Everyone who has ever run a marathon MUST run Boston. The race was awesome. This race gives normal people a glimpse of what it is like to be a professional athlete. The organization, fan support, aid stations... everyone caters to each runners needs. Best marathon to date.

Ps. I PR'd and qualified again.

Receiving great cheering from tens of thousands of people along the way is the best part of Boston Marathon.

The course seems easy for the first 16 miles, but then things get really challenging. After 3 hill ascents and descents between miles 16 and 21, my legs and body were so tired, and the last 2 miles were extremely painful. After turning the last corner to see the blue finishing gate 1/4-mile away, I felt time was running so slowly. But the more pain, the more joy I get after crossing the finish line. And they had the smoothest and friendliest organization.

This was my first time in Boston and my second marathon after going through a reconstruction on my left leg (the first one I had to work very hard to qualify to run here). I ran this race very conservatively because my goal, first and foremost, was to get to the finish line. I set a PR for my slowest marathon so far, but I finished. I felt very fortunate just to be here and line up at the starting line and make it to the finish line.

The overall experience, the spectators, the volunteer support, and so on were beyond all expectations. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I have the chance.

My only suggestion is that they need more porta-johns en route. I needed to stop about 7 miles into the race and had to run 2-3 more miles before I found just 2 of them along the side. Then I had to wait several minutes to use it, which added several minutes to my slow finish time.

Kudos to the organizers, volunteers, citizens of Boston and surrounding communities, and the fellow participants for making this a glorious experience for the thousands of us who ran the course.

This is my second time on the historical roads between Hopkinton and Boston, and my 14th marathon. Boston is still the most exciting race I have ever run. I am not a very fast runner, and this year was especially tough(I had a heel injury,and this was definitely an issue for me during the race). But it didn't matter. Boston is a dream realized for most runners,and usually comes with a lot of sacrifice and training time. I was thrilled to be there, thrilled to be a "star" for a day. Boston's spectators are like no others! And Boston really loves its marathon. I hope to go back in 2010 and redeem my pride--without an injury.

One of the highlights of my trip was meeting Dick and Rick Hoyt at the expo and getting my picture with them. They inspire me, and it was a pleasure to meet them. The only sad thing (besides my lousy finish time) was losing my camera. It was lost on one of the shuttle buses from the state park,and has not turned up yet. Luckily, my son had taken some pictures, so we didn't lose everything.

At face value, the course does not appear to be more--or even as-- difficult as other tracks I've run. This course is so great because of the layout, the placement of the hills, and the quality of the runner next to you. You can't judge the race by any one part of it. The Newton hills aren't as bad as many I've run, but they come at a very difficult time in the race: Although I made it through without any problems, I thought I had counted four and then I reached the bottom of Heartbreak Hill, realizing I had celebrated a bit too soon.

The entire experience was fantastic. We stayed at the Fairmont at Copley Square, and had quick access to all the places where we needed to be. From the Expo at the convention center to the bus to the start Boston Commons, everything was well-organized and close. The lines at the runners' village were long, but the lower level provided many porta-potties that did not require much wait time.

The crowd support was incredible, and the finish line will be a lifelong memory. Thank you BAA--there is a reason why Boston is the best. I'll be back next year!

I have run this race nine times and it is getting out of control! You wait in line for buses, there's a one-hour bus ride, they lack of toilets "everywhere," and the late start just drains you even before the start!
Of course this is the "Holy Grail" for marathoners! But... 26,000+ for this race is just too many!

First, the positive: Boston is the pinnacle of marathons! The crowds all along the run are tremendous - the best of any marathon I've run so far. Additionally, the authorities (including police) performed excellently. Boston will always be a great goal for all amateur marathoners.

I went to several of the lectures on Sat. and Sun. These were great. I learned a lot and would highly recommend attending them.

The pasta dinner was very nice. Last time they had beer, but I did not see any this year!

Now for the negative: The expo is very crowded, and really needs to be expanded. The cash register-line to pay at the Adidas section was about 30 minutes long. This is sub-par. Additionally, the restroom facilities in Hopkinton are still not sufficient. I stood in line to use the restroom for 45 minutes. I should have started in Wave 1, but because of this delay, I had to start in Wave 2. Unfortunately, our bus (and several other buses) took a wrong turn so we got into Hopkinton later than expected, thereby compromising our time. It seems that there is plenty of room for more restroom facilities at the Hopkinton High School.

Despite the few shortcomings above, I'll be back.

i had to go back and re-read some of my old reviews of other marathons just so I could remember what other races lack when compared with Boston. Boston is my hometown, but I ran 4 marathons before I got a chance to run here. I can't describe the feeling of running this course, the fans along the way, and the tremendous volunteers who worked their butts off to make this probably the best marathon in the world. Everything about this marathon is first-class. You feel like a star running it. The feeling I got when I finished was second to none.

I do have one tiny complaint: having to walk what feels like a mile after crossing the finish line (take off chip, get medal, get water) seemed like it took forever. I would have preferred staggered tables with some chairs to sit in if you needed a break.

Other than that, this is the best race on the planet. Everyone should run it at least once.

What an amazing experience, running Boston. The course was tough but I loved it anyway! I had heard all about the downhills and they took their toll even though I ran them conservatively. The wind wasn't an issue for me; I found the weather to be nearly perfect. The organization was superb and the spectators... AWESOME! The people lining the course were so loud at times that you couldn't hear the person next to you talking. Thanks to all involved for such a memorable race!

I ran an 8-minute PR in Boston. This was my 2nd marathon. I ran Philly in November and qualified. Run a smart race and you will do fine. The downhills beat you up as early as mile 10, but don't worry; if you run conservatively for the first half, the second half is not bad. The hills are only bad if you are tired and out of gas.