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Bill Rodgers and Bob Hall are the 2025 Boston Marathon’s grand marshals
They are Boston Marathon legends.
Boston Marathon legends Bob Hall and Bill Rodgers are the 2025 Boston Marathon grand marshals.
Hall, a Belmont native, was the first officially recognized wheelchair athlete to finish the Boston Marathon 50 years ago in April of 1975, “shattering barriers and redefining what’s possible,” according to the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). Connecticut native Bill Rodgers won the Boston Marathon for the first time that same year. It was his first of four titles: He won again in 1978, 1979, and 1980.
The pair have now returned 50 years later to ceremonially guide this year’s participants along the course as the race’s grand marshals.
Hall was given permission to enter the race 50 years ago as long as he covered the distance in less than three hours, noted the BAA, and he finished in 2:58:00, signaling the start of the wheelchair division.
Hall is also this year’s recipient of the 2025 Dick and Rick Hoyt Award, given annually to an individual or organization who epitomizes the courage and resilience of Dick and Rick Hoyt.
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“At a moment when wheelchair athletes were often excluded from mainstream competitions, Hall’s relentless drive and his belief that racing belonged to everyone helped convince organizers to allow him to race,” wrote the BAA in the award announcement. “His 1975 finish in just under 3 hours wasn’t just a personal triumph, it was truly a turning point for the sport.”
Last year for the 128th Boston Marathon, the grand marshal was former New England Patriots player Rob Gronkowski.
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