Published by FindMyMarathon.com
April 22, 2025
The 2025 Boston Marathon was one of the fastest editions in history, with ideal conditions and deep, competitive fields fueling exceptional performances. Kenya’s John Korir stormed to victory in 2:04:45, overcoming an early tumble to record the second-fastest win in race history, while Sharon Lokedi shattered the women’s course record with a blistering 2:17:22.
It wasn't just elite runners who had great days on the trip from Hopkinton to Boston. Thousands of runners posted personal bests, and a remarkable number achieved Boston Qualifying (BQ) times—both veterans and first-timers alike. From the elite fields to age-groupers, the course was buzzing with speed, energy, and record-chasing ambition, making this year’s race not only memorable but statistically one of the fastest ever.
One of the most striking statistics from the 2025 edition is the sheer volume of runners crossing the finish line in under three hours. A staggering 4,683 athletes accomplished this feat, a significant jump from the 2,887 who achieved the same in 2024 and surpassing the 4,190 from 2023. This elite group comprised 4,286 men, 385 women, and 12 non-binary runners.
The women's field also demonstrated exceptional strength, with 3,871 runners breaking the 3:30 mark, a notable increase from the 2,451 in 2024 and 3,268 in 2023. This highlights the continued growth and competitiveness within women's marathon running.
At the sharp end of the field, the number of runners dipping below the elusive 2:30 barrier also saw a substantial increase, with 211 athletes achieving this impressive time, compared to just 120 in 2024 and 145 in 2023.
| Year | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Finish Time | 3:33:39 | 3:43:26 | 3:33:53 |
| Under 2:30 | 211 | 120 | 145 |
| Under 3:00 | 4,683 | 2,887 | 4,190 |
| Under 3:30 (Women) | 3,871 | 2,451 | 3,268 |
Perhaps the most compelling storyline of 2025 is the contrast between old and new qualification standards. With the Boston Athletic Association announcing a 5-minute drop in qualifying standards for most age groups beginning with the 2026 Boston Marathon, all eyes were on how runners performed under the new set of standards.
12,802 finishers ran under the new BQ standards – that’s 45% of all finishers, more than last year's 42.7% but lower than 2023's 51.7%.
If the previous qualifying standards were still in place, 14,781 runners would have earned BQs this year - 52% of all finishers. Both of those are higher than 2023's 13,755 qualifiers and 51.7% of all finishers.
| Year | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total BQs | 12,802 (new) / 14,781 (old) | 10,908* | 13,755* |
| BQ% | 45.0% (new) / 52% (old) | 42.7%* | 51.7%* |
If you’re eyeing a spot on the 2026 Boston Marathon start line, the bar has officially been raised. Not only have the qualification standards dropped by 5 minutes for nearly every age group, but the depth of the 2025 field shows that the competition isn’t slowing down any time soon. At the time of publication (April 22, 2025), compared to this time last year, 2,668 fewer BQs have been run during this Boston window - a 2.3% reduction.
That said, with over 12,800 runners still qualifying under the stricter 2026 standards, it’s clear that achieving a BQ is still within reach for many. Strategic pacing, smart race selection, and well-structured training will be more important than ever. Use our Marathon Calendars and Search Tools to find your next marathon and our Pace Bands to ensure you're running the right pace to help you qualify for the 2026 Boston Marathon.
| Age Group | BQ | Finishers | BQ% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 1,675 | 3,664 | 45.7% |
| 35-39 | 967 | 1,980 | 48.8% |
| 40-44 | 953 | 2,249 | 42.4% |
| 45-49 | 1,061 | 2,386 | 44.5% |
| 50-54 | 775 | 1,998 | 38.8% |
| 55-59 | 616 | 1,651 | 37.3% |
| 60-64 | 605 | 1,261 | 48.0% |
| 65-69 | 309 | 642 | 48.1% |
| 70-74 | 100 | 229 | 43.7% |
| 75-79 | 20 | 53 | 37.7% |
| 80+ | 3 | 8 | 37.5% |
| Total | 7,084 | 16,121 | 43.9% |
| Age Group | BQ | Finishers | BQ% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 1,735 | 3,935 | 44.1% |
| 35-39 | 740 | 1,527 | 48.5% |
| 40-44 | 790 | 1,725 | 45.8% |
| 45-49 | 879 | 1,812 | 48.5% |
| 50-54 | 558 | 1,316 | 42.4% |
| 55-59 | 454 | 998 | 45.5% |
| 60-64 | 351 | 628 | 55.9% |
| 65-69 | 126 | 223 | 56.5% |
| 70-74 | 37 | 72 | 51.4% |
| 75-79 | 3 | 12 | 25.0% |
| 80+ | 0 | 2 | 0% |
| Total | 5,673 | 12,250 | 46.3% |
Q: How many runners broke 3 hours at the 2025 Boston Marathon?
A: A record 4,683 runners broke the 3-hour barrier in 2025, including 4,286 men, 385 women, and 12 non-binary participants.
Q: What was the median finish time at the 2025 Boston Marathon?
A: The median finish time in 2025 was 3:33:39 — nearly 10 minutes faster than the 2024 median of 3:43:26.Q: How many runners ran a Boston Qualifying time in 2025?
A: 12,802 runners achieved a BQ under the new standards, while 14,781 met the previous standards (52% of finishers).Q: How does the 2025 Boston Marathon compare to previous years?
A: The 2025 race had the highest number of sub-3-hour finishes and the fastest overall pacing since 2021, outpacing both 2023 and 2024 in BQs and elite performances.