This was my first Boston. My 8th marathon. What an incredible experience. Words cannot do it justice. I hope to qualify for this race again. I do feel thats how we should all get to this great event.

Boston was the most fiendishly difficult marathon I've ever raced, and I've done NYC(4) and Chicago(2). In hindsight, those two marathons don't hint at the difficult terrain that is Boston, but once you cross that finish line, you know you just accomplished something very special indeed. The organization of the expo was first-rate and the crowd support was the very best. Everyone out there shows such respect, passion, caring, and concern for the runners and it is truly inspiring. I would like to qualify for this race every year.

My first Boston I touched the girl's hands at Wellesley College, I listened to men who were hoarse from screaming encouragement attempt yet again to cheer us on, I was moved by the shear enormity of support and unwavering emotion showered upon us by hundreds of thousands, I was humbled again and again by the sight of others at once flying by me, and then,on the hills, the sight of the broken, and the crushed, showing no signs of recovery, I saw Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, and finally the Citgo sign. You have to be there to understand the pride. You finish and now you are a runner no more, you are a marathoner. Boston, it's just so awesome.

Flawless organization. Incredible fan support the WHOLE way. Fistfuls of Powergel, oranges and anything you need were everywhere. A hard run but worth the extra effort.

I love this marathon! I love the city! It's my favorite marathon to run and my favorite U.S. city to visit. The run itself is so incredible for so many reasons...the support along the way is way cool, running point to point from Hopkinton to Boston is way cool, and Athlete's Village is BEYOND way cool. I felt like an Olympian of sorts walking into the village my first year running Boston (2000). I was nervous and didn't know what to expect with all the hype heard about the 'Boston Marathon.' But that's what made it so great at the same time. In fact, even though the weather wasn't ideal with the cold and the headwinds I was just happy to be there, running THE marathon. I think it's a combination of the people, the course, the organization and the city that makes Boston so memorable and a marathon that marathoners want to do again and again. This will be my third year running Boston and my seventh marathon and by far it's the best of them all. I agree that the course is pretty tough, but I think it expects its runners to rise to the occasion...and I think most do! My PR's have been in Boston both years and I hope to get another one this year. Carpe Diem!

I have run boston 8 consecutive years. I have ran a couple other, but without a doubt, boston is the superbowl of all marathons. I've struggled up heartbreak hill many a times, but with the urging of the crowds that don't thin out for 26.2 miles I climbed to the top of not just the hill, but the world. If you run, you must attempt this beautiful course. Myself, I have no idea when I will stop running this event.

I had been trying to get into this marathon for 5 years so nothing could dampen my excitement of running in this one. We lucked out in 2001 with perfect weather! It's not fun waiting around for four hours for the start, but the excited, cheering crowds and being part of a historical, famous marathon make up for it. Just like every other marathon I've run in; the finish is anti-climactic. (the only exception to that is my qualifier) I expected this, so I ran very slow the last mile and took it all in. I stood in the middle of hundreds of people I didn't know and cried when it was over. It still gives me chills. Wow, what an experience!

The race was very exciting, although I was nervous about it. Athletes village was unforgettable and I will never forget how cold it was...thank you to the girl who lent me her track pants...I can't remember your name. The spectators were absolutely amazing...because of them I got through it!

The Atmosphere is really special and the crowd support the best I have ever experienced in my 25 years of running. My only complaint is that Gatorade is the sports drink offered at the aid stations and it does not work for me so I could only drink water...Be prepared for quite a pounding. For whatever reason Boston beat me up more than any other marathon I have ever run..All in All a fantastic experience. If you can handle the pounding there is a good chance of running a fast time..I will definitely do it again..

This year was my third Boston Marathon and I qualified again for number four with a personal best. I love this marathon and it is an honor to run it, if you qualify for it. The city, the fans, the volunteers, the runners and our family and friends make this race a dream come true. From the moment I step foot in Boston, I am at ease and enjoy touring the city, going to the expo and even though it seems like a long time to wait to start the race, the Athelete's Village is a great place to meet old and new friends and listen to all the wonderful Boston stories. This is the marathon of all marathons. There is not one race that compares to this marathon. It is a tough course, but if you come prepared you can set a personal record. I keep getting better and better every year. I never imagined I would be running the Boston Marathon, but my dreams have come true and I will have wonderful memories to share for a lifetime.