It seems as though spring is the time for sports to blossom. As it gets warmer outside, people are taking leisurely strolls through their town parks, bike-riding with friends, and just taking in the sun. Around the world, there is always so much going on in sports. Here are some events to follow as we finish the school year strong.
April 18-20 – Formula 1 Grand Prix, Saudi Arabia
Formula 1 racing really grew in popularity in the United States last year. This 2025 season, F1 experienced a 65% surge in US viewership from 2024 after only two Grand Prix, even though none of the drivers competing call the United States their home.
Last weekend, F1 drivers drove around the country of Bahrain, and in the first weekend of May, F1 is coming to the United States for the Miami Grand Prix.
In the US, you can watch F1 racing on ABC and all ESPN channels, with some races streaming on ESPN+. For racing enthusiasts, subscribe to F1 TV for a more immersive experience.
April 21 – Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon has been a running tradition since 1896. This year, the marathon is being held on the 250th anniversary of Patriots Day. This is the 129th race in its history.
The marathon utilizes a ‘cut-off’ time to determine acceptance into the race. Athletes must have run at least 6:51 faster than their respective qualifying standard.
For example, men in the age group 18-34 had to have a 3-hour marathon time, while women in the same age group needed a 3 hour, 30-minute marathon time. As the scale moves older, each age group gets an additional five minutes to run.
The men’s open division record is held by Geoffery Mutai of Kenya, who had a time of 2:03:02 in the 2011 marathon. In the wheelchair division, Marcel Hug of Switzerland beat his previous record with a time of 1:15:33 compared to his 1:17:06 time in 2025.
In the women’s open division, the record is held by Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia with a 2:19:59. In the wheelchair division, Manuela Schar of Switzerland holds the record time of 1:28:17.
It was not until 1966 that a woman ran in the Boston Marathon race. Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb entered the race and was rejected because of rules stating that women could not run races longer than 1.5 miles. She showed up and ran anyway, pioneering the way for equality in running and the representation of women in sports.
One hundred and seventy-six nationwide organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross and Team End Alz will benefit from the charity races, as well as Boston and Massachusetts-centered organizations such as the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, the Red Sox Foundation and the New England Center for Children.
The marathon will be streamed on ESPN2.
April 24-26 – NFL Draft
If you just could not get enough of the NFL, it is back for your attention again.
The NFL Draft is highly anticipated amongst the biggest football fans and among the greatest college ball players in the league. Though it is not a lot of fun to watch the entirety of the event, look to see where your favorite college football players are projected to be in the lineup and be there for the live reaction of their picks.
The draft will be televised on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and the NFL Network. It will be streaming on the ABC and ESPN apps and on NFL+.
April 27 – TCS London Marathon
Inspired by the New York City Marathon, the London Marathon has had over 1.3 million participants since its inception in March 1981.
The London Marathon selects a Charity of the Year for every race. This year they chose Pancreatic Cancer UK, an organization dedicated to combating the deadliest common cancer. Other organizations who will benefit from the charity races include Brain Research UK, Breast Cancer Now and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
London Marathon Events holds many other competitions throughout the year. If you’re more into cycling or swimming, there is something for you too! Staying active while going abroad is easier than ever in London.
Although these events only happen once a year, let’s not forget the sports access we have at our fingertips through movies. Field of Dreams, The Mighty Ducks and Remember the Titans are good picks to start with. No pun intended there, obviously.
