129th Boston Marathon – A Day to Remember

Monday 21st April 2025 | Boston, USA | Author by Paul Shipley

Weather: Cool start, sunny by the Newton Hills, warm by the Back Bay area finish – perfect running conditions!

The Legacy.

Running the Boston Marathon isn’t just another race—it’s stepping into history. First held in 1897, inspired by the marathon at the inaugural modern Olympics, Boston is the world’s oldest annual marathon. Every mile tells a story, from the Hopkinton start line to the Citgo sign looming near Fennway Park, home of the Red Sox. This year’s 129th edition carried that same legendary weight, connecting runners to generations of athletes who’ve tackled these same roads.  

The Build-Up.

Qualifying for Boston is a dream for many marathoners, and after hitting my qualifying time at Manchester Marathon, I knew this race would be special. The excitement built as I arrived in Boston, soaking in the historic atmosphere of the friendly city. A few days before the race, we even spotted the legendary Paula Radcliffe near the Boston Public Library—proof that this city truly becomes the centre of the running universe on Marathon weekend!  

Race Morning. The Journey to Hopkinton.

One of the most unique parts of Boston is the yellow school bus ride from Boston Common to the Athlete’s Village in Hopkinton. Packed with nervous energy, we rolled through quiet morning streets, knowing that in just a few hours, these same roads would be lined with roaring crowds. The organisation was flawless—volunteers kept everything running smoothly, from gear check to the wave starts.  

The Race.

The first few miles flew by as we cruised through Ashland and Framingham, carried by adrenaline and the incredible crowd support. The famous Wellesley Scream Tunnel lived up to its reputation—deafening cheers that gave everyone a boost before the real work began.  

Then came the Newton Hills, and just before the grind of Heartbreak Hill, I got the best boost of all—my wife, daughter, and my daughter's boyfriend were waiting for me at the base, screaming my name! I veered over for quick hugs, high-fives, and a surge of love that carried me up the toughest climb of the course.  

The final stretch down Boylston Street was pure magic. The roar of the crowd, the sight of the finish line, and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment made every tough mile worth it.  

Highs & Lows.

High Points:  

The unmatched crowd energy, especially in Wellesley and Boston College. 

• Family moment at Heartbreak Hill—nothing beats those hugs when you need them most!  

• Spotting Paula Radcliffe pre-race—total fan moment!  

• The smooth, well-organized logistics (thank you, B.A.A.!)  

• That unbeatable feeling turning onto Boylston.

Tough Moments: 

• A rough patch around Mile 21, cramping in the increasing heat.

Final Thoughts 

The Boston Marathon is more than just 26.2 miles—it’s a celebration of perseverance, history, and the people who make the journey meaningful. From the school bus ride to the Athlete’s Village, to my family’s supportive cheers, to the final triumphant steps on Boylston, every moment reminded me why this race is the pinnacle for so many.  

Huge thanks to Dronfield Running Club members and A.R.S.E. training partners, but especially my family for being there when I needed it most.