The 129th Boston Marathon has arrived — use these services to livestream the race without cable
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More than 30,000 runners, including elite and amateurs, are lacing up for the 129th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21. Pros to watch include Hellen Obiri, who’s looking to become the first woman since 1999 to win the marathon three times in a row. On the men’s side, defending champion Sisay Lemma will be up against Evans Chebet, who won in 2022 and 2023.
At a Glance: Where to Watch the Boston Marathon
If you’re looking to watch the 2025 Boston Marathon — whether for the pros or a loved one joining the race — read on. Below is a quick guide on the best ways to livestream the Boston Marathon online.
Where to Stream the Boston Marathon Online
The 2025 Boston Marathon will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 and ESPN+, and locally in the Boston area on ABC. If you don’t have cable, we recommend getting a free trial to a live TV streaming service like DirecTV or Fubo to stream the Boston Marathon. Here are some of the best ways to watch the race:
Free trial
DirecTV
Pros: Customizable packages, ESPN+ included, free trial
Cons: Pricey
DirecTV carries ESPN2 in all of its packages, including the streamlined MySports pack. This package starts with a five-day free trial and costs $69.99 if you choose to keep it after the trial. Besides ESPN2, you get access to more than 19 popular sports channels, including ESPN, ABC, FS1, and TNT. Better yet, ESPN+ is included in your membership.
Free Trial
Fubo
Pros: Huge channel lineup, free trial
Cons: Pricey, no Warner Bros. Discovery channels
Another live TV streaming service that carries ESPN2 for a Boston Marathon livestream is Fubo. This one starts at $84.99 a month (more than DirecTV), but subscriptions start with a seven-day free trial. The service’s channel lineup is also massive, offering up to 290+ channels (depending on local availability). It’s a solid pick for both sports and entertainment channels, although it lacks TNT and other Warner Bros. Discovery channels.
Most Affordable
ESPN+
Pros: Budget-friendly, live and on-demand content
Cons: No free trial
ESPN+ is the most affordable way to livestream the Boston Marathon, although it doesn’t offer a free trial. Plans cost $11.99 a month or $119.99 for an annual plan. You do get a ton of content, for the price, including live sports and on-demand content.
Stream the Boston Marathon for Free
Looking for a free Boston Marathon livestream? Take advantage of the free trials offered by DirecTV or Fubo.
When Does the Boston Marathon Start?
The Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 21. The race starts at 9 a.m. ET, with the professional men’s field starting at 9:37 a.m. ET, and the professional women’s field beginning at 9:47 a.m. ET.
