| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 64 | 73 | 66 | 51 | 51 |
| L (°F) | 44 | 48 | 43 | 40 | 37 |
Must do. The people of Boston are so supportive and gracious. The crowd support throughout the race is the best. The cheering throughout the last 4 miles was so loud. … MORE
Must do. The people of Boston are so supportive and gracious. The crowd support throughout the race is the best. The cheering throughout the last 4 miles was so loud. There is Nothing like turning left onto Boylston and sharing it with all the runners is special.
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If you're wondering if this race lives up the hype: IT DOES! Here's my take from running the 2024 Boston Marathon: - Go to the expo early in the day … MORE
If you’re wondering if this race lives up the hype: IT DOES! Here’s my take from running the 2024 Boston Marathon:
– Go to the expo early in the day and Friday or Saturday if possible. It gets crazy busy.
-The $120 for the Boston Marathon jacket at the expo feels excessive. Do it anyway. EVERYONE wears the jacket. It’s a great way to connect with fellow runners that weekend.
-I showed up for the busses on race day 15 minutes before my wave was scheduled to depart. That was plenty of time.
-The bus ride is long. It can mess with your head thinking you have to run the whole way back. Just remember it’s the same 26.2 as any other marathon.
-Athletes Village is huge. There is plenty of time and space to stretch and warm up. There is hydration and plenty of porta potties. Guys, they have urinal versions that have NO LINES!
-Know there is about a 3/4 mile walk from the village to the start line. If it’s cool, keep your throw away clothes on as long as possible. Volunteers will collect them to donate, even up to the starting line.
-The first few miles are mostly downhill. You don’t notice the down as much in your head, but go too fast and your legs will definitely notice them later.
-Aid stations are every mile. No need to bring a water bottle.
-The race provides gels at a few stops. I am not a fan. I brought my own fuel, but never needed it. Spectators give out enough food that you can rely on that. I had a bunch of orange slices and bananas, even a watermelon slice. It was plenty. If you want salty or candy fuel, there was lots of that too.
-There were a few lulls in the crowd support in the early miles, but overall the support is excellent. The crowd really got me through, especially the last 10K. The crowds get bigger the closer you get to the finish.
-The hills in Newton in miles 17-21 are no joke. There are four main hills and they start right after the fire station. The first one was tougher than I thought. A long grinder. The middle two were fine. The last one, Heartbreak Hill is the toughest. I have run steeper hills in Marine Corps and the LA Marathon, but Heartbreak felt the hardest. It’s a long, steady climb. Coming at mile 21 in the race means the legs are sore already so it feels worse. Granted if Heartbreak was in mile 4 it wouldn’t be nearly as famous. Even at mile 4 though you would still notice it. Make sure you don’t run those first miles too fast or the hills in miles 17-21 will make you pay.
-The post race is efficient. You keep walking when you finish, get your water, then your medal, then your bag of food and Mylar blanket. You can meet family in the designated area. We instead chose to meet in the Public Garden. It’s a beautiful park 3 blocks from the finish line. It’s a much more pleasant place for everyone to wait for you. Make sure to designate a specific point in the park to meet like the George Washington statute or the ducklings statutes.
-The entire race process is a well-oiled machine. It’s a huge race with lots of friends and family so expect crowds and expect things to move a bit slowly for things like the expo, the lines for the bus, getting to the start line etc. However, it all moves efficiently. Budget a little extra time and you won’t have any stress.
This is marathon #27 for me and it is my all-time favorite!
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Typical well run race with HUGE crowds this year. Unfortunately the heat was too much for my goal time although still ended up w/ a reasonable finish. Will be doing … MORE
Typical well run race with HUGE crowds this year. Unfortunately the heat was too much for my goal time although still ended up w/ a reasonable finish. Will be doing it again next year and hopefully sometime in the future as a qualifier.
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It's a once in a lifetime kind of race. Everything about it is first class and the fan support is unreal. Difficult course as everyone knows, but if you plan … MORE
It’s a once in a lifetime kind of race. Everything about it is first class and the fan support is unreal. Difficult course as everyone knows, but if you plan on running the hills and hold yourself back until Wellesley you should be fine.
Nothing I can say that hasn’t been said by others. It’s an amazing experience.
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Running the Boston Marathon has been a long-time dream/goal of mine, and to have done it multiple times now is not lost on me. In my first time here last … MORE
Running the Boston Marathon has been a long-time dream/goal of mine, and to have done it multiple times now is not lost on me.
In my first time here last year, the Newton Hills got to me, so I was determined to be more tactical and be ready for them. Having the course knowledge did help, as did a solid build-up, and I was rewarded with a PR in Boston!
The day before the race, the Old South Church right by the finish line holds a “Blessing of the Marathoners” service which my family and I attended. This was a great way for me to get in the proper mentality being reminded that “they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength…and run and not be weary.”
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In 2021, I ran my first Boston Marathon ever. It surpassed all expectations, all dreams, and everything that I thought it could be. It was beyond anything I could have … MORE
In 2021, I ran my first Boston Marathon ever. It surpassed all expectations, all dreams, and everything that I thought it could be. It was beyond anything I could have ever imagined it to be…magical and all surreal. 💙💛
My first miles were like out of a book or movie, I had to come to terms that I was actually there in the present and the reality set in quick! I will never forget the feeling of the start, the Athlete’s Village, the scream tunnels, the overwhelming crowds, the excitement, the love for every runner, and the race itself, but more important than all that…it was the PEOPLE & the atmosphere in Boston!!
The people on the streets of Boston make you feel like your FAMILY! The church service at Old Church down near the finish line on Sunday made me feel like I have attended that church every week. Just a stranger from the west that felt at home in the east. The outpouring of love, support, prayers, wishes, thoughts, and encouragement everywhere you turn in Boston is beyond fathomable.
I was truly blessed to experience it all and to run a BQ qualifier on the course and be welcomed again in 2023. Honestly, I was a bit concerned that returning this year it wouldn’t be like my first time and nothing would ever compare to my first amazing experience at the Boston Marathon. I was completely wrong!
Boston 2023….from meeting Des Linden to finding out #ADDYSTRONG was featured in the Boston Marathon program, to the Memorial of the tragedy 10 years ago, to running another Boston qualifying time to return in 2024 drenched from the downpouring rain…. But oh the PEOPLE! Witnessing their endless love standing in pouring rain for hours chanting names of runners passing, holding their signs high with pride, the families with children in the communities along the course handing out fresh cut oranges, candy, beers, etc. , and the amazing volunteers that poured their heart and soul into making sure each and every one of the 27,000 runners had what they needed! This, this is the Boston I will always know & remember! It’s not often that I cry crossing a finish line, as my heart is so full of joy after the accomplishment, but this year was different!
I left a piece of my heart at that finish this year, as we honored the victims of the tragedy 10 years ago. I felt and saw the outpouring love in a magnitude of ways. ONE BOSTON. A city of courage, hope, joy, compassion, beauty, and pure strength!
For those of you I ran the streets with, as we were truly honored to be a part of this: May the love always be engraved in your heart & mind.
For those who wish to someday be there running the Boston Marathon: FOLLOW the DREAM because it is every bit worth it!!! Wish you all the best and always remember LOVE WINS!! Let your love carry you there! ❤️
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Last year, I went to the corral where I was assigned and the first 10K obliterated my quads. By mile 10, I thought, "I never want to run this race … MORE
Last year, I went to the corral where I was assigned and the first 10K obliterated my quads. By mile 10, I thought, “I never want to run this race ever again.”
This year, I started one corral back and was able to just run as I felt comfortable (instead of just running way too fast to avoid being stampeded.) What a difference that made! My goal was just to sub-4 after my extremely disappointing run at Go! St. Louis 2 weeks prior. Imagine my surprise when I came in under 3:45!
The thing about Boston is this: if you can, you run it. No matter what the swag, portapotty situation, entry fee, etc. You run it. (and none of those things that I mentioned were bad, either. Everything is taken care of at the Boston Marathon. The SWAG is your shirt, a simple medal, and the Sam Adams Boston Lager bottle opener but- it’s the Boston Marathon. The clout/prestige that comes with those is enough.)
The expo wasn’t great this year unless you were looking for new rain gutters, wanted to get your hair curled, or happened to be in the market for air boots or a new percussion massager. After the big Boston Marathon/Adidas shop and the free Sam Adams booth, there really wasn’t much by way of the expo.
Here are my 2 favorite on-course things about Boston: (1) there are no bikes anywhere in sight. Not one (unless you are an elite and have a guide.) (2) There are water stops and medical tents-a-plenty! You don’t really have to keep anything on your person at all. It’s so well-equipped. [They’ve been doing this for 127 years so they know a thing or two.] So if you get accepted, run it. Enjoy it, Plenty of crowd support. Plenty of aid. Plenty of everything. Phenomenal experience.
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Tough course. Very hard to have a PR!! Tons of support on the course. Will be back next year!!! Apparently I have to write more but just want to hit … MORE
Tough course. Very hard to have a PR!! Tons of support on the course. Will be back next year!!! Apparently I have to write more but just want to hit the submit button.
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It took a few years to qualify but it was worth every minute. Stayed downtown at the Marriott Copley. Right across the street from the Star Market (Full size grocery … MORE
It took a few years to qualify but it was worth every minute. Stayed downtown at the Marriott Copley. Right across the street from the Star Market (Full size grocery store). Hotel is walking distance to the busses and close to the finish to Boylston Street. Walked to all the major sites including a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. The Under Amour store a block away will engrave your medal for free after the race. The store had some unofficial merchandise as well.
The race is outstanding. Busses were a little chaotic in the morning, but I arrived with over 1 hour to spare. The men’s option for a restroom was interesting prerace. The crowd support was great including Wellesley College. My time suffered due to the hills in Newton. I thought I was prepared but I was not. The final 50 yards was the highlight.
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Every inch of this race has supporters, and they're all insane. The Wellesley Wall is unbelievable, the hills leading up to Heartbreak are real, do anything you can to get … MORE
Every inch of this race has supporters, and they’re all insane. The Wellesley Wall is unbelievable, the hills leading up to Heartbreak are real, do anything you can to get in an run this race.
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Great crowds and a fun experience. The downhills are tough on the quads but the race lives up to the hype! Logistics were very good as well, especially with busses … MORE
Great crowds and a fun experience. The downhills are tough on the quads but the race lives up to the hype! Logistics were very good as well, especially with busses and the staging area, etc.
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Dont know if it’s because I’m from NY, but I feel the crowds were quite different. I loved Boston, felt tome, like a small town marathon with a big city … MORE
Dont know if it’s because I’m from NY, but I feel the crowds were quite different. I loved Boston, felt tome, like a small town marathon with a big city feel. However, the history is present in each and every mile!
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First time qualifying & running Boston. Spring marathons are usually my favourite as I prefer training over the cold of the winter than the heat & humidity of the summer … MORE
First time qualifying & running Boston. Spring marathons are usually my favourite as I prefer training over the cold of the winter than the heat & humidity of the summer but I wasn’t as well prepared for this as I should have been. I blame it on running an ultra earlier in the year. Hope to be back in the near future and better prepared!
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This was 3rd time running Boston. The course still beat me. Although this was my best time at Boston, it was still 10 minutes off my PR. I successfully went … MORE
This was 3rd time running Boston. The course still beat me. Although this was my best time at Boston, it was still 10 minutes off my PR. I successfully went out slow for the downhill portion, which was my plan. But, I still cramped up at the end (perhaps due to dehydration). Next time, I will drink something at every stop.
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Boston is the race every single runner dreams of participating in!!! Through the American Red Cross, I was blessed to be counted as a Boston Marathon finisher. Though my journey … MORE
Boston is the race every single runner dreams of participating in!!! Through the American Red Cross, I was blessed to be counted as a Boston Marathon finisher. Though my journey across America continues no race experience will EVER top this one!!!!! So Blessed!!!
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The Boston Marathon is such a great experience to be a part of. This was my fifth time to finish it and ended up being the slowest of the 26 … MORE
The Boston Marathon is such a great experience to be a part of. This was my fifth time to finish it and ended up being the slowest of the 26 marathons that I’ve done, but it was one of my most favorite ones to date. The crowds were back after not having a race on Patriots’ Day since 2019. I highly recommend this race to anyone to experience at least once either as a runner or spectator. If you are running, spend the money and downtown to soak up all the activities that happen all weekend. Meeting the people from across the US and around the world is a large part of the experience and the people of Boston also treat you like a celebrity. Highly recommend this race!
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No race report needed on this, the oldest Marathon in the world! It took me more than 3 years of trying to finally qualify for this race and it was … MORE
No race report needed on this, the oldest Marathon in the world! It took me more than 3 years of trying to finally qualify for this race and it was worth every minute of work, pain and frustration. I was just so grateful to be there that I really didn’t even race it… I just took it all in the entire 26 miles and 385 yards 🙂 Very well run race, top to bottom. If you have the opportunity and are actually debating it (for some unknown reason) stop it and sign up at the next available time!
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Perfect conditions for a great race. Ideal running weather, i only noticed a little extra headwind on the Newton hills. I last ran Boston in 2018...what a difference. Finished within … MORE
Perfect conditions for a great race. Ideal running weather, i only noticed a little extra headwind on the Newton hills. I last ran Boston in 2018…what a difference. Finished within a minute of my PR & qualifying time. My most enjoyable Boston Marathon yet.
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I wasn't going to write a review because events like Boston, New York, Chicago, etc. are not usually races where you wonder, "Oh, should I do this? Let's see what … MORE
I wasn’t going to write a review because events like Boston, New York, Chicago, etc. are not usually races where you wonder, “Oh, should I do this? Let’s see what people have to say.” If you can do them- you do them. But I’m still buzzing from Boston so here it goes:
Nothing could have prepared me for what Boston was. The Boston Marathon is not just a road race. It’s not just a “world class sporting event.” I’ve run Berlin. I’ve run Chicago. Boston, though, felt like a hometown, community fun run (just surrounded by world-class athletes and some of the strongest, fastest amateur marathoners in the world.) You don’t start in a huge metropolitan city- you start in front of a cute little church and some dude’s house. The whole time, neighbors are out on the streets cheering you. (The whole time meaning- as you walk to your corral until after you cross the finish line.)
• People talk about Heartbreak Hill just after mile 20- no one tells you the the first 10k is like a downhill “running of the bulls.” 😆😆 my legs were done by mile 7. At 10, I thought, “I never want to run this again!” But once I sort of “leveled out,” I loved every minute! While Boston doesn’t offer pace groups or pacers, they do such a wonderful job placing runners in the corrals based on their (I can only presume) qualifying times that you don’t have to worry about being stuck behind that one runner who is walking 2 minutes into the race or the one from corral J who snuck up to B. The volunteers were diligent- “you can go back to another corral but not ahead.” I think that that is part of the appeal, too: people weren’t even trying to.jump.corrals. Those who run Boston know this event is a big deal- it’s not a throw-away race where race etiquette is optional. There are rules, both spoken and unspoken, that you follow.
• I’ve been absolutely gushing about my time in Boston since I have been back yet, now that I am writing a review, I feel lost for words. It was the most amazing experience of my life so far- the shirt and medal are simple but they come with a lot of clout and are now my favorites.
• If I can give one piece of advice to Boston first-timers it would be this: work on your quads strength and/or downhill running. That first 10k is tough and can take a toll on your quads.
Good luck 🍀 and Happy Running
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Train for rolling hills all day everyday. My legs were done by mile 7. I do rolling hills on my normal long run route and have ran CIM, but wasn’t … MORE
Train for rolling hills all day everyday. My legs were done by mile 7. I do rolling hills on my normal long run route and have ran CIM, but wasn’t ready for the first half of this race. I wanted to drop out by mile 7, but it’s Boston so I sucked it up and tried to have fun, but was stuck in my pain cave. The whole weekend is amazing. It feels like the marathon all-star weekend. Definitely want to train harder and get back here some day.
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Top notch event. Warm
Must do. The people of Boston are so supportive and gracious. The crowd support throughout the race is the best. The cheering throughout the last 4 miles was so loud. … MORE
Must do. The people of Boston are so supportive and gracious. The crowd support throughout the race is the best. The cheering throughout the last 4 miles was so loud. There is Nothing like turning left onto Boylston and sharing it with all the runners is special.
The World's Greatest Marathon
If you're wondering if this race lives up the hype: IT DOES! Here's my take from running the 2024 Boston Marathon: - Go to the expo early in the day … MORE
If you’re wondering if this race lives up the hype: IT DOES! Here’s my take from running the 2024 Boston Marathon:
– Go to the expo early in the day and Friday or Saturday if possible. It gets crazy busy.
-The $120 for the Boston Marathon jacket at the expo feels excessive. Do it anyway. EVERYONE wears the jacket. It’s a great way to connect with fellow runners that weekend.
-I showed up for the busses on race day 15 minutes before my wave was scheduled to depart. That was plenty of time.
-The bus ride is long. It can mess with your head thinking you have to run the whole way back. Just remember it’s the same 26.2 as any other marathon.
-Athletes Village is huge. There is plenty of time and space to stretch and warm up. There is hydration and plenty of porta potties. Guys, they have urinal versions that have NO LINES!
-Know there is about a 3/4 mile walk from the village to the start line. If it’s cool, keep your throw away clothes on as long as possible. Volunteers will collect them to donate, even up to the starting line.
-The first few miles are mostly downhill. You don’t notice the down as much in your head, but go too fast and your legs will definitely notice them later.
-Aid stations are every mile. No need to bring a water bottle.
-The race provides gels at a few stops. I am not a fan. I brought my own fuel, but never needed it. Spectators give out enough food that you can rely on that. I had a bunch of orange slices and bananas, even a watermelon slice. It was plenty. If you want salty or candy fuel, there was lots of that too.
-There were a few lulls in the crowd support in the early miles, but overall the support is excellent. The crowd really got me through, especially the last 10K. The crowds get bigger the closer you get to the finish.
-The hills in Newton in miles 17-21 are no joke. There are four main hills and they start right after the fire station. The first one was tougher than I thought. A long grinder. The middle two were fine. The last one, Heartbreak Hill is the toughest. I have run steeper hills in Marine Corps and the LA Marathon, but Heartbreak felt the hardest. It’s a long, steady climb. Coming at mile 21 in the race means the legs are sore already so it feels worse. Granted if Heartbreak was in mile 4 it wouldn’t be nearly as famous. Even at mile 4 though you would still notice it. Make sure you don’t run those first miles too fast or the hills in miles 17-21 will make you pay.
-The post race is efficient. You keep walking when you finish, get your water, then your medal, then your bag of food and Mylar blanket. You can meet family in the designated area. We instead chose to meet in the Public Garden. It’s a beautiful park 3 blocks from the finish line. It’s a much more pleasant place for everyone to wait for you. Make sure to designate a specific point in the park to meet like the George Washington statute or the ducklings statutes.
-The entire race process is a well-oiled machine. It’s a huge race with lots of friends and family so expect crowds and expect things to move a bit slowly for things like the expo, the lines for the bus, getting to the start line etc. However, it all moves efficiently. Budget a little extra time and you won’t have any stress.
This is marathon #27 for me and it is my all-time favorite!
A bit warm, but awesome as always
Typical well run race with HUGE crowds this year. Unfortunately the heat was too much for my goal time although still ended up w/ a reasonable finish. Will be doing … MORE
Typical well run race with HUGE crowds this year. Unfortunately the heat was too much for my goal time although still ended up w/ a reasonable finish. Will be doing it again next year and hopefully sometime in the future as a qualifier.
Crossed off my Bucket List
It's a once in a lifetime kind of race. Everything about it is first class and the fan support is unreal. Difficult course as everyone knows, but if you plan … MORE
It’s a once in a lifetime kind of race. Everything about it is first class and the fan support is unreal. Difficult course as everyone knows, but if you plan on running the hills and hold yourself back until Wellesley you should be fine.
Nothing I can say that hasn’t been said by others. It’s an amazing experience.
Boston -- best of the best
Running the Boston Marathon has been a long-time dream/goal of mine, and to have done it multiple times now is not lost on me. In my first time here last … MORE
Running the Boston Marathon has been a long-time dream/goal of mine, and to have done it multiple times now is not lost on me.
In my first time here last year, the Newton Hills got to me, so I was determined to be more tactical and be ready for them. Having the course knowledge did help, as did a solid build-up, and I was rewarded with a PR in Boston!
The day before the race, the Old South Church right by the finish line holds a “Blessing of the Marathoners” service which my family and I attended. This was a great way for me to get in the proper mentality being reminded that “they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength…and run and not be weary.”
BOSTON COMMUNITY TREATS YOU LIKE FAMILY!
In 2021, I ran my first Boston Marathon ever. It surpassed all expectations, all dreams, and everything that I thought it could be. It was beyond anything I could have … MORE
In 2021, I ran my first Boston Marathon ever. It surpassed all expectations, all dreams, and everything that I thought it could be. It was beyond anything I could have ever imagined it to be…magical and all surreal. 💙💛
My first miles were like out of a book or movie, I had to come to terms that I was actually there in the present and the reality set in quick! I will never forget the feeling of the start, the Athlete’s Village, the scream tunnels, the overwhelming crowds, the excitement, the love for every runner, and the race itself, but more important than all that…it was the PEOPLE & the atmosphere in Boston!!
The people on the streets of Boston make you feel like your FAMILY! The church service at Old Church down near the finish line on Sunday made me feel like I have attended that church every week. Just a stranger from the west that felt at home in the east. The outpouring of love, support, prayers, wishes, thoughts, and encouragement everywhere you turn in Boston is beyond fathomable.
I was truly blessed to experience it all and to run a BQ qualifier on the course and be welcomed again in 2023. Honestly, I was a bit concerned that returning this year it wouldn’t be like my first time and nothing would ever compare to my first amazing experience at the Boston Marathon. I was completely wrong!
Boston 2023….from meeting Des Linden to finding out #ADDYSTRONG was featured in the Boston Marathon program, to the Memorial of the tragedy 10 years ago, to running another Boston qualifying time to return in 2024 drenched from the downpouring rain…. But oh the PEOPLE! Witnessing their endless love standing in pouring rain for hours chanting names of runners passing, holding their signs high with pride, the families with children in the communities along the course handing out fresh cut oranges, candy, beers, etc. , and the amazing volunteers that poured their heart and soul into making sure each and every one of the 27,000 runners had what they needed! This, this is the Boston I will always know & remember! It’s not often that I cry crossing a finish line, as my heart is so full of joy after the accomplishment, but this year was different!
I left a piece of my heart at that finish this year, as we honored the victims of the tragedy 10 years ago. I felt and saw the outpouring love in a magnitude of ways. ONE BOSTON. A city of courage, hope, joy, compassion, beauty, and pure strength!
For those of you I ran the streets with, as we were truly honored to be a part of this: May the love always be engraved in your heart & mind.
For those who wish to someday be there running the Boston Marathon: FOLLOW the DREAM because it is every bit worth it!!! Wish you all the best and always remember LOVE WINS!! Let your love carry you there! ❤️
Start one corral back
Last year, I went to the corral where I was assigned and the first 10K obliterated my quads. By mile 10, I thought, "I never want to run this race … MORE
Last year, I went to the corral where I was assigned and the first 10K obliterated my quads. By mile 10, I thought, “I never want to run this race ever again.”
This year, I started one corral back and was able to just run as I felt comfortable (instead of just running way too fast to avoid being stampeded.) What a difference that made! My goal was just to sub-4 after my extremely disappointing run at Go! St. Louis 2 weeks prior. Imagine my surprise when I came in under 3:45!
The thing about Boston is this: if you can, you run it. No matter what the swag, portapotty situation, entry fee, etc. You run it. (and none of those things that I mentioned were bad, either. Everything is taken care of at the Boston Marathon. The SWAG is your shirt, a simple medal, and the Sam Adams Boston Lager bottle opener but- it’s the Boston Marathon. The clout/prestige that comes with those is enough.)
The expo wasn’t great this year unless you were looking for new rain gutters, wanted to get your hair curled, or happened to be in the market for air boots or a new percussion massager. After the big Boston Marathon/Adidas shop and the free Sam Adams booth, there really wasn’t much by way of the expo.
Here are my 2 favorite on-course things about Boston: (1) there are no bikes anywhere in sight. Not one (unless you are an elite and have a guide.) (2) There are water stops and medical tents-a-plenty! You don’t really have to keep anything on your person at all. It’s so well-equipped. [They’ve been doing this for 127 years so they know a thing or two.] So if you get accepted, run it. Enjoy it, Plenty of crowd support. Plenty of aid. Plenty of everything. Phenomenal experience.
Cold Rainy had a blast
Tough course. Very hard to have a PR!! Tons of support on the course. Will be back next year!!! Apparently I have to write more but just want to hit … MORE
Tough course. Very hard to have a PR!! Tons of support on the course. Will be back next year!!! Apparently I have to write more but just want to hit the submit button.
The Super Bowl of Races
It took a few years to qualify but it was worth every minute. Stayed downtown at the Marriott Copley. Right across the street from the Star Market (Full size grocery … MORE
It took a few years to qualify but it was worth every minute. Stayed downtown at the Marriott Copley. Right across the street from the Star Market (Full size grocery store). Hotel is walking distance to the busses and close to the finish to Boylston Street. Walked to all the major sites including a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. The Under Amour store a block away will engrave your medal for free after the race. The store had some unofficial merchandise as well.
The race is outstanding. Busses were a little chaotic in the morning, but I arrived with over 1 hour to spare. The men’s option for a restroom was interesting prerace. The crowd support was great including Wellesley College. My time suffered due to the hills in Newton. I thought I was prepared but I was not. The final 50 yards was the highlight.
More than you can Imagine
Every inch of this race has supporters, and they're all insane. The Wellesley Wall is unbelievable, the hills leading up to Heartbreak are real, do anything you can to get … MORE
Every inch of this race has supporters, and they’re all insane. The Wellesley Wall is unbelievable, the hills leading up to Heartbreak are real, do anything you can to get in an run this race.
Amazing atmosphere
Great crowds and a fun experience. The downhills are tough on the quads but the race lives up to the hype! Logistics were very good as well, especially with busses … MORE
Great crowds and a fun experience. The downhills are tough on the quads but the race lives up to the hype! Logistics were very good as well, especially with busses and the staging area, etc.
Honored to run this prestigious race!
Dont know if it’s because I’m from NY, but I feel the crowds were quite different. I loved Boston, felt tome, like a small town marathon with a big city … MORE
Dont know if it’s because I’m from NY, but I feel the crowds were quite different. I loved Boston, felt tome, like a small town marathon with a big city feel. However, the history is present in each and every mile!
It's Boston. Nuff said.
First time qualifying & running Boston. Spring marathons are usually my favourite as I prefer training over the cold of the winter than the heat & humidity of the summer … MORE
First time qualifying & running Boston. Spring marathons are usually my favourite as I prefer training over the cold of the winter than the heat & humidity of the summer but I wasn’t as well prepared for this as I should have been. I blame it on running an ultra earlier in the year. Hope to be back in the near future and better prepared!
Tough course
This was 3rd time running Boston. The course still beat me. Although this was my best time at Boston, it was still 10 minutes off my PR. I successfully went … MORE
This was 3rd time running Boston. The course still beat me. Although this was my best time at Boston, it was still 10 minutes off my PR. I successfully went out slow for the downhill portion, which was my plan. But, I still cramped up at the end (perhaps due to dehydration). Next time, I will drink something at every stop.
The Ultimate Dream Come True
Boston is the race every single runner dreams of participating in!!! Through the American Red Cross, I was blessed to be counted as a Boston Marathon finisher. Though my journey … MORE
Boston is the race every single runner dreams of participating in!!! Through the American Red Cross, I was blessed to be counted as a Boston Marathon finisher. Though my journey across America continues no race experience will EVER top this one!!!!! So Blessed!!!
Back in Boston!
The Boston Marathon is such a great experience to be a part of. This was my fifth time to finish it and ended up being the slowest of the 26 … MORE
The Boston Marathon is such a great experience to be a part of. This was my fifth time to finish it and ended up being the slowest of the 26 marathons that I’ve done, but it was one of my most favorite ones to date. The crowds were back after not having a race on Patriots’ Day since 2019. I highly recommend this race to anyone to experience at least once either as a runner or spectator. If you are running, spend the money and downtown to soak up all the activities that happen all weekend. Meeting the people from across the US and around the world is a large part of the experience and the people of Boston also treat you like a celebrity. Highly recommend this race!
Dude, it's the fu**ing Boston Marathon!
No race report needed on this, the oldest Marathon in the world! It took me more than 3 years of trying to finally qualify for this race and it was … MORE
No race report needed on this, the oldest Marathon in the world! It took me more than 3 years of trying to finally qualify for this race and it was worth every minute of work, pain and frustration. I was just so grateful to be there that I really didn’t even race it… I just took it all in the entire 26 miles and 385 yards 🙂 Very well run race, top to bottom. If you have the opportunity and are actually debating it (for some unknown reason) stop it and sign up at the next available time!
3rd time was the charm
Perfect conditions for a great race. Ideal running weather, i only noticed a little extra headwind on the Newton hills. I last ran Boston in 2018...what a difference. Finished within … MORE
Perfect conditions for a great race. Ideal running weather, i only noticed a little extra headwind on the Newton hills. I last ran Boston in 2018…what a difference. Finished within a minute of my PR & qualifying time. My most enjoyable Boston Marathon yet.
It's frickin Boston!
I wasn't going to write a review because events like Boston, New York, Chicago, etc. are not usually races where you wonder, "Oh, should I do this? Let's see what … MORE
I wasn’t going to write a review because events like Boston, New York, Chicago, etc. are not usually races where you wonder, “Oh, should I do this? Let’s see what people have to say.” If you can do them- you do them. But I’m still buzzing from Boston so here it goes:
Nothing could have prepared me for what Boston was. The Boston Marathon is not just a road race. It’s not just a “world class sporting event.” I’ve run Berlin. I’ve run Chicago. Boston, though, felt like a hometown, community fun run (just surrounded by world-class athletes and some of the strongest, fastest amateur marathoners in the world.) You don’t start in a huge metropolitan city- you start in front of a cute little church and some dude’s house. The whole time, neighbors are out on the streets cheering you. (The whole time meaning- as you walk to your corral until after you cross the finish line.)
• People talk about Heartbreak Hill just after mile 20- no one tells you the the first 10k is like a downhill “running of the bulls.” 😆😆 my legs were done by mile 7. At 10, I thought, “I never want to run this again!” But once I sort of “leveled out,” I loved every minute! While Boston doesn’t offer pace groups or pacers, they do such a wonderful job placing runners in the corrals based on their (I can only presume) qualifying times that you don’t have to worry about being stuck behind that one runner who is walking 2 minutes into the race or the one from corral J who snuck up to B. The volunteers were diligent- “you can go back to another corral but not ahead.” I think that that is part of the appeal, too: people weren’t even trying to.jump.corrals. Those who run Boston know this event is a big deal- it’s not a throw-away race where race etiquette is optional. There are rules, both spoken and unspoken, that you follow.
• I’ve been absolutely gushing about my time in Boston since I have been back yet, now that I am writing a review, I feel lost for words. It was the most amazing experience of my life so far- the shirt and medal are simple but they come with a lot of clout and are now my favorites.
• If I can give one piece of advice to Boston first-timers it would be this: work on your quads strength and/or downhill running. That first 10k is tough and can take a toll on your quads.
Good luck 🍀 and Happy Running
Tough course. Great crowd.
Train for rolling hills all day everyday. My legs were done by mile 7. I do rolling hills on my normal long run route and have ran CIM, but wasn’t … MORE
Train for rolling hills all day everyday. My legs were done by mile 7. I do rolling hills on my normal long run route and have ran CIM, but wasn’t ready for the first half of this race. I wanted to drop out by mile 7, but it’s Boston so I sucked it up and tried to have fun, but was stuck in my pain cave. The whole weekend is amazing. It feels like the marathon all-star weekend. Definitely want to train harder and get back here some day.