Let me preface this by saying that I will probably run this one again. Boston was great. The course is what it is, but several charity groups are allowed to run (do not need to qualify) and there are upwards of 2,000 bandits. Those narrow country roads get very crowded. You are literally shoulder to shoulder in many instances. Cannot get a good stride going. There were (legit) 20,453 runners this year. I ran a 3:27 in Boston, six weeks later I ran a 3:16 at RnR in San Diego where the roads are much wider and not as crowded. But the crowds can't be beat. Support on the course is quite good but water stations are very crowded. If they limited this race to no more than 15,000, it would be a lot nicer.

Living in the Boston area and being a pretty hardcore runner, the Boston Marathon has always been a dream of mine. This past year I entered Boston University and determined after running high school cross-country and track that it would be my goal to run the Boston Marathon. I ended up running bandit since it was my first marathon but it was still the greatest experience of my life. The crowds were awesome and I had a blast. I really didn't know if I could make it all the way but I took my time and it paid off. I plan to try some other marathons and make my way back to Boston in a few years as an official entrant.

This was a unique experience. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much! This was my slowest marathon, but who cares? Beautiful day, wonderful crowds, and I lucked out and got to stay with the most generous, kind people in the world. Thank you John & Barbara Taylor for everything!

This was my first Boston experience, and hopefully not my last. I was prepared for a harder course, and was pleasantly surprised to find Boston a rather enjoyable course. There are some hills, but training in South Dakota prepares you for a lot. Crowds were amazing, the organization was great, and the City of Boston definitely made you feel special. My time qualified me again for next year, and I can't wait to make the trip again.

Everything you hear about Boston is true. It is simply an experience that is hard to describe. Anyone who has run a marathon should experience this for themselves. It is not about setting a PR or anything to do with time at all. In fact, this was my personal worst by about 15 minutes. But after it's all over, it doesn't matter. I would just like to personally thank all of the volunteers and the spectators, especially the girls at Wellesley College. How do you scream like that for that long? I wish the college was located at about the 21-mile mark! Thank you again for what will be one of the most memorable experiences of my life!

Given the point-to-point course the transportation was good. The athletes village was enjoyable and festive. As for the experience unparalleled. From the children seeking autographs in Hopkinton to the crowds on Boyleston St. a must for any runner. The opportunity to follow in the footsteps of DeMar, the Kelleys(John A. and John J.), Rodgers, Salazar and Beardsly was an honor. If you have earned the right to toe the line in Boston I would recommended it to anyone. It's Boston and I plan on qualifying and participating as long as my legs will carry me.

Given the point-to-point course, the transportation was good. The athletes' village was enjoyable and festive. As for the experience, unparalleled. From the children seeking autographs in Hopkinton to the crowds on Boyleston St., a must for any runner. The opportunity to follow in the footsteps of DeMar, the Kelleys (John A. and John J.), Rodgers, Salazar and Beardsley was an honor. If you have earned the right to toe the line in Boston I would recommended it to anyone. It's Boston and I plan on qualifying and participating as long as my legs will carry me.

Words cannot describe it. Top to bottom - great experience. I came with my family and all had great times. 2 months post my PR and finished strong on a tough course. If you have an opportunity - DO IT!.
I met Bill Rogers at his store - 2 hours after the autograph session was to be over - that speaks volumes about the kind of guy he is (special thanks to his fincee for being patient).
Only downside - rooms downtown have 3 night mandatory and are expensive. But welcome to reality and supply and demand. I didn't know enough about the 'T'(subway) prior to coming. It is very easy to understand and get around town.
Thanks BAA for all you do (I'll buy the first Sam Adams next year!)

My first Boston Marathon has finally sunken in and I have to say the event is well-worth it for anyone running this race for the first time. This year's field comprised over 14,000 (of the total 22,000) first-time Boston Marathon runners. So for a lot of us, this was THE moment we had all been waiting for.

Course - By far the most technically difficult course to navigate. The deceptive downhill start seems to go-on for the first 6-8 miles. From there, you are treated to rolling hills as you make it through Natick, Framingham, and Wellesley. The scenery consists of Boston suburbia and the notable attractions come from the spectators, who were just fanatical and great the entire time. I've run NYC and I do have to say in terms of per-fan basis, Boston has better fans; NYC just has more of them.

Organization - Course organization was good. They really need to control traffic a bit better in Downtown Boston as you head towards Commonwealth off Beacon. Pedestrians, skateboarders, etc. crossing the street just make it hectic for us runners. My biggest complaint with the organization was the proximity the spectators had to the runners. At the start of the race, the atmosphere was like a block party with all the spectators mingling with the runners. While this adds to the enthusiasm for the race, it can get dangerous as well. In addition, transportation to the marathon start was chaotic, but it's to be expected with 20,000 runners. But on Beacon Street, the running lane narrows badly and this is pretty dangerous, especially with people walking across the running lane and such.

Spectators - They're Boston fans, which means they are really into sports. I've always admired them for possessing an undying loyalty to sports and teams. But I do have to admit, I did get tired of the Red Sox talk.

Overall Summary - The start line was nicely organized. The finish line was ok. Marathonfoto, though, is the biggest rip-off on earth. Their photography work and quality was shoddy for the event. The photos of the marathon runners were highly unoriginal and they didn't even get most of the runners' pix at the finish line.

As for the overall marathon, the race is worth the wait. It's a very painful race though and Newton Hills just completely crushes people from 16-21. But after finishing the race, you really do feel like you've done something that day. I would run it again simply because I have ties to the city and love marathon running. But I wouldn't recommend this to any avid runner who wants to come back to Boston over and over again. For the prestige and honor, Boston has it. For the fun experience, NYC has it.

Qualifying for and running in Boston is like being at the World Series and getting to play. My time was awful, and I ran into dehydration problems, but I still ran the whole race and 'high-fived' thousands of spectators. The five-hour wait before race time adds a difficulty factor that is hard to comprehend unless experienced firsthand. It was where I messed up, in failing to hydrate fully prior to the start of the race. I WILL be back again to redeem myself, but meanwhile, I am still glowing from the honor of having run the path taken by legends such as Johnny Kelley and Catherine the Great.