Boston was my 7th marathon, my first Boston. It was the most amazing experience I've had at a marathon. The crowds are amazing and constant through the entire course. Unlike every other marathon I've run there was never a time where there were no spectators on the course. The energy given off by the crowd is awesome.
I had done lots of hill training because of how hilly I heard the course was. I didnt find the hills to be bad at all. The hills I trained on here in L.A. where much steeper. 'Heartbreak Hill' wasn't half as bad as I had anticipated. I felt better at the finish than I have at any marathon. I wasn't sore or tired.
I have to laugh at the people who complain about the course. If you've done any research you should know what you're getting into. Boston is the oldest marathon in the world. That, along with the course and it's amazing history make Boston, Boston. There is no other!

This was my first time to run Boston, and I was very impressed! Coming from Houston I wasn't used to the hills, so my time was about 15 minutes off my pr. But who cares?!?! I went to have a blast, and Boston delivered! I know that the marathon organizers can't control this, but the traffic in Boston is terrible. (Yes, it's worse than Houston's) We ended up taking the subway, which worked out well. Be prepared for a VERY crowded ride on race day though. My only disappointment in the race was at the finish line. They had meager amounts of food for the finishers. Hey, I just ran 26.2 miles, I need some major grub!! We ended up going to a restaurant in downtown Boston right after the race so that I could get something to eat. Other marathons I've done, like Houston, have everything under the sun at the finish line. Free pizza, beer, tacos, muffins, fruit, cookies, donuts, and soft drinks await the finishers. However, I won't let this minor irritation take away from the totally awesome experience I had while running Boston. I'll definitely be back!

My Boston experience was amazing. Not only is the marathon one of the best organized marathons ever, but the people of Boston and the surrounding area are incredible as well. The people of Boston are not annoyed by any inconveniences caused by marathon weekend--the closed streets, subways, mobs of people. Instead everyone in Boston is excited and supportive. I'm shocked that people would complain about the difficulty of the course---this is the Boston Marathon, what do you want, a free-ride? I was dreading the 4 hour wait at 'Athletes' Village', but instead I found it an enjoyable experience because the organizers have this down to a science. The only negative comment I have about the race is the number of port-a-potties on the course. Although they are available all throughout the course, there are only one or two at each location. There needs to be about 5 or 6 at every location. All in all, it was an amazing experience--before, during, and after!

It's been several weeks since the race and I have now had a chance to reflect on my Boston Marathon weekend. First, the best part: The race is difficult, but truly an unforgettable experience. I would not recommend going to this race to run it hard for a P.R. (too many hills and runners on a narrow race course). Go to this race as a reward for running another race hard. Slow down a little, enjoy the sights and the tremendous fan support and appreciate that you are there because of your prior accomplishments.

On the negative side, the Expo Hall is too small and extremely crowded. The organization of the pasta dinner was poor (I waited in line for over 1 hour, was forced to eat outside in cold weather, and was not allowed seconds on pasta). At the end of the race there was very little offered in the way of treats/nourishment and it took over 1/2 hour to get my shoe chip removed, receive my medal and collect my clothes bag. The Boston Marathon medal itself was surprisingly small and unspectacular for such a significant race.

However, despite these negatives, this race is still worth all the efforts it takes to qualify to get there. I know that I will never regret saying that I have run the Boston Marathon.

The 2nd Boston hills are tough and the noon start is too late. But I love your city. I just wish it started by 9:00, and I hope to come back and see some 50 degree temperatures. Thanks to all the people at the water stops: I would not have made it without you.

Wow! What a great experience! This was my 4th marathon, but only my 1st Boston. The fan support was tremendous and I can't wait to run Boston again next year! All of the crappy weather my fellow M.I.T.ers and I had to endure this winter was well worth it!Boston is the greatest Marathon there is!

All of the quirky elements of this race are already well-known: the late starting time, the looooong wait at the runner's village, the hills at miles 16-21. These points are essentially beyond discussion.

I ratify, in the main, the favorable comments below. The field was really wonderful, the spectators peerless (especially the many homeowners handing out water on such a hot day!!) and the organization (mostly) excellent.

Things that could be changed: (1) the family meeting area was too small and crowded; (2) the food at the end of the race was a bit stingy (doled out in plastic bags); (3) racers really ought to be instructed to refrain from public urination (this was real disgrace to the nice people who hosted us in Hopkinton).

This was my first Boston and it was a real honor to have qualified and run this race. First the postives: the crowd support is amazing, Hopkinton is a neat little town, the start is more orderly and fair than NYC, the Wellsely girls are fun and the crowds in Boston were great. The weekend of the race the whole city of Boston is buzzing, and it's a great atmosphere. The negatives: the course description is deceiving (the 2nd half of the course is brutal and was too tough for my tastes - those hills, ouch!). The late start (12:00) makes for an early rise, long waits, and warm temperatures (it was unusually warm, 70s). Overall, I would say if you qualify, you should run it. Though for me, I think once is enough. Enjoy!

While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I am still very disappointed to read the critical comments posted here about the Boston Marathon. I ran this race for the first time in 2003 and I cannot tell you how amazing the experience was!! Okay, it was a little warm outside....the four hour wait before the race is long....the course is hilly...but, with all of the suffering and effort you put into training for a marathon, can't you handle a few inconveniences for an opportunity to run in the greatest marathon of all time?!? I found the fans, the course, the organization, the atmosphere - ALL of them were fantastic and memorable. Despite the heat, I ran an excellent time to qualify for next year's race. And, despite those few inconveniences that other folks can't seem to handle I WILL BE BACK!!!!!

It is always a pleasure and honour to run in Boston. I reached my new Personal Best in Boston (2h 57 min). I have never felt so good after the race as i did in Boston. The only thing that i still do not understand in terms of organization is to why does the race start every year at 12:00 pm. Thus the runners have to go through the course on the hottest period of the day. Also it would be much more better if we would have arrived to Athletic village shorter than 4 hours prior to the race. Other than that the marathon is still one of the best in the world.