“Running the Boston Marathon is not just an athletic goal, it’s a statement of will.” So said Desiree Linden, 2018 winner and the first American to take the women’s title in more than 30 years, in a recent interview. And she’s not exaggerating. The Boston Marathon 2025, to be held on Monday, April 21, is more than a competition: it is a collective, historic and deeply emotional experience for those who participate and those who live it from the streets.
For the Hispanic community in the United States – and particularly in Massachusetts – this event also represents an opportunity to celebrate effort, migrant pride and visibility in one of the most important athletic platforms in the world.
What is the Boston Marathon?
It is the oldest annual marathon in the world, with its first edition in 1897.
Organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), it runs 42.195 km (26.2 miles) from Hopkinton to the finish line at the famous Boylston Street in the heart of the city.
The 129th edition of the Marathon is celebrated as part of Patriots’ Day, a regional holiday in Massachusetts, making the day a special holiday and a true community celebration.
Who can participate?
Not just anyone. To register for the Boston Marathon, you need to meet strict qualifying times, determined by age and gender, or run for charity through an accredited organization.
In 2024, more than 30,000 runners participated, according to the BAA.
A similar or higher figure is expected by 2025.
Among them, every year hundreds of Latino runners -many of them immigrants- who see in this event a way to improve themselves and make their stories visible.
Where to see it?
The Boston Marathon route passes through 8 locations: Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston.
El Maratón de Boston es más que una competencia
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The most popular spots to watch the race are:
Heartbreak Hill in Newton (one of the most difficult climbs).
Kenmore Square, near Red Sox Stadium
The finish line on Boylston Street, where the excitement reaches its peak
The MBTA (public transportation) will be operating on a special schedule that day. It is recommended to avoid the use of the car and arrive early to the observation points.
Hispanics on the road
Groups such as Latinos Run and United Latino Runners are already organizing trainings and community meetings.
In addition, organizations such as ¡Ándale! promote Latino participation not only as runners, but also as volunteers, translators and support staff.
“Seeing a Latino crossing that finish line, with our flag or with the name of his country on his jersey, is something that inspires a whole generation,” said Javier Mendoza, founder of the Boston Latin Runners group, in an interview with WBUR.
The most important fact
Buzzy
The Boston Marathon is declared a World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race.
This places it among the most prestigious marathons on the planet, along with New York, Berlin and London.
If you live in Boston or plan to visit the city in April, this marathon is not just a sporting spectacle: it is an opportunity to feel part of something big, something that unites thousands of people beyond language or nationality.
Support, run, share! The Hispanic community also makes its mark on Boylston Street.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
