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Boston Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Boston Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.6 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 4.9
Number of comments: 418 [displaying comments 171 to 181]
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C. L. from Cleveland, OH
(5/7/2008)
"It converted me!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First, let me start by saying that, unlike many runners, I have never dreamed of running Boston. It's never been a priority, partly because I thought that something with all this hype is doomed to be a let down. Boy, was I wrong! Nearly a month later and I'm still raving about the race. It is the Tiger Woods, the Muhammed Ali and the Pele of events - translation: nothing can and ever will come close to it, so stop comparing it to other races! Pros There are so many, so I'll keep it brief: 1. The Spectators - I have never seen such enthusiastic and so many spectators. 2. The Volunteers - It seemed like the whole city was needed to volunteer and they did it all with a smile and word of encouragement. 3. The Organisers - How they did it I have no clue. 4. The People of Boston - the next day while I was limping to the airport, people kept coming up and saying congratulations just for running! 5. The Official Merchandise - I just love the Blue wind jacket. Cons 1. No Gatorade or sports drink at the end- There was plenty on the course and there was plenty of water, but Gatorade would have been helpful in the rehydration process. As for the comments about the terrible bag of "goodies" afterwards: Can you really eat much after 26 miles? Besides, be thankful for anything, since there aren't many companies that are willing to donate food to 25000 people. 2. Porta potties - We needed more at the start. On the other hand, it is chip timing, so missing the start is no big deal, which is what I should have done instead of stopping at mile 12! 3. Adidas merchendise- My wife and her friend really wanted the black jackets, but unfortunately, they had sold off "smalls" early on Saturday. To run out of small jackets for women that early was crazy! Overall, you will never find a more well run race, especially when you consider the size of it! Congratulations! | |
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r. r. from ohio
(5/6/2008)
"Still smiling!!!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It's been a couple of weeks since I ran Boston 112, and I'm still on a high, with a big grin. It was an awesome experience and I can't imagine a more perfect experience. The beautiful course, the wild crowds, the perfect weather, the Wellesley girls, and turning the corner to the finish line on Boylston. My previous marathons have all been small (200-300 entrants), and I enjoyed them for the freedom just to run. I never thought I'd like a mega-marathon, but Boston changed all that. If you get the chance to run it, don't pass it up! | |
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K. H. from Pennsylvania
(5/4/2008)
"Awesome" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Awesome marathon. Definitely a must. I was told by several people, "You have to run Boston." They were right. The fans were awesome. | |
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M. M. from Michigan
(5/2/2008)
"The Ultimate Marathon Experience" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 With as much as this race is built up, it would be hard to imagine that it could ever live up to its billing.... But it does that, and then some. The whole energy and atmosphere of the race are indescribable. You work so hard to get here, but the reward is more than you can ever imagine. The course is legendary itself and did not disappoint. From the downhill start, to Wellesley, to the Newton Hills to cresting the hill and seeing the Citgo sign floating out on the horizon, the experience is incredible. The course was a challenge, but a lot of fun. Fan support for this race was incredible. I cannot remember one dead spot in the race. It is clear that everyone along the course takes pride in this race. There were enough fans out handing out water, oranges, candy, etc. that they could probably get by without aid stations (which were plentiful). The only disappointment I have with this race is the expo. Way too crowded and difficult to get through. I was looking forward to looking around and getting a number of items to commemorate my experience, but ended up just grabbing a jacket really quick and getting out. I was also disappointed that I showed up at 11 a.m. on Sunday and they were out of medium shirts. If you think this through, in general there are probably more small runners than large runners (running 60 miles a week will slim you down). Add the fact that this is Boston and that Boston attracts the most avid runners, logic would tell you that you probably need more mediums than XLs. Other than these two items, I have nothing negative to say. I am committing to myself that I will run Boston every year that I qualify. | |
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C. L. from Raleigh, NC
(5/1/2008)
"Happy Runner from North Carolina" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a great experience. The course is really amazing, point-to-point and with long downhill stretches. The Newton Hills to challenge you right at the toughest point in the race. Briefly, I was running beside TEAM HOYT on Heartbreak Hill. That was incredibly inspiring. Look them up if you haven't heard about them. If I could give more than 5 stars to the fans, I would. I'll be back next year for sure. Make sure you pack some warm clothes for the athlete's village, along with something to sit or lie down on. | |
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B. M. from Washington, DC
(4/30/2008)
"The Best" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Took me 16 marathons to get to Boston but it was worth the wait. I can't even describe how awesome this race is. About 90% of that is due to the spectators. I've done New York, Marine Corps, Chicago, Twin Cities, and Philly for other big-city marathons and there is no comparison. NY may have more people watching, but they are doing just that, watching. In Boston every single fan is screaming the entire time. Whole families. It's just the best atmosphere imaginable. And nothing in running can be compared to the Wellesley experience. I will do it every year I can qualify. | |
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P. G. from Vancouver, Canada
(4/30/2008)
"Wow - this is a must-run race" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first Boston this year, and what a race. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The course is both famous and infamous, and is everything you expect after hearing the stories. The crowds are unparalleled, and the race organization sets the bar for what other races should aspire to. Coordinating the ultimate race for 25,000 runners is no easy task, and Boston lives up to every expectation. In 2008 we had the benefit of excellent weather for the race as well. I managed to re-qualify in Boston, and plan on returning again next year. | |
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P. P. from Marietta, GA
(4/27/2008)
"The Best" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For the marathoner, Boston is the Super Bowl. Just compare the average finish time with any other large event. We are truly running with the elite. It was a nice surprise to finish fast and have the whole pack keeping up. It showed that the seeding system is actually right on the money. This was my first Boston Marathon, and I brought back a lot of great memories. Kudos to the guy with the big maracas running in a full Yankees uniform, and carrying a Yankees banner. I could hear the boos from a block away. He took my mind off of my aching thighs for awhile. I'll be back - thanks Boston. | |
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C. B. from Ontario, Canada
(4/27/2008)
"Boston is the absolute best!!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first Boston, as I just qualified last year. It was even more amazing than I expected. The weather was perfect, the crowds were wild and the course was interesting. I found the course to be easier than I was expecting and I came in at a time that qualifies me for next year. A truly wonderful athletic experience. Train as best you can to qualify for this. The experience is worth every effort. | |
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M. C. from Illinois
(4/27/2008)
"Organizers - READ THE COMMENTS!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Boston Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I have not taken the time to read all of the comments below, but as the last person indicated, they are all probably documented. I would like to emphasize the porta-potty situation. If you start the race later than normal, and take away the option of wooded areas, then you MUST provide adequate facilities. One way or another, we will find a way to "go." Organizers - take $0.25 from every entry fee and buy "zip ties" (those things that most races give you to attach the chip to your shoe) and hand them out to the runners. It would be much easier to get on and get off. Would relieve most of the congestion at the finish line! That was very disappointing to me. I was going to use my own, but then figured nobody would have the tools to snip the plastic at the end. Please do this for us and for you! Everything else about the race was great! |
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