April is here, which means racers are gearing up to make their way to Massachusetts for the 129th Boston Marathon.

The world’s oldest marathon kicks off on Patriots’ Day in Boston, Monday, April 21.

The annual race is one of six World Marathon Majors and attracts tens of thousands of both racers and spectators over its various events, all culminating with the 26.2-mile race stretching from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, to Boston.

The marathon is run by both professional and amateur racers. It is organized every year by the Boston Athletic Association, and this year, it is presented by Bank of America.

Here’s what you should know about the 2025 Boston Marathon.

When is the 2025 Boston Marathon?

The 2025 Boston Marathon always falls on Patriots’ Day, which is observed in Massachusetts on the third Monday of April. This year, it falls on April 21.

What time does the Boston Marathon start?

Boston Marathon start times for racers are staggered as the first wave kicks off at approximately 10 a.m. ET, with Wave 4, or the last wave, beginning around 11:15 a.m. ET.

The Boston Marathon finish line will close at 5:30 p.m., about six hours after the final participant crosses the starting line.

What is the 2025 Boston Marathon course?

The 26.2-mile marathon course begins in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and heads through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton and Brookline before going into Boston and finishing on Boylston Street, next to the Boston Public Library.

The full course map with mile markers, elevation and more information can be found on the Boston Marathon’s website.

How to watch the 2025 Boston Marathon

Similarly to 2024, the 2025 Boston Marathon will be broadcast on WCVB Channel 5 in Boston from 4 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET.

Apart from WCVB in Boston, the race will also be simulcast on its regional sister stations: WMUR in Manchester, New Hampshire; NMTW in Portland/Auburn, Maine and WPTZ in Burlington, Vermont/Plattsburgh, New York.

For people outside of the Northeast, the race will be broadcast on ESPN from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. ET.

Who won the 2024 Boston Marathon?

Last year, Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia won overall and in the men’s division with a time of 2:06:17.

For the women’s division, Hellen Obiri of Kenya placed first with a time of 2:22:37.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.