Fantastic experience (mostly, I'll get to the one sort of bad part) this marathon was everything that everyone said it was. Amazing crowd support the entirety of the course. The city embraces this race from the start of the weekend till the day after it's over, just walking around town the Tuesday after the ran so many random people congratulated me for completing the marathon. The fan experience and expo events going into race week were solid. The course has some rolling hills in the first 10-12 miles but nothing too bad, I didn't think Heart Break hill was as bad as everyone made it out to be, but once you done a bunch of small rolling hills & you get to that would part around the time you're close to hitting the wall I can see how it feels brutal to some people. Very easy to get to the shuttle bus area in Boston Commins/Garden via the T (metro subway) the only grip I had was with the boarding process which many repeat runners of this event said they changed from previous years. It ended up taking an hour from our listed arrival time to actually board the bus then head over to athletes village. We still arrived at the village with plenty of time to spare to make it to our starting corrals, & actually it wasn't entirely terrible that it took so long to load the bus because Boston Common felt a little warm from the sun we were waiting in despite it being 45° at 9am, when we got to athletes village it was 39° and windy so spending an hour less at the village ended up being a plus.. If I ever got the privilege to run the Boston marathon again I'd totally do it in a heart beat. read more

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Patriots Day. Hopkinton to the Boston Marathon finish line. Wellesley College Scream Tunnel. The Newton Hills. Fenway Park. Citgo sign. Heartbreak Hill. Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston. Unicorn. Abbott Marathon Majors Six Star achievement medal. I had the privilege of running the Boston Marathon not too long ago and it was one of the most amazing race experiences I ever had. The city is all in! The days leading up to the marathon are filled with events, pop up shops and events, and marathon mayhem. There is so much to see and do its almost marathon overload. I was almost exhausted before even getting to the start line. I was on an adrenaline rush the whole time I was there. I would not change a thing. The course itself is challenging but very doable as long as you put in the training and are aware of the cutoff time to complete the 26.2 miles to earn an official time and forever be in the record books as a Boston Marathon finisher. The day I ran it was sunny and warm which was just right for me, while others struggled with the warm conditions. You never know on race day here as weather can get hot, or be cold and rainy. Prepare for anything, which I did. Oh, and the crowd support is wonderful. The locals really appreciate the runners. The granddaddy of marathons it never disappoints. Historic and iconic. read more

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My brother in law qualified for the marathon so my sister, her friend and I drove up to see him run it. Truly appreciated how supportive everyone was. I also liked the fact that the event is practically designated on a holiday so street parking wasn't as challenging early in the morning! The event was long. Security was everywhere and eyeing anyone who had a purse. Bag checks were implemented almost every corner. The race itself I heard was incredibly challenging because of all the uphills. Otherwise, from a spectator point of view, it was a nice experience. read more

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Participants Perspective - Expo... A lot smaller than I expected especially comparing it against other races like Chicago Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, Kansas City Marathon, and Disney Marathon to name a few. - Morning of race aka start line and shuttle bus... corral and coordination was seamless. They did an extremely good job coordinating and organizing everyone to get on the bus, which corral to go to, there was plenty of port-a-potties, and people for bag check-in. Another heartfelt mention is all clothing that was disposed goes to charities for the homeless. - During race... The marathon organizers had medical tents, hydration stations(Gatorade and water), and hydration stations at least every mile. Spectators were providing orange slices, banana halves, water, booze, twizzlers, and other goods. From start to finish there was never silence since of the spectators were constant and/ or the crowd of the other runners who were joining you at this monumental race. I trained for this race so I didn't find Heartbreak Hill to be a challenge and saved my energy to never stop while conquering the hill. There was no confusion on where to turn and plenty of volunteers to help the navigation. Plus there was constant police presence to make you feel safe. - Post race... Food from finish was a pre-packages bag( Hawaiian roles, Gatorade, water, banana, Merton solid protein bar, and small bag of Cheez-It's). Wheelchairs and medical assistance was strong and present to assist when needed. Plenty of to non re-entry of finish line was wonderful. The There was 2 free drinks for runners of all distances which was nice. Spectator Perspective - Expo...My other half has been to several of my race expos and this one felt organized and official but without as many vendors as some of the other large races. - Organization... Other half felt like this had intense security. There were also lots of blocked off streets that weren't clearly designated so it was hard to get around. On the other hand, the trains were running for free along the course so it was easy to make it to the viewing area even with major delays. - Information provided by race committee made it possible for spectators to find runners easily. The app worked great even with all of the people and service interruptions. The only complaint is that is was impossible to find out what streets were closed until you came upon the blockades. read more

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I've stayed at the Charlesmark Hotel (scene of the Boston bombing). Sad remembrance of a horrific occurrence that disrupted an American institution. As a former marathon runner, Boston is the ONE, the goal for any serious runner. I always love seeing the finish line on the pavement. read more

Boston Marathon - Races & Competitions Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Back around 1990, I briefly worked for a bank in Wellesley Hills that no longer exists. I happened to be working the day of the Marathon and even back then, it was a big deal. A decent police presence, though back then it was less "security" and more "traffic management." A steady stream of runners all day and into the afternoon. Very cool. Nowadays, the Marathon still follows the same route but the security is much more intense and the runners are more intense too. The Boston Marathon is a huge deal as it should be. It's not just the world's oldest annual marathon (inspired by the success of the 1896 Summer Olympics), it is definitely one of the most challenging. The weather is always an unknown, making even more interesting. I haven't managed to be in Boston on Patriots Day in many years but perhaps soon I'll get back and see the race again in person. read more

Boston Marathon - The finish line of the Boston Marathon on Boylston Street - Races & Competitions Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

+++review #2100+++ i'd give this race 10 stars if i could! the boston marathon, the cream of the crop, the "unicorn" that every serious distance runner dreams of and chases for years, sometimes a lifetime. i consider it an honor and privilege to have been able to participate in the 123rd running of the oldest marathon in the world on april 15, 2019, which was also my first world marathon major. the expo took place the fri, sat & sun preceding "marathon monday" and it was hands-down the best race expo i'd ever attended! security was tight, not surprisingly, ever since the terrorist attack in 2013, but it moved pretty quickly for me on fri since i went early on in the day. i picked up my bib & tshirt, took a few photos, then proceeded to spend about 4 hrs walking thru the actual expo area, shopping for boston marathon 2019 memorabilia, strolling thru the vendor section, trying new products, sampling some food and drinks from race sponsors. i walked away with a slightly full tummy (skipped lunch since i wasn't expecting to be at the expo for so long!) and a much thinner wallet! unfortunately, i had been injured on and off during my training (15 weeks leading up to race day), so i didn't try to go for a personal best, instead, i just tried to take it all in and enjoy being at this grand race. i tried to think of it as a long, scenic run, in a new place, with 30,000 new friends. race-day weather was less than ideal, high 60s-low 70s and humid, with scattered rain (pre-race), and heavier showers (last hour of the race, for me), but i just took it easy, and grabbed water at every single aid station so that i wouldn't be dehydrated. the volunteers did a fabulous job with the aid stations and i appreciate the race organizers adding extra stations when the forecast called for warmer than usual conditions. the long bus ride from boston common to hopkinton allowed me time to rest and nap since i didn't sleep that well the night before (to be expected for a big race). i wasn't quite expecting to walk ~1.5mi after unboarding the bus until i reached the start line, but that's what my watch told me (in between using the porta-potties and wading thru the crowd to reach the start). i had studied the course well and knew that the first 16 miles were net downhill, feeling "relatively easy" which is good considering most of these miles were in the rural areas of boston, with less fan support. mile 13, the halfway point, marked the "wellesley scream tunnel" with a crowd of girls screaming, cheering and giving kisses to the runners. i knew there'd be 4 challenging sections from miles 16-21, called the "newton hills," but i just took them one at a time, until i finished heartbreak hill, which really wasn't that bad...i didn't even know i ran heartbreak until i saw the signs saying that i'd passed it! shortly thereafter, i saw my husband on the side, so i ran over to kiss him which gave me a boost for the final 5 miles of the race. speaking of which, this is when the rains came and i was definitely tired, sore, and questioning whether i'd have to stop and walk, but i told myself, one more minute, one more mile, and i let the crowd, volunteers, and other supporters lift my spirits to keep pressing on, as the wind increased and rain fell heavier. as i made the final 2 turns on the course, with less then 1/2 mile to go, i ran as hard as i could, sprinting thru the finish, and crying tears of joy when i finally finished. it was certainly a magical moment in my running career. post-finish line volunteers handed us space blankets, water, bananas, and a small bag of refreshments. i loved that the bananas were already partially peeled back for us, and they had stickers to hold the space blankets in place. despite the rainy, gloomy weather at the end, the atmosphere was simply amazing, and i can now say that i'm a boston marathon finisher. it really is everything runners say it is, and more. if you are able to qualify and race in this event, do it, since it might be a once in a lifetime opportunity, one that you will remember for the rest of your life. read more

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Being a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon, Its fitting to write my 300th review for this event. I live a block from the marathon finish line And watch 2 million people pour in annually. This year, for the first time, I'll be running it To raise money for the US Pain Foundation, and awareness for all those who live in chronic pain, as I do every day now, due to my permanent injuries. The deal: I'm training everyday, through my pain, To inspire others who love in invisible pain, like me. My Yelp Friends can donate a $1, or more, here: http://tinyurl.com/lynnjulian read more

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The reason for low score is because the runners were still coming in and the water stations, porter Potty, and medical staff were removed. Out of respect and perseverance of the runners every single one deserves the same treatment. At the Newton area the runners protection was gone and the runners were exposed to on coming traffic. Even at the finish line the side advertising signs were removed, and by removing the barricades to soon confused the runners where to go! 1st, 2nd, 35th place should not matter each one deserves the same respect! read more

Props to all the runners for this year's Boston Marathon. Temperatures well into the 80s made this already rigorous run something to really be cautious about. Starting in 1897 this is the world's oldest annual marathon. Although that history is one mostly to be proud of, it does give me pause to think that women weren't recognized as official runners until 1972 (!). All is forgiven now and watching as I've done over the many years I've lived here always gives me a lump in my throat as I consider the passion, hardwork, sacrifice and discipline it takes to do this. Kudos to my friends who were running for a variety of causes like the Mass General Hospital for Children Oncology Team, the National Marfan's Foundation and others. All the runners from near and far should be proud of their accomplishments but I especially bow before those who run for charity. It was another good day for Boston and the world. read more

Running is a unique sport. I don't know of any other sport where the average person can compete along with elite world-class athletes. And Boston is unique in that it's the oldest marathon in the United States and the only one that requires a qualifying time to enter. For me, it's like the Olympics of the marathon, and I'm rewarded for my hard work by getting to run in this world renowned event. When I started running, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would qualify for Boston. But once I did, after several attempts, I vowed that as long as I qualify, I'm always going to come to Boston and run on the 3rd Monday of April. This year it was my fourth year in a row, and I've already made plans to come back next year. It's not about "winning" or having a fast time for me, it's about experiencing all that is the Boston Marathon, from riding the yellow school bus out to Hopkinton, to slapping hands with the children lining the course, to sharing my experience with the 20,000+ other runners out there. If you qualify, you have to go. That's all there is to it. Consider it your reward. read more

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Every year, participants line up in Hopkinton to have their mettle tested along one of the most taxing, endurance-draining marathons in the world. Five years ago today, a cowardly attack pushed that mettle test to unforeseen heights. It led to the tragic loss of Martin, Krystle, Lu and Sean. It led to a nation on edge. These runners are animals. Their focus is unimaginable, and their resolve is infinite. This has become more than a run. It's a testament to the city that hosts its finish line. To the people on both sides of the bib who prepare and respond and persevere. It's raining needles, freezing wind is gusting, and they're still giving it their all for 26.2 miles. Because that's what they do. All the stars for you, you crazy bastards. #BostonStrong read more

The Greatest Story Ever Run .... I saw that quote on a poster while there .... I got into the Boston Marathon under the Lance Armstrong Foundation's LIVESTONG TEAM as a fundraiser for Cancer Research. I was contacted 9 weeks prior to the race and I had never run a full Marathon before and I was more than intimated by the prospect. Never the less, I went and all I can see it was next to graduating from Georgia Tech, the most physically, mentally taxing thing thing I have ever done all with being the most satisfying and listed among my proudest achievements. And like most things I have done that were great, I did not do it alone - THE CROWDS IN BOSTON ARE AWESOME !!! Without the people lined up from Hopkinton to Boston I would have never finished - the energy is so palpable that I never used my ipod!! The cheering, the sign, the little kids wanting to slap hands with me ( and I am a nobody ) - the music " Rocky Theme and Chariots of Fire " played on little boom boxes on people's lawns. I totally cramped up and pulled a hamstring muscle at mile 17 miles and starting crying not from the pain but because I thought I was going to have to quit after running further than I ever had in my life - 3 random strangers came from their porches and help me stretch out while i called my doctor on my phone - wiped my face, gave juice, oranges, candy and wanted to take a picture with me and then sent me on my way - Only in the Boston Marathon - 5 hours later I was a Marathoner and a Boston Finisher - this review is for the volunteers and the Boston Crowds - I love you and I will return !!! read more

Boston Marathon - Funny - Races & Competitions Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This a great race. I feel like every marathoner should run this race. This year the weather was the worst it has been in a while. However I feel they did their best to support the runners. read more

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"To describe the agony of a marathon to someone who's never run it is like trying to explain color to someone who was born blind." -Jerome Drayton I wrote my "inspirational" review of the Marathon on the page for the B.A.A., so I'll use this section to write about the other aspects of it. It seems like this is the dumping ground where people bitch and moan. First: if you're complaining about the fact that your day is interrupted because of the Marathon, which happens only once each year, cry me a river. It is one of the best organized events I have ever taken part in. Sorry you feel inconvenienced that your city is the location of the greatest road race in the world and the focus of the athletic universe for a day. Now onto other matters: the behind-the-scenes look at the day from a runner's perspective. Myth: if you didn't qualify officially and you want to run you will be prevented from doing so. This is completely wrong. It's called running as a "bandit", and no one will give you any problem. You simply get at the very back of the pack and wait for the other qualified runners to cross the start and then you are free to go. Volunteers along the course will treat you just as they would any of the official runners. What no one tells you: Sunscreen. Even if it is only 50 degrees out. And don't eat the oranges some spectators hand out. The acid will make you completely queasy and you'll end up horking. I did in 2003. I threw up 4 times bewteen miles 9 and 11 and it took me until mile 15 before I could keep any water down. Gummy Bears are fine. There's a woman who sits on the rock wall in her front yard at the top of Heartbreak Hill and hands them out every year. This is the only way I know her and she recognizes me every year. Hydration: there are water stops every mile. Don't worry about over-hydrating before the start. People I feel sorry for: there are houses with yards in Hopkinton along the street that the runners line up on that basically turn into public restrooms. Yes, it is disgusting, and yes I have contributed to this problem. There is one house that had two large pine trees with branches that were 10 feet off the ground, but bowed down almost creating a dome-like structure you could enter. One was a men's room, the other a ladie's room. And remember, you can't flush a tree. It had been a couple weeks since the last rainfall, but the yard was completely muddy. Bloody Nipples: If your first experience with bloody nipples is in the marathon itself, you didn't train for it. This is something you discover in your first training run of 10 miles or so. Vaseline will NOT help. You need to get yourself some sports tape and slap a strip over your nipples. If you do end up with bloody nipples at any point, DO NOT get into a shower. I have to stress this. It will feel like someone is taking a blowtorch to them. This is when you should cover them with vaseline. The water won't wash it off and it will save you a world of hurt. Fabric choices: cotton turns to sandpaper after 10 miles. Wear synthetics. Booze along the course: There is a biker bar in ashland that hands out shots of Jack Daniels to the runners. It's tempting, yes, even if just to say "Yeah, I finished the marathon and took at shot of Jack at mile 3." Trust me, don't. Wait until you hit B.C. and Heartbreak Hill. There will be plenty of beer, and with only 6 miles to go you'll be able to have one and finish up without any trouble. The Hash House Harriers usually have cold frosties waiting for the runners. When you see "B V N" written in large chalk letters in the middle of the road, yell "R-U" and head to the first person that shouts back "On-On!" Beer will be waiting for you. Wellesley: They really are fantastic. They are the loudest people on the course. A lot of the women hold up signs saying "kiss me." Definitely do this. Not because it is a cheap thrill, but because they really haven't thought this through. My wife won't come near me until I have showered after a normal trip to the gym. Imagine now if a complete stranger who just ran 13 miles comes trotting over with salt stains from dried sweat all over his face, those little congealed spittle globs in the corners of his mouth, all puckered-up and looking for love. The "oh my god this is not what I imagined" squeal is worth the stop. Heartbreak Hill: it's really three hills, and they really are that bad. If friends come to cheer you on toward the finish, don't expect to hear them. It's all white noise after mile 17. And to the friends going to watch a runner: we will probably intentionally run on the other side of the road from where you're standing. We do not want to hear that we can do it, that we're almost there, etc. And by no means does any runner want to stop and chat. Stopping is the most horrendous feeling in the world, starting back up is the second worst. read more

When doing a race, people cheering can make a huge difference in your finishing time. This is especially true at the Boston Marathon. It is considered one of the tougher marathons around and now I can see why. I didn't have my best race but without people cheering pretty much the whole way I would have done a lot worse. The course is point to point and starts downhill but don't worry you make up for it with the uphills toward the end of the race. These hills made me want to cry and luckily I was wearing sunglasses so you'll never know if I actually did. While getting into the Boston marathon is tough as you have to qualify, there is the option of raising money for a charity which is a win win situation as you get the chance to run one of the most famous and fun races around and you also help those in need. read more

For runners, Boston is the ultimate experience, the holy grail of marathons. It is one of the few marathons in the country that you must qualify to enter, and the qualifying times, though scaled by age and gender, are difficult enough to make Boston a dream that most will never realize. But if you are fortunate enough to stay healthy, train hard, and make it through the registration gauntlet, it is an experience you will never forget. Once you get that postcard telling you you're in, then you are on your way to realizing your dreams. My first Boston in 2010 was a picture perfect day. I went down to the commons with my experienced running buddies and waited in line for the buses that would take us to the start in Hopkinton. This process is run like a machine by the BAA, they are very efficient in lining runners up and making sure buses get you to the start on time. When you arrive in Hopkinton, the athlete's village is abuzz with excitement, announcements crackling over the loudspeaker, music pumping, everybody getting excited...there are plenty of gels and energy bars and water to fuel up for the race. The world's best runners are all together in one place to realize their dreams, and the energy is infectious. Everyone is smiling and joking, getting in their last port o potty stops, fueling up, and getting their race gear on. Make sure you make a final pit stop at the port o potties at least half an hour before your number is called to the start line. The lines can get crazy long, and you do not need to stress out in a bathroom line before the race. Soon they begin to call up runners by bib numbers to the start, lower bibs first. You walk about a mile to the start and you soak up even more energy. There are tons of volunteers to assist if you're a first timer, but it is pretty impossible to get lost, with everyone heading in the same direction. Corrals are well marked and well staffed with volunteers. Soon you are in your assigned corral, surrounded by men and women just as fast as you, and you are chomping at the bit for that starting gun. Helicopters flying overhead, music blaring, it's a carnival and a rock concert and a tent revival in one. Everybody is crazy psyched and you can't help but get sucked in. You're at the start of the Boston marathon baby, and it's incredible! Finally the starting gun, and you're off, the route is lined with crowds cheering, little kids high fiving, college kids drinking beer, and everyone shouting words of encouragement. It is hard to describe the inspiration of running those first few miles. You are so excited, and the miles are mostly downhill, it is easy to get suckered out beyond your pace goal, but stick to the plan, stay within yourself and know that you will need some gas in the tank for those Newton hills. The Boston course is fantastic, lined with energetic spectators, bands playing music, and all kinds of crazy characters. The miles click by fast and before you know it you're ten miles in. Then not long after, you hear the screams...the Wellsley girls...imagine thousands of college girls lined up for nearly a mile screaming at the top of their lungs and begging to be kissed...what a race! So fun. But you have to keep moving along. You keep it rolling, chatting with other runners and taking energy from the crowds. Soon you are 17 miles in and things get tough, the Newton Hills will test you. If you've gone out too hard, you're finished. But if you stick to your plan, you can power through. Feed off the crowd and just stay focused. There are a few downhills in there to help you recover. Finally you hit heartbreak and it is madness. People are imploding all over, but you have to keep moving. Finally you get to the top, yeah baby! The Boston college kids are screaming and cheering you on, and you just need to dial it in for those last 5 miles. You hang on and soon you're on Beacon St. At this point, everything is a blur. You just tell your body to keep moving, and the volunteers help you struggle along, giving you that final gel or drink that you need to survive. Next you turn on to Commonwealth and you are struggling to hold it together. But the crowds are insane, one last little hill and you're on Hereford, and then your final left turn onto Boylston. You may as well be running into Wembley stadium, cuz you're a freakin' rock star! You're absolutely trashed, quads screaming, and that blue finish arch is a million miles away, but the crowd is insane, and somehow you find the inner strength to will yourself down Boylston to the finish, your dreams come true, the volunteers place that medal around your neck, and it's official, you've just finished the Boston marathon! You are exhausted and ecstatic at the same time...it is such an emotional experience. Now grab a quick shower, and go out and celebrate with your medal on! read more

Boston Marathon - The exquisite taste of that first beer after finishing the Boston Marathon. - Races & Competitions Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Carbing up for the Boston Marathon tomorrow...vodka is made from potatoes, right?? YEAH RUNNERS!!! Can't wait to cheer you on in the morning...and to ponder your bat $hit craziness at wanting to put yourselves through the torture of Heartbreak Hill... GO GET IT!!!! read more

The Boston Marathon is an amazing inspiring event. Even with the crowds, you're bound to have a good time. There are tonnes of free samples. My favourite was the Milky Way Chocolate Milk - very chocolaty and very sweet. Some proprietors take advantage of the crowd, like Vinny's, and charge $100 per person for just getting in. How Did the Pizza Cross the Road? - My 2006 Marathon Story This year we were watching the marathon and there were policemen on the road making sure people don't violate any rules like running through the marathon roads. There was one stern cop standing right in front of us and people kept coming up to him every 2 minutes and asking him to let them cross the street. He would then inform them that they needed to go 5 blocks in either direction to get to the other side. One woman comes and begs him to let her across and he just shakes his head and repeats the same instructions. She continues to tell him that her friend is across and has her pizza. Her strong argument fails to dissuade him. Finally she gives in, but not before she asks him if he could go fetch the pizza for her. He simply replied with a straight face,"No. We don't deliver." read more

How do I review the Boston Marathon? Along with the Red Sox, the Freedom Trail, and damn Atlantic Ocean, the Marathon is probably amongst the most recognizable events tied to Boston. And like all things tied to Boston, it's SUPER old, SUPER awesome, and HARD. I love that it's the BOSTON Marathon that has the most prestige of the majors in the world, because that makes Boston cooler than every other city ever. I'm looking at you, Berlin. For people who aren't crazy like a fox, Marathon Monday is a good time to get drunk, cheer on runners, and generally get nutty like a Mr. Goodbar. I enjoy the dudes who set up stereos on the sidewalk, or grab an actual guitar and jam out. Ten points for you, fellas. If you enjoy schadenfreude, and just want to watch a bunch of suckers in hideous pain trying to haul their asses through 26 miles, try hanging out on upper Beacon Street, by Cleveland Circle. By that point in the run, most of the pack has separated out, and there's usually plenty of space on the street to actually watch. The thing about the Marathon is this: if you like running, runners, stuff that moves, or alcohol, there's a good chance you'll enjoy spectating the event for a couple of hours. No need to be out there for the whole day, but it's a cool Boston-y thing to do that doesn't feel touristy. For runners, Boston is the holy grail, fountain of youth, and an unlimited credit card rolled up into one mystical, outrageously painful event, and this review can't really examine that angle of it. I ran the marathon this year (2009), but I'm not really a runner, so I didn't have the same sense of catharsis that a lot of more hardcore distance athletes talk about. It did hurt like a bitch, though. read more

The Boston Marathon is absolutely inspiring. I watched the '08 race on Beacon Street around Brighton/Brookline, which was great. I was right against the street, cheering the runners on. Based on my experience, I have some tips for both runners and non-runners. 1) I saw so many male runners with bloody nipples. Ouch. I know male surfers use this thing stuff "Jacks Nipple Cream" to prevent chafing. I highly recommend that for anyone who is running 26.2 miles too. 2) Runners, write your name on your shirt somewhere. It was a lot of fun to yell, "Go Mark! You can do it! Oh my god, Mark, you're running so fast, you're just a blur!" However, it was mildly awkward to yell, "Way to run for Children's Hospital, Katie, Jen...and your brunette friend to the left, yeah!" Name on shirt. Not on arm or leg, because those things are moving. 3) As long as you're writing your name somewhere on your shirt, write something funny too. I saw many people with phone numbers. 4) Spectators, cheer on the latter half of runners. Those are the people who are running for charity, never ran a marathon before, and are practically dying at mile 20. Marathon Monday is one of my favorite times to go up and visit Boston. Everyone should definitely enjoy the race at some point in their lives. read more

I took my turn at the Boston Marathon back in 2001. I believed I was somewhat of an athlete and a friend and I decided to run as scabs. This meant we didn't qualify. We made fake numbers and blended in at the beginning with all the other runners. I had trained for this my whole life. Actually what I meant to say was I never trained for anything like this in my whole life. The truth is I am a cocky SOB who really knew at the time that running about 25 miles would be a crazy way to test myself. I had already hang glided, scuba dived, mountain climbed and joined the mile high club. Yes that last one was a total lie but I have flown in many airplanes for thousands of miles and I felt that running a lousy 25 may take all day but I was young and in reasonably good shape so why the heck not? It was a party at the starting line. Everyone was hugging, taking pictures, getting interviewed, making fun of the Kenyans and trying to get on TV. Soon we were off and to tell you the truth it wasn't bad for about five miles. My friend the runner really wanted to get through this in under 4 hours and at the start that seemed reasonable. I had listened to some Tony Roberts subliminal tapes all week prior and in my head I heard an army of men shouting "GO GO GO" over and over. It was really working. At mile 11 is when things started to crack. My armor was denting big time. I had a cramp in my right side and it was burning like the time I was shot in Compton during the riots. Alright I was never shot nor was I ever in Compton but let's just say it hurt. It hurt a lot. I imagine it is what it feels like to be shot. Tony Roberts guys were now saying," WIMP WIMP WIMP" over and over in my head. My sneakers weren't laced tight enough. I felt a blister developing on my left foot. My friend was a few feet ahead of me so he couldn't see me running with this weird limp, skip, grimace thing I was doing. (thankfully) There are so many people who come out to watch this race. There are college girls cheering, kids handing cups of vodka or water out, police, firemen, donkeys.... You start to see things after mile 14. You begin to think they are all waiting for you to fall down. I watched a race one time where some woman maybe Uta Pippic or someone, crapped in her pants and lost complete control of her bodily functions. This is my absolute worst nightmare. At mile 16 this is what I felt was happening. My friend was long gone ahead of me and some really old people were passing me. I felt like at any moment my heart would simply POP. I never should have told everyone to be at the finish line. "MORON MORON MORON" Screw you Tony Robbins! Now you reach a point where everything hurts. Even my eyelashes felt like they were bleeding. My nipples which I never really noticed before were rubbing against my shirt for 17 miles and were actually bleeding. My knees felt like they were on someone else's legs. I smacked a water cup out of someone's hand that got too close. I hate you people. I hate you people. By the time I reached Boston proper and was coming towards Fenway I was in a quasi-comatose state convinced that if I stopped I would really die. I was breathing like an asthmatic who forgot his meds. I remember focusing on someone who caught my eye. He mouthed "You can do it!" Of course he was in a lawn chair eating a hot dog. "Go to Hell! I slurred. When I came into the Back Bay I wasn't walking but I wasn't running either. It was sort of a trot, then walk, then trot. Like many others I knew I had to at least run the last few yards where all my peeps would be. It was like slow motion. GO GO Loser GO It was 4:45 and counting. I was neck and neck with some short guy dressed like the American flag. I heard one of my loved ones yell "CAAAPPEEEE" I looked up smiled and took off. I don't know where that last adrenaline rush came from. Actually, it came from a manic intense desire to not look like a complete failure. I crossed the finish line, then sat down, then lay down, then hyperventilated. It was a great experience to look back upon but as God is my witness. Never would I ever do that again. It took a month to recover. I don't wish that kind of pain on a dog. I won't even watch it unless I'm at a bar. The Kenyans can have it. read more

The Boston Marathon is one of the events that makes Boston a truly great city. This is one of the only marathons where runners can be assured that people will be on the sidelines cheering them almost every step of the way. If you live in Boston and have never bothered to take the day off to enjoy the race, I highly recommend it. Downtown is insane, but out near miles 23 and 24 on Beacon Street you can get right next to the route and suppor the runners. As one who has completed the race, I can tell you that those last few miles you need all the help you can get. read more

I have nothing against the Boston Marathon, except for the fact that it should be held on a Sunday, and not a Monday. Sure, the city has concocted this phony "Patriots Day" holiday, but unless you are a government employee, there's a better than average chance that you have to work on Marathon Monday. The ever-cantankerous Howie Carr of the Boston Herald writes a rip-job of the marathon every year, bemoaning the fact that the city is shut down on a weekday for the sake of a bunch of narcissistic runners. Always a classic. Anyway, this would be a 5 star review if they switched it to Marathon Sunday. read more

Love, love, love. The Boston Marathon MIGHT be my favorite holiday. Yes, it's a holiday. My love affair started many years ago, when I was introduced to said event as a little college freshman. "What is this? A marathon? Ok, cool. Wait, it runs by our school? Great! Wait, there are no classes that day? SWEET! And we drink while we cheer? Sign me up!!!" As a runner, this marathon is the crème de la crème. I aspire to run it one day, but I'll stick to half-marathons for now. The course is a tough one, there is no mistaking that. But the spectators are amazing! Not an inch of course goes by without people cheering, offering words of encouragement, holding signs, you name it. Many of said spectators (full disclosure - myself included) treat Marathon Monday like a Jimmy Buffet concert - without alcohol, what's the point? Not to an obnoxious level, but one of happy merriment. If you're a runner, you'll be thanking them once you hit heartbreak hill. My fav spots to view are mile 8 at the Natick commuter rail stop and mile 22 at Cleveland Circle. Despite crowds, you can get to both pretty easily. We were tracking a few runners and were able to see everyone at both spots. I'd love to spend some time at the finish line, but as you can imagine, it's a bit of a zoo. To summarize: the city is filled with people from all over the world, the Expo is amazing and open to the public, and everyone is in a good mood. How can you not LOVE this fabulous event?!?!? read more

The ultimate marathon for all marathoners who enjoy competing against themselves. Boston is always a challenge, but continues to bring out the best in my running. The experience is always a truly inspiring one, with large crowds, passionate fellow runners, and unbelievably loud cheering all along the 26.2-mile run into Boston (I swear you can here the Wellesley girls from a mile away!). The start gives me the chills every time and reminds me why I have put in all the hard work over the past few years. Love Athletes Village! Great place to meet other runners who share your passion for running. Provides a perfect combination of pre-race adrenaline and calm to settle your nerves. Extremely honored to have been a part of this race for the last two years and hoping to continue to be a part of it for many years to come. They've got me hooked, and as they say "See you next year!" read more

I hate running - its bad for your knees. oh and the marathon should start at 2AM so the traffic wont be affected. read more

It's hard to rate the Boston Marathon. As a runner you work so hard to get here that the whole event is so built up. However, it is one of the few events that actually lives up to the hype! - The expo was huge and amazing -- tons of vendors, superstar exhibitors (I met Greta Weitz and Pam Reed!!), and a crazy amount of people given the driving rain outside. - The people of Boston and the outlying areas ROCK for coming out and cheering like crazy in the freezing rain and wind! What an amazing marathon. If you can get here, run it!! read more

1st 2012 Boston Marathon Review. Thanks for shutting down my street, I had to wait in front of someone's oversized driveway in Newton for an hour until I could drive into Brighton where I live to park my car. I got to watch the last hour of the marathon perched atop of my car. The stragglers were all walking, c'mon people actually live here and need to get home to tend to their dogs, eat dinner, and rest after a long day. Run or get off my street. I gave it two stars because the weather was nice and the people that were still out in Newton at 4pm were cheering on every runner that passed by. Respect to the runners-85 degrees and still chugging. read more

On this day over two hundred-odd years ago, a band of our rag-tag revolutionary forefathers took on the English war machine in Lexington and Concord, sparking the war that would earn our nation its freedom and cementing their place in history. So, logically, every Patriots' Day we celebrate their bravery by grilling a lot of meat, drinking a lot of beer and yelling from the side of the road at people who are getting 26.2 miles' worth of serious, hardcore exercise. God bless America. read more

The only good thing about the Marathon is that people from work leave to go see it. So it makes it a quieter day for me. Also, this brings in lots of business for local.... businesses. Other than that people trash the streets and tie up traffic for hours. Not to mention the people on the subway who actually take the T home after running in a marathon all smelly and smugly wearing their # and foil blankie. Get off my train. read more

The Boston Marathon is one of my favorite Boston Traditions. The whole city comes together to support their family members, friends, and favorite Kenyan athlete. I watched the 112th Boston Marathon yesterday in the Kenmore squarea. These people had already run 25 miles!! Some of them were collapsing, some looked like they had just started running- no signs of fatigue... I really was inspired. The city does a great job making this a very well organized event that everyone can enjoy. I believe there was a concert outside of the Prudential center, and all the bars on Boylston were hosting "Marathon parties" where you could go have a beer with people who just ran 26.2 miles. I've decided to start training for the Boston Marathon so I can do it before I'm 30. read more

I'm shocked that this isn't 5 stars. Huge event in Boston that you must see if you're in the area in the middle of April. People who have been training for months beforehand are put to the test in 26.2 miles of high heart rates as they either pass or get passed by other marathon runners, some who may have more or little to no experience at all. Runners either make it or break it at heartbreak hill. Newspapers the day after even make a nice little section with all those who completed the marathon along with their record. Great event to cheer on the runners, even if you don't know them! Lots of stands that give away free stuff in the Copley location and stands where you can buy Boston Marathon 20XX gear! Day before the full marathon is the half-marathon, the invitational mile and scholastic run, which is fun to see high-schoolers go against each other! INTENSE. Be there! Rain or shine. read more

Just ran my first Boston marathon this past Monday, and it was everything I was hoping for and more! The organization is flawless. Expo is easy to get to, and bibs are easy to pick up. Runners are being driven in school buses to the start line, which is a cute touch. Athletes village had lots of food, snacks and beverages available. Announcements were clear. The course is tough but fans make a huge difference, cheering and handing out food and water. I had chills multiple times from all the love and support of the spectators. Boston marathon is definitely a race to run at least once in a lifetime. read more

Awesome day! Awesome time. Would I run 26.2 miles? Yes, I would. But, not all in the same day. Please BAA move this to a WEEKEND so more people could enjoy this event. Otherwise, people have to work and it's not fair! Plus it is really annoying for streets to be shut down on a MONDAY! But, still a GREAT time. Take the day off! read more

The Boston Marathon is a holiday (literally; it's on Patriot's Day, but no one remembers that). It's full of drunk college kids who are having a blast. Oh yeah - and the runners are pretty cool too. read more

Three years I've had the privilege of cheering on the runners of the Boston marathon, and with each year I am more in awe of those who join me in encouragement of the athletes and those who run! While I no longer live in Boston, it is now tradition for me to make the trip up each Marathon Monday to visit friends, gather to celebrate on Patriots day and cheer on friends and family who make the commitment to run the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston. Suggestions: to snag a finish-line spot, start as early as 8pm for a position right up against the railing. Brunch is served at many restaurants on Monday, so make a reservation if you're planning on hitting up any spots on Boylston or Newbury. Walk-ins can certainly be accommodated, but except long waits the later in the day it gets or consider a location in the South End, which tends to be a little less crowded than Back Bay, Avoid Copley Square unless absolutely necessary, like meeting a runner after the race. The T station will be closed anyway, and you'll have better luck navigating around the city if you stick to peripheral streets. Don't even think about driving into town. Viewing spots are less packed as you head up Boylston, closer to the curve where runners turn onto the last street of street toward to finish line. If someone has a friend or family member that is running and about to pass by where you are located, be courteous and let them stand near the fence! read more

Even when it's 85 degrees and the concrete is melting, the Boston Marathon is as good as it gets. I only wish every runner would write their name on their shirt so we could shout every name as they run by. Keep it up, runners! read more

You can definitely see that this race is really special! The volunteers were fabulous and the crowd was great! The crowd really interacts with all runners no matter their speed. I was 4.5 months pregnant and didn't know what to expect. The race greatly surpassed all expectations. I enjoyed the expo, busses, and gear check. A little colder than I planned but definitely worth it! read more

This is a great race. My wife and I have been fortunate to qualify for this race over the last 10 years and wow, every time I do this race, I'm humbled by the course support. read more