn your way to that starting line in Hopkinton.

To qualify, runners must hit strict time standards based on their age and gender—then cross their fingers that their time is fast enough to beat the cutoff, since Boston often fills before everyone who qualifies gets in. It’s the ultimate test of speed and strategy, and for those who make it, it’s a bucket-list race that delivers on every level.

But Boston is more than just a race—it’s a piece of running history. The oldest annual marathon in the world, it's been challenging and celebrating runners since 1897. Here's a look back at its roots—and a highlight reel of what went down in the 2025 edition.

The Birth of Boston

Inspired by the success of the 1896 Olympic marathon in Athens, the Boston Athletic Association held the first Boston Marathon in 1897. Fifteen men toed the line; only ten finished. John J. McDermott was the first to cross the tape, winning in a time of 2:55:10.

The original course was 24.5 miles, but in 1924 it was adjusted to the now-standard 26.2 miles to align with the Olympic distance. That change also introduced the now-iconic start in Hopkinton.

Since then, the Boston Marathon has grown into a global event, known for its challenging course, unpredictable weather, and moments that have shaped running history.

Historic Moments in Boston Marathon History

1897: First Boston marathon, 15 men with the winner coming in with a 2:55
1924: Adjusted course from 24.5 miles to 26.2 miles
1966: Bobbi Gibb became the first woman to run the race—unofficially, because women weren’t allowed to enter. She hid in the bushes and jumped in after the start.
1972: Women were officially allowed to compete. (Yes, that really took 6 years!!)
1975: Bob Hall completed the race in a wheelchair, paving the way for the wheelchair division. . . . This year, 50 wheelchairs competed.
2013: Tragedy struck with the bombing near the finish line. The world watched in horror—but also in awe as Boston’s community responded with unity and strength.
2018: Des Linden battled wind and rain to become the first American woman to win Boston in 33 years.

Each year adds a new chapter. And 2025? It was one for the books.

2025: Record, Farewells & American Fire

The 129th Boston Marathon, held on April 21, 2025, delivered drama, speed, and emotion from start to finish.

Men’s Winner: John Korir (Kenya) Korir won in a blazing 2:04:45—the second-fastest time ever run in Boston. His win, paired with his brother Wesley’s 2012 victory, made them the first sibling duo to win Boston titles.

Women’s Winner: Sharon Lokedi (Kenya) Lokedi shattered the course record in 2:17:22, defeating a stacked field and signaling her rise to marathon greatness.

Top American: Conner Mantz (our own Utah guy) Mantz ran a career-best 2:05:08, placing fourth overall. It was the fastest time by an American at Boston since 2011—on one of the world’s toughest courses.

Wheelchair Division Swiss superstar Marcel Hug won his eighth Boston title, clocking in at 1:21:34. American Susannah Scaroni claimed the women’s wheelchair crown in 1:35:20.

Des Linden’s Last Dance The 2018 champ ran her final Boston as a pro, finishing in 2:26:18. Fans cheered her every step, knowing they were witnessing the end of an era.

A Special Anniversary This year marked 50 years since Bob Hall’s historic wheelchair finish. Hall served as Grand Marshal, a moving reminder of how Boston leads in making space for every athlete.

Why Boston Still Matters

Boston isn’t just a race. It’s a reward. A proving ground. A celebration of the miles you've logged, the early mornings, the tough workouts, the missed social events—all in pursuit of one thing: earning the right to run from Hopkinton to Boylston Street.

And whether you're chasing your BQ or just watching with goosebumps, Boston reminds us why we run. The passion. The people. The pursuit of something that makes us feel fully alive.

Shout out to our local 2025 Boston runners!

Are you dreaming of qualifying for Boston?

Or already planning your next big race goal?

Let’s talk about how to build the training, strength, and strategy to get you there—healthy, efficient, and strong.

DM me and let’s make it happen.

Here’s to strong, healthy marathon goals!

Happy running

Dayna - your fav. Exercise Physiologist

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