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Boston Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Boston Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 418 [displaying comments 191 to 201]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 18 19 20 21 22 .. 42 > ]

 

J. A. from buffalo ,ny (4/23/2008)
"A++++++++++ event" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Everything was A+.

Spectator support cannot be summed up in words. Expo was crowded but the content was good. Considering all the planning involved, all went very smoothly. The effort to bus everyone to the start is a feat in of itself. And, to get my bag back at the end so effortlessly... thanks! Not a complaint here. Anyone looking for more support at a event this size could, never be pleased. Ps. Get your hill work in!

 

D. M. from Florida (4/23/2008)
"Crowd support like no other" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Boston Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my second Boston and my 15th marathon over all. It seemed like a contest was going on between each town on the way to the city. One place was louder than the one before. The runners were the winners! To girls of Wellesley, I heard you almost a mile and a half before I got there and then another half mile after I passed you. Thanks for all the air kisses. Here's to all the students at BC that come out to support us. I have never heard one group be so loud for so long. You were TREMENDOUS! Like any marathon, the race is divided into two equal parts; the first 20 and the last 6. The people of Boston made sure that last six were some of the best miles in the life of this marathon runner. Thank you to each one of you.

 

B. G. from Fairfield County, CT (4/22/2008)
"It's true. This is THE marathon." (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Boston Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


If you didn't know the history, you would say this is just an OK course with a vocal crowd that is well organized. That is if the city wasn't Boston and the number wasn't 112 and, at least for a few hours, running becomes the center of this sports-crazed town. The fact is that there are plenty of great runs, but there is only one that everyone knows by a simple name: Boston.

Monday was my second time on this ride. Much better when you know a little bit about what is around the bend at that fire station.

I have lots of marathon medals - simple or fancy or clever. But when I look at the unicorn, it is particularly beautiful because I know how hard it is get and how many others would love to see it around their neck.

 

A. B. from Natick, MA (4/22/2008)
"Amazing Experience!" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Boston Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my 2nd Boston in a row. I cannot think of anything major that needs improvement. Dave and the BAA staff do an impeccable job of organizing such a large number of runners. And the amenities along the course are top-notch: mile and kilometer markers, clocks, fluid stations every mile, ample aid stations and medical personnel, etc.; these are things you don't find in every marathon and they are GREATLY appreciated. Everything runs like a well-oiled machine, from the number pick-up to the bus transportation to the baggage buses to the finish line "stations" (space blanket, water, chip removal, etc.).

I don't think the Newton hills are as bad as many people say (in my opinion, it's more hype than anything else) but the weather can have an impact on one's experience on those hills. Last year I did fine in cooler temps with clouds, and this year I struggled in the warmer temps with sun. But overall, the course is manageable.

Small things to note:

- nice change to CoolMax shirts this year
- too many bandits on the course this year
- get to the corrals early if you don't want to fight the crowds
- plenty of porta-potties at the corrals if you don't want to wait at Athletes' Village

I cannot finish this posting until I mention the AWESOME spectators! They are indescribable... to find out, run Boston! You are in for a real treat! Boston fans are the BEST!!!!!

 

T. W. from Atlanta, GA (4/22/2008)
"US Womens Trials and Boston 2008 - 5 Stars!" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Boston Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The BAA solved the 2007 gear retrieval issue at the end of the race this year, with many more volunteers on the buses to assist with getting the gear bags back to the runners. The U.S. womens marathon trial on Sunday were a perfect prelude. Race weekend weather couldn't have been much better. The crowd, the runners and the event planners are experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which helps make Boston easily the best of the mega U.S. marathon events.

 

W. G. from Little Falls, MN (4/22/2008)
"I cut 14 minutes off of my best marathon time!" (about: 2008)

3 previous marathons | 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


The weather was great and the crowd made this marathon a wonderful experience! I do think something should be done about the l-o-n-g bus ride to the start and the fact that there are no bathroom opportunities for runners trying to hydrate before the race. More porta-potties needed at the village.

 

J. F. from Washingtonville, NY (4/22/2008)
"To all who said, "GO JOHN!"" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


What an experience!! With the beautiful weather, it brought out the great spectators who always make the race. While I can do without all of those hills, the constant cheering from the crowd especially the "GO JOHN" in response to my singlet, made it memorable. One woman even exclaimed, "Who the $^%&#@ is this John guy?" Thanks to all for the experience.

 

J. M. from Chicago (4/22/2008)
"Course Trashed the Legs, But Still the Best" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ran my first Boston (2008) yesterday and it was every bit as tough, and as fun, as everyone said. The weather cooperated (a little too warm and sunny for my taste, but really pretty good conditions), the Athlete Village was in fine shape (not swampy mess like during 2007's nor'easter) the buses ran on time, bag check was a breeze.... All in all, really well run. Yea, the expo was really crowded and I would have spent more time there (and maybe more money too) if it hadn't been so congested. But really, it wasn't bad. The crowds were great, with the college students cheering their hearts out. Super, super, support. Making those last couple turns and heading to the finish was just the best. The course does beat the heck out of your legs, and my time really wasn't very good, but it sure was fun!

 

P. E. from Upstate NY (4/22/2008)
"Great improvements and just overall awesome job!" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Boston Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This marathon was fantastic! I ran last year and was disappointed in my performance AND the experience in general. There seemed to be a lot of improvements - the shirts were nicer, and the post-race food SO much better!!! The massages at the beginning of the race were awesome!!! Thanks to JOE from Watkins Glen!!! Overall, volunteers and crowds were amazing - and thank God above for that perfect, perfect weather! Great job all!! I'll be back!!!

 

F. E. from Berkeley, CA (4/22/2008)
"exceptional experience" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Boston Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Boston is the mecca of marathons. It is a great race, despite all the people, all the crazy logistics, and the weather - although this year was perfect. There are so many fans, screaming so hard that the moments of silence stand out as deafening (I counted only 2 short stretches in 26.2 miles).

I loved every part of it - even being part of the biggest running traffic jam on earth. At any one point I could have run the remainder of the distance on top of the heads in front of me. That is how crowded it really is.
Awesome experience, even for those who favor quiet races.

 

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