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Jul 4, 2024

Boston Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.6

Organization 4.6

Spectators 4.9

Number of comments: 418 [displaying comments 321 to 331]

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Geoff Moffat from Chicago, IL (11/1/2004) "Historic - Yes... Overrated - Yes..." (about: 2003) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Boston Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Like so many other runners I figured that running Boston would be one of the best marathon experiences that a runner could experience. Obviously qualifying for the race alone is a goal of some marathoners. For myself, I wanted to run this race since it is one with a rich history and carries a certain number of bragging rights. There are some definite pros and cons to this race. This a great place to visit and vaction. The city itself is exciting to be at during this time since the area is flooded with runners and excited citizens. This part of the experience is wonderful. Running the race gives you bragging rights among runners and friends... which can be great... However, let me be one runner who thinks this race is grossly overrated. The expo in my opinion was weak and crowded. The course is very boring overall since you are running on a two-lane road for the greater majority of the course. (You don't really run too much in Boston itself.) The organization is so-so. After having run numerous Chicago Marathons I was disappointed. If you want a race with it all - I suggest you visit my hometown and run Lasalle Bank's Chicago Marathon!
Tyler Sewald from Denver, Colorado (9/20/2004) "A Rollercoaster of Terrain and Emotions" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Boston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The realization that I was going to run in the Boston Marathon did not hit me until my plane made its final approach to Boston. I then began get nervous. But the man to sitting next to me on my flight began to put my nerves to ease. Once he knew that I was running on 'Monday', he immediately insisted on giving me a ride to my hostel. I hesitantly agreed to accept his offer. Once we were leaving the airport he told me that he would be missing his sons hockey game that evening in order to take me to the hostel. I felt like I was taken time away from him and his family. However I then realized that this guy from Boston felt priviliged to drive me, a Boston runner, to the hostel. On the way to the hostel he called all of his friends to tell them that he had a runner in his car. I began to feel like a celebrity and my legs had barely recuperated from the flight. At the start of the race it didnt seem like there were many fans lining the course. However it didn't take long to hear the cheers of the crowds as I passed the towns and aid stations. But I dont think that any words can describe the emotion of the marathon. The course was a killer along with the heat. I began to cramp in the last six miles. I began to doubt that I could finish. However, as I stopped to walk and rub out cramps I began to listen to the cheer of one particular crowd of drunken college guys. They were cheering "2-2-5-6!" Hey, that's me! I then just smiled and turned away. But they insisted on chanting my number. Finally I felt that I could not let down the fans. I then began to jog again. As soon as I did, they went nuts and began cheering. Without them I may have not finished the race. At the end of the race I cramped up and was dehydrated and had to be taken to the medical tent. The cramps were the worst pain I have ever felt. But as I lay in the medical tent screaming in pain I felt that by succumbing to the medical tent that I was letting down all of my supporters. I was angry. But the nurse that appeared to rub my salty, sweaty legs said something that I will never forget. She just looked down on me and said, 'You just finished the Boston Marathon.' That was when the emotion set in. I began to cry. I couldnt believe that I had finished the Boston. I was the 'fat kid' in school and now I had finished the Boston Marathon. And trust me, I will be there again.
M. R. from Washington State (8/4/2004) "2004 Boston Marathon - a memorable experience" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Boston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Boston Marathon surely lives up to its prestigious name. It is one experience that serious runners would want to have, no matter what the race day temperature is. EXPO at the World Trade Center was a good one. I got to try many new endurance products, saw my name on the Adidas? wall with all other 20,000 runners, got to meet some running legends in person; Greg Meyer - the last American won the Boston in 1983, the beauty track champion, Carrie Tollefson, and the world Ironman champion, Peter Reid. The fore-warning of hot weather made me aware the seriousness of the oncoming heat. Plenty of information for a third timer to learn. On Monday, I got up really early to catch the bus due to my high bib #. Once at Hopkinton, I went into the big tent and sat down. The time went fast with social chats and trips to the food and port-a-john. Since it was warm, the line was never long. Trip to the corrals was very crowded. You had to literally RUB shoulders all the way to get through. When the gun went off, we were not moving at all in our corral, it took 13 ½ min to past the start line. From then on, it was okay. I felt a warm wind from behind at mile 1, something never happened to me before. I started to worry about finishing this race. Since I came a long way to Boston, of treacherous winter training, of injury. I decided to just do 1 mile at a time and to just to finish the race. The temperature at start was 83F, the third hottest in Boston Marathon?s 108 year history. This had definitely made the race extremely tough; some dotted it as DEATH MARCH or RACE from Hell, etc... Later, some even vowed never to come back to BOSTON. This reminds me the Park City ski trip right after the winter Olympic 2002. The tour guide pointed out the race course as it was closed to skiers in general. Because during Olympic they poured water on the icy course nightly to make it extremely hazardous and that was the only way they could differentiate the highly competitive Olympic skiers at the race. Heat at 108th Boston Marathon maybe one small Mother Nature?s gesture in that respect. It is for the tough runners. For the condition, water and Gatorade were very important and there were plenty stations available. I was glad that the B.A.A. volunteers factored the heat in for the aid station arrangements. It was HOT! The heat finally did got to many runners. After finish, I saw at least two runners on the street with all fours in the air screaming with muscle cramp. I almost passed out few times myself. My running shorts liked most other runners, CAKED with SALT. IT's definitely a brutal race. Future Boston runners may want to prepare for hot weather as part of training. Other than a better starting time, the organizers had made very good effort in getting so many water and aid stations available on race day and the overwhelming numbers of spectators, many of them even helped with liquid, food, and showers. Boston Marathon course was not as tough as I heard or read. Or it could be that the treacherous condition of heat and weather overshadowed the difficulties of the hilly course. I finished with a BQ' time, it was 11 minutes slower than my qualifying time. I could not thank enough for the volunteers, local residents for their enthusiasm to cheer, to encourage and to provide water and food for all the runners. They helped to carry the runners through. Especially at last mile, their enthusiasm and caring way was unbelievable and non-precedent. I remembered at the last mile, a young man stretched out from fence looking into my eyes and shout ?C?MON YOU CAN DO IT! JUST ONE MORE TURN!? as if I were his family member. That was so touching! This is the spirit of Boston Marathon not just from the runners but from the LOCAL RESIDENTS as well! In any case, I thought Boston Marathon was a good one and was well-run and supported, not overly tough. And it is the course some runners could have PR?d WITHOUT the HEAT. Marathon photo was not very good. Unlike the finish photo at NYCM, the Boston finish line photo does not have good angle or time in the picture. And there were only a couple to choose from. However, I ordered the marathon DVD about three months after the race and was pleasantly surprised by the personalized Boston Marathon video. This Boston Marathon surely is a very memorable one. I am glad that I did it and recommend to anyone wants to be part of this prestigeous race.
D. S. from harrison, arkansas (7/9/2004) "I love this race!" (General Comments) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Boston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is why we run - the people, the fellowship of others, the city, and the history. I love the midday start, this allows you get up and have a pre-race meal and get ready, not having to get up at 4am to eat is nice for a change. The heat is nice for me, but I do understand why some might not like it. I have only run Boston once, but I think it is well worth the effort.
c. s. from mexico city (6/25/2004) "It was really hot!!!!" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Boston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 It was a great marathon (this was my 2nd Boston and my 6th marathon) but the start time was terrible, because we have to wait a long time since they took us to the buses to the start line. Also the weather was terrible and there are no pacers on the race - the time of every marathoner was much more than what they were expecting due to the high temperature. I really do not recommend this marathon if you are looking for a PR marathon
m. g. from canada (5/30/2004) "Tough, challenging, best course from hell" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Boston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Thank you for a great race. People of Boston were great, from the children giving Mr. Freezes to the people cheering me on when I could go on no more. Volunteers where very professional and gave us much respect - they are the ones that deserve it all. Thank you. Only one bad comment was that one person that was slapping our hands near the start had a lit cigarette in his hand - nice joke, very angry at that. Overall, great city and great people, this is where the best runners belong. Thanks again, just make it cooler next year when I return. Ha!
S. G. from MAryland (5/25/2004) "Why I'll keep coming back" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Boston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 On the way back from the expo, another runner asked me what motivates me to keep returning to run Boston (this was my seventh). At the time, I could not find a good answer to her question, but now, a month later, I've come up with a few. First, where else can you run a major race on a Monday? (just kidding) Secondly, it's a challenge. No, it's not a PR course, and your not very likely to run another qualifying time here. The weather is always a factor. But, it's Boston, not Disney World! Third, its a honor to run in the footsteps of Clarence Demar, Johnny Kelley, Bill Rodgers, and all the other Boston legends. You have to appreciate the history of this race to fully experience it. Finally, and most importantly, the spectators along the course are great, the people of Boston treat all the runners as though they are elite athletes. Best of all is the comradeship of the 17,000 other runners. It's unlike any other race!
C. T. from Toronto, Canada (5/21/2004) "Can this race happen any earlier?" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Boston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my third Boston and wow - it was a dandy!!! Even in training, I don't run in those temperatures. However, once you put the physical, mental and monetary resources together for the race - the tendency is to just do it, despite best instincts. The day started off badly for me - I was so intimidated with the hot weather, I forgot my chip at the hotel. Good news was the organizers gave me a replacement chip at athlete's village and recorded all my details - bib #, name, etc. So I thought OK - this is Boston, and trusted them to actually record the replacement chip times. Can't believe they didn't - I got my medal but no official time. A number of letters have been sent to the organizers about this but they aren't even responding except to ask I send the original chip back. It's now over a month since the race and still no word from the Boston officials. I wouldn't mind, but it was the race from hell at least give me credit for it! Oh and by the way - what's with the noon start? It's the heat of the day - surely, like other races, you could start at an earlier hour.
J. H. from Massachusetts (5/20/2004) "Why do it again?" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Boston Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my second - and last - Boston. The positives: -The volunteers and the vast majority of the fans are incredibly supportive - they demonstrated genuine excitement and concern for the runners. I?m not the type who really cares about whether or not a race is able to draw spectators, but I know this is important to most, so it bears mention. -This is the most widely-recognized race among non-runners, and therefore it?s definitely a badge of honor to say you?ve run. Again, not a big deal to me, but I recognize the import to others. The negatives: -As a Massachusetts resident, I?m well aware that the expense of pretty much anything will rise, and the logistical difficulties increase as one gets closer to the City of Boston. This race is no different. Most of the traditional ?quirks? of this race are just plain annoying when you actually have to deal with them. Mondays aren?t ideal. Neither are noon start times. Hotel rates are obscene. Traffic is terrible. It?s not a spectator-friendly course, in that your family isn?t likely to see you at more than one location. Training for a race in April means most of us have to deal with snow & ice, as well as shorter daylight when we?re supposed to be getting in long runs and good tempo workouts - not the easiest combination. And when I see anyone wearing BAA gear from the event, I don?t think ?Wow, there?s a good runner?, I think, ?Wow, there?s someone who really didn?t mind drastically overpaying for gear?. -It?s disappointing to see qualified runners disparage the charity entrants. In the grand scheme of things, most of the qualified runners are just a tad better than mediocre, but you?d never know it based on their aura of self-importance. It?s equally discouraging to see charity runners act in ways that actually impede those who are trying to treat this as a competition rather than an event. Both groups have valid justification for being there, and there?s no reason that each shouldn?t be able to just mind their own patch without the constant whining for respect. I?m a qualified entrant. That doesn?t mean I expect a charity entrant to bask in my ?glory?; it does mean I expect them not to walk in the middle of the road where I might trip over them. And when I run for charities, I don?t expect other runners to look at what I?m doing as somehow more noble than their own efforts that day. -Sadly, I have an easier time remembering smartass comments from drunken BC and BU kids than supportive comments from the other 95% of spectators. -The course isn?t particularly scenic. It?s not difficult enough to really make it seem that much more of an accomplishment than your typical marathon (excepting severe climate issues), but it?s not flat enough to really nail a PR - well, a PR that doesn?t leave you wondering if you could have gone a few minutes faster on a flatter course. We?ve all managed tougher hills, we?ve all run faster courses, and we?ve all seen more beautiful courses, so what exactly does this course offer? In the final analysis, there are other cities that make for better destination races (pretty much any traditional vacation destination), better races in terms of ?events? (NYC), better races in terms of challenging courses (MDI), and more scenic courses (CIM). Boston has over a century of tradition, but it takes more than tradition to have a truly first-class event, and this one just doesn?t make the cut anymore. Do it once to say you?ve done it, but I?m already feeling like a sucker for having done it twice. I can?t imagine why people return year after year when there are so many better options.
R. C. from Long Island, NY (5/18/2004) "I loved it!" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Boston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 4th marathon and first Boston and I loved it! With the sweltering heat the organizers did an excellent job with the additional water/Gatorade stops. I was able to get water at one and Gatorade at the next one (approximately 1/4 mile apart at each mile). From the expo to the finish line the BAA did a perfect job. Yes, I had to adjust my pace to super slow because of the heat, but heck, isn't marathon running supposed to be a challenge? The fans were great and the experience was wonderful!

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