I've run this race twice, 12 years apart, and will never do it again. The field size this time was too large for Boston's narrow, pot hole-filled streets. In fact, … MORE
I’ve run this race twice, 12 years apart, and will never do it again. The field size this time was too large for Boston’s narrow, pot hole-filled streets. In fact, I was knocked down during the first two minutes of the race by a passing runner (I was in the 9 min/mi corral) because we were packed in like sardines! In addition to the half, there is a 5 mile race that starts an hour later than the half marathoners. The back of the pack 5 milers (many of whom were walking) caused a backlog during the last 3-4 miles and I had to weave around them on the narrow streets. When I crossed the finish line desperate for medical help, I was told I couldn’t enter an unauthorized area, yet the entrance to the medical area was not obvious (at least to me). I have a badly sprained ankle and my knee has a big gash due to the fall. At least the medical volunteers were nice once I finally hobbled my way into the tent.
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Never again!
I've run this race twice, 12 years apart, and will never do it again. The field size this time was too large for Boston's narrow, pot hole-filled streets. In fact, … MORE
I’ve run this race twice, 12 years apart, and will never do it again. The field size this time was too large for Boston’s narrow, pot hole-filled streets. In fact, I was knocked down during the first two minutes of the race by a passing runner (I was in the 9 min/mi corral) because we were packed in like sardines! In addition to the half, there is a 5 mile race that starts an hour later than the half marathoners. The back of the pack 5 milers (many of whom were walking) caused a backlog during the last 3-4 miles and I had to weave around them on the narrow streets. When I crossed the finish line desperate for medical help, I was told I couldn’t enter an unauthorized area, yet the entrance to the medical area was not obvious (at least to me). I have a badly sprained ankle and my knee has a big gash due to the fall. At least the medical volunteers were nice once I finally hobbled my way into the tent.
City of Boston route is GREAT!
It was a rather hot day making my time not very desirable, but the route through the city is well worth it. Wish they had the ability for family/friends to … MORE
It was a rather hot day making my time not very desirable, but the route through the city is well worth it. Wish they had the ability for family/friends to track where on the course you are. Medal and shirt were great.
Run to Remember
My overall "4 shoe" rating for this race is due to the purpose behind this event--to pay tribute to 1st responders who lost their lives while carrying out their duties. … MORE
My overall “4 shoe” rating for this race is due to the purpose behind this event–to pay tribute to 1st responders who lost their lives while carrying out their duties. At the start/finish line there are photos and brief details for some of the many men and women who were killed while on duty. Many were from the Boston area, but I noticed 1st responders from across the nation and went back decades. This is what makes this event unique.
I ran this race in 2022 and according to the race leaders, some adjustments had to be made due to construction. I don’t believe it impacted the course (which I believe was similar to past years) but impacted the expo and the start/finish area.
The expo was really just a bib pick up. They offered multiple locations across multiple days in May for people who were local. For out of towners (like me) I went to the pick-up the day before the race. The race shirt was 100% cotton short sleeve (so not one I would wear to run in). They did give away another shirt from the 2019 race (I don’t feel comfortable wearing a shirt from a race I didn’t run, though!).
The course was mainly flat with occasional small hills. The only problematic terrain was going over a few bridges that had grates. Not a huge deal, but something to note.
Lots of hotels to choice from near the start/finish. Boston is a fun city to visit for the weekend, so this is a good race to run–fun place plus a good cause.
Honor Boston’s Finest
The run to remember takes you through beautiful Boston, starting and finishing on the oceanfront. I loved that it honored fallen first responders and I admit I teared up more … MORE
The run to remember takes you through beautiful Boston, starting and finishing on the oceanfront. I loved that it honored fallen first responders and I admit I teared up more than once as different parts of the route are lined by first responders cheering you on. The after race had a ton of delicious snacks, too.
Run to Remember
Memorable race. The concept behind the race was great: honoring first responders, especially those that gave their life. A helicopter buzzed past the starting line was a great kickoff and … MORE
Memorable race. The concept behind the race was great: honoring first responders, especially those that gave their life. A helicopter buzzed past the starting line was a great kickoff and it was a solid race. Pretty amazing when you’re running with Boston Police (in uniform) and SWAT members. Scenery along Boston’s river was great. Mostly flat course with some very small bridges (compared to FL). Temperature was excellent (locals actually thought it was hot).
Could use some minor improvements. Starting line was a little hectic (2 sides of the street, 2 distances, with no signage). Expo both pre-race, and as the staging ground for post-race was only ok. One bridge was muddy and slippery. Volunteers at water station didn’t seem that thrilled to be there. Water and Gatorade placement at each station wasn’t consistent.
Overall, a race that should be run.
Love this race!
Really enjoyed this race. The course is very scenic, passing many of Boston's iconic sites. The start finish area was well done. The course support was terrific, scattered groups of … MORE
Really enjoyed this race. The course is very scenic, passing many of Boston’s iconic sites. The start finish area was well done. The course support was terrific, scattered groups of “cheer groups” through out the course.
Good scenery, meh execution
The 5-mile race was an awesomely scenic run through some of the key sights in downtown Boston. It was a little challenging, especially the uphill (over a bridge) right at … MORE
The 5-mile race was an awesomely scenic run through some of the key sights in downtown Boston. It was a little challenging, especially the uphill (over a bridge) right at the end, but overall great. The expo was surprisingly nice – lots of freebies (including ice cream!) and a kids’ play area.
However… neither the (basic cotton) t-shirt or medal I received specified the distance I’d run. The starting corrals were a mess, poorly labeled for self-seeding. The course maps provided ahead of time (online and at the expo) didn’t specify “5M keep left, HM keep right” (or vice versa, I don’t remember) – there was just a person with a megaphone on the course about 0.1mi before the split yelling directions. Additionally, the post-race refreshments were self-serve, but no bags were provided so I walked out of the area holding several items and a cup of water (which I promptly spilled). I think there are some logistics the organizers could easily improve – hopefully they’ll take the feedback runners provide and make some changes.
Great race honoring first responders
Really put together well this year! Crowded at the start but the city of boston is certainly beautiful on the water . Crowd was very supportive . Fantastic cause ! MORE
Really put together well this year! Crowded at the start but the city of boston is certainly beautiful on the water . Crowd was very supportive . Fantastic cause !
Excellent Run for our First Responders
Running downtown Boston with all of the police and fire on site...it was very patriotic to participate in this race. I loved running this race and will be back next … MORE
Running downtown Boston with all of the police and fire on site…it was very patriotic to participate in this race. I loved running this race and will be back next year. It was my first 1/2 marathon.
Best scenery of Boston!
Ran this race in 2015 and just getting around to my reviewers in 2024, lol. But this was my second half marathon and I ran a 10 min PR. If … MORE
Ran this race in 2015 and just getting around to my reviewers in 2024, lol. But this was my second half marathon and I ran a 10 min PR. If you’re looking for a race where you actually see the city of Boston – this is it! Again this was 2015 but the medal and shirt were average