You Wanna Catch the Boston Marathon? We Got You Covered (Channel-Wise, Not Carbo-Loading-Wise)
The Boston Marathon – a race so legendary, even couch potatoes get a little twitchy in their leg muscles come April. But fear not, fellow spectators (both enthusiastic and enthusiastically horizontal), because this post is here to answer your burning question: where can you catch all the sweat, the cheering, and the inspirational stories of the Boston Marathon (without actually having to, you know, run 26.2 miles)?
| What Channel Will The Boston Marathon Be On |
Channel Surfing for Champions
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
There are two main ways to spectate the Boston Marathon from the comfort of your living room (or park bench, no judgement):
- Local Hero: WCVB Channel 5 is your one-stop shop for all things Boston Marathon, with live coverage starting at the crack of dawn (4:00 AM ET, to be precise). They'll take you all the way through the finish line and beyond, so you can soak up all the local flavor.
- National Glory: If you prefer your marathons with a side of national commentary, then tune in to ESPN2. They'll be broadcasting the race from 8:30 AM ET to 12:30 PM ET, bringing you expert analysis and interviews (hopefully without too many dad jokes about hitting the "wall").
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Bonus Round: Streaming the Spectacle
For those who've cut the cord or simply prefer the freedom of streaming, fret not! Here are a few options:
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
- WCVB and Hearst Television affiliates (WMUR, WMTW, WPTZ) will be simulcasting the race on their digital platforms and mobile apps.
- Very Local Boston will also be live streaming the event, along with year-round content to keep your marathon spirit burning bright.
- ESPN+, the streaming service of ESPN, will be airing the live broadcast alongside ESPN2.
So there you have it! With a little planning and maybe a strategically placed coffee maker, you can be a virtual part of the Boston Marathon cheering crowd.
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
How-To FAQ for the Discerning Viewer
- How to avoid accidentally watching cat videos instead of the marathon? Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and set an alarm!
- How to convince my significant other that watching the marathon is "cultural enrichment"? Pro Tip: Highlight the inspirational stories of the runners, the rich history of the race, and maybe mention that it's practically a cardio workout just watching all that running (debatable, but hey, it's a start).
- How to fuel my own marathon-watching session? Pro Tip: Ditch the trendy kale chips and go for the classic marathon spectator snacks – donuts, bagels, and ample amounts of coffee.
- How to avoid getting sucked into an online rabbit hole of past Boston Marathon winners? Pro Tip: Set a timer. Seriously, those rabbit holes are deep.
- How to impress your friends with your newfound Boston Marathon knowledge? Pro Tip: Casually drop the fact that the Boston Marathon is the oldest continuously running marathon in the world (established in 1897, that's some serious history!).