Boston Marathon Pacing Plan: Mile by Mile

A mile-by-mile plan to help you run smart, stay steady, and feel proud crossing that finish line on Marathon Monday, April 21, 2025.

Boston Marathon Pacing Tips:

Miles 1–4: Hopkinton to Ashland
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Don’t let the adrenaline take over. Stay relaxed and in control. The real race begins much later.

Fast Start, Control the Pace
• Hold back! The downhill start can be deceiving.
Going out too fast will burn your quads later.
• Run relaxed, keep your cadence quick and smooth.
• Stay in control. Your race truly begins much later.

Miles 5–13.1:Framingham to Wellesley
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This is your time to lock in goal pace and stay steady. Don’t chase, don’t bank. Run with intention.

Find Your Rhythm
• Settle into goal marathon pace. Don’t chase time lost or try to bank time.
• Use even effort on slight inclines and descents.
• Enjoy the energy from the crowds but stay focused.

Miles 14–17: Wellesley to Newton Lower Falls.
Stay light, smooth, and patient. Fuel smart. Save your legs for what’s coming.

Save Energy for Hills
• Don’t be fooled by the gradual downhills. This is where smart runners conserve.
• Keep fueling and hydrating to prepare for the Newton Hills.
• Stay light on your feet. Rolling terrain begins here.

Miles 18–21: The Newton Hills
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Four climbs. Each one is manageable if you stay calm and keep your effort even. Heartbreak is tough but manageable if you’re smart.

The Real Race Begins
• Shorten your stride and keep effort steady on the climbs.
• Focus on effort, not pace. Don’t force speed uphill.
• Use the downhills between hills to recover but don’t hammer them.

Miles 22–26.2: Boston College to Boylston Street
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The reward is a long descent into the city. Hold your form, stay sharp, and keep moving forward. The crowds will carry you. The finish is unforgettable.

Strong Finish
• Take advantage of the downhill after Heartbreak Hill but don’t overstride.
• Stay strong. Fatigue hits, but posture matters.
• Citgo Sign (1 mile to go!). Soak it in and push to the finish!

Boston is always special but this year, it means even more. A group of our dedicated athletes will be at the start line, ready to take on 26.2 miles. They’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to chase their goal:

• Matt Karl
• Sean Packard
• Ryan Stack
• Neal Beegle
• Zach Blegen-DiPietro
• Kevin Keefer
• Mike Santos
• Al Vigne
• Dave Trulli
• Mike Geary
• Matt Wang
• Teresa Brandehoff

Proud of each and every one of you. Boston is yours!🏅🦄