As a multiple-time Boston participant, I want to complain about a few aspects of this year's race. First of all, the wave start. The organizer must avoid the perception of deferential treatment based on qualifying time. The buses carrying slower (red) runners dropped them off a very long way away from the red athlete's village, whereas the faster (blue) runners got dropped off right at the front of the blue village. Is this because we are slow and we don't deserve the same treatment? I heard many ask.

Second, there were not nearly enough porta-potties along the course. Every time I saw one, there was always a long line. Too few and too far in between. Of course Boston is still great. It's just that I will not return until I can make a fast enough qualifying time for the first wave start. Feeling second-class sucks.

The crowd makes Boston the magical experience that it is. I ran injured and I don't know if I could have made it without them. Before, during, and after the race, the people of the Boston area could not have been any nicer to this first-timer. The kids with their outstretched hands, the guy with the Heartbreak Hill sign that said, "Chuck Norris Wouldn't Quit!," the couple who offered brownies, and the thousands of volunteers. WOW! But I have to reserve my biggest applause for the Wellesley women. I had read about them, but I still wasn't prepared. Utterly charming,
adorable, and extremely kissable! *****

WELLESLEY ROCKS! Thank you, Mass!

No review could do justice to this magnificent event. From the delightfully individual identities of the towns - and their inhabitants - experienced along the way, to the intoxicating, albeit torturous, character of the sport's oldest and grandest course, to the passion and enthusiasm - resolute and sincere - of the thousands of race volunteers met - and oh-so appreciated - along the journey, to the damn-near-tear-jerking sense of victory that engulfed me upon turning the corner onto Boylston and feeling the crowd's energy hurtle me toward the finish line, this was for me - and I hold has been and will forever be for anyone fortunate enough to experience it - the end-all, be-all nirvana marathon experience - bar none, end of story. All my friends who ran it before me swore mere words really could not describe the wonder of running Boston. I sit here today in full agreement; humbled and honored to have had the chance.

Thanks again, Steve & Patty, Randy and Al.

The people of Boston treat 'the marathon' like the rest of the country does the Super Bowl.... Hat's off in every way. If you're there participating in this Patriot's Day event, you're treated like royalty from the time you land on the runway. It was my first Boston. All the hype of the later hills I thought was somewhat overrated; the damage was done on the declines before you ever reach the famous Heartbreak. Great race every runner should experience at least once....

From the time my son and brothers dropped me off early at the start, I was amazed at the atmosphere of the world's premier running event. A simple South Georgia country boy participating in the one race I had dreamed about! Just an amazing organizational machine, that B.A.A. But, most of all, I will remember my wife Denise, son Bobby, two brothers Larry and Darryl and two nieces Holly and Sands Lee, being at the 20 mile-mark. The spectators make the race and my family were just a few of the thousands that line the course. The miles just flowed by and I did not notice the hills. I can only attribute this to the encouragement of the folks that supported us through every foot of the course. Nothing can compare to that. Runners from all over the world ponder what it would be like to be one of the qualified Boston Marathoners and I can only say the time, effort and sacrifices you make, will be absolutely worth it. Touring historic Boston and eating lobster rolls was just icing on the cake.

When I finally qualified for Boston on my 6th attempt, I mailed in my application within 24 hrs. I spent the winter training hard and reading all about the Boston (the history, the traditions, the spectators). I grew up in New England and was a high school runner (5 miles from Bill Rogers' high school). Having lived in Virginia for the last 25 years, I began to feel a very emotional pull calling me home to New England. I had many training runs throughout the winter that ended in tears as I started to realize 'I'm going back home to run the Boston'. When my acceptance letter and packet finally arrived in the mail, I just lost it totally when I saw that little Adidas ad that said 'The final 26.2 miles of your journey... it's what happens at Boston!' What a great trip! The race itself was tough: I trained hard and was in the best shape of my life. The heat got me, I bonked pretty bad but was proud to have finished. Not a great clock time, but a once in a lifetime experience. A dream come true for this 50 year old! I can't hear the words 'Boston Marathon' without getting 'goose bumps'. I carried a card with me for over 2 years that said 'There will be days when I don't know if I can qualify for and make it to Boston, but there will be a lifetime knowing I have!'

Running the marathon in Boston is a great experience that shouldn't be missed.

I absolutely loved everything about this marathon - except the heat! But Boston is the most wonderful city in the world! And the people couldn't be better - everyone was so friendly and supportive and made the whole experience fantastic! I would do it again in a heartbeat, in fact being in Boston for this race has almost made me want to live there! Thanks for a great time! By the way, Giacomo's in the north end is the best Italian food ever!

I ran the Boston Marathon for my first time this year. I was concerned hearing about Heartbreak Hill. If you train, you will do fine. I finished in 3:24, and still had energy to walk 2 miles back to my hotel. The best thing is the spectators not only cheer you on, but they also hand you water, ice, oranges, sport drinks they were great. Thank you! I couldn't have done it without your support.

Compared to races like Paris, Hamburg & Berlin this race is pretty tough. The hills created a few problems for me. But... I have to tell you - the Boston-crowd is simply the best! I clocked in time to give me access to the next Boston Marathon - I hope that I will join all of you in 2006.