Contribution: Soo Owen. Edited/posted by Harold P.
Event Name: Boston Marathon
Date: Monday, April 16, 2024
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Synopsis: “Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston”
These words representing that last mile to the finish line of America’s oldest marathon is forever etched to memory, as is the entire race experience weekend of my first Boston marathon.
Editor Note: Also, check out the RunK2J at Boston 2024 YouTube video
Briefly describe the overall venue & course:
The course itself is a memorable journey of storied segments from Hopkinton to Boston. Everything every Boston Marathon veteran says about the course is true – fantastic spectator support almost throughout the entirety of the course, the dreaded Newton hills not being the only hills you experience, how far that Citgo sign really is until you hit the final mile….while in of itself the Boston course does not have the spectacular vistas of some other races, its legend status and history is moving enough to make it an awesome venue.
What was provided at the aid stations?
Gatorade, water and select stations with Maurten gels (caffeinated and non-caffeinated). This being said, the local population also had doughnuts, pickle juice, licorice, coke, and even beer to those participants that might have needed an extra boost.
How was the weather?
An unseasonably warm day that was, and I quote “great for the spectators”. It was a true test of resilience to manage the heat (especially for Canucks more used to wintry weather in April). Otherwise a brilliant sunny day.
My Race Experience:
There are few races that will ever match this experience in all my 25+ years of running. Qualifying and running in Boston had always been an on-off and faraway aspiration in the back of my mind. From getting a BQ in late 2022 to racing in April 24, despite my training requiring compromises with life – it was my beacon and AAA race to make.
The lead up to the race was also memorable – with the masses of running enthusiasts that were even more crazy about the sport that I, I was at a running Mecca – Boston is full of friendly folks welcoming all the runners and the venues offering goodies at the Expo, Fan fest and along Newbury represented a veritable wonderland. Bib pickup and merchandise purchase was well organized and easy (although some wait times were overwhelmingly long – waited over an hour for the jacket embossing).
Race day was quite a morning adventure – I didn’t fully appreciate it until I had gone through it. Forever grateful to the more experienced RunK2J crew that made everything from hotel to Boston common, bag drop off, Bus ride to Hopkinton, and wait time to our wave seamless and even enjoyable. This took almost the entire morning until my coral at 10:40 took off to go through!
The later start of the race did not necessarily bode well for later – I could already feel the heat and excitement was built up. Listening to previous advice, I was conservative in pace for the easy downhill of the beginning course. At about 13-14 km, I could already feel the heat and was starting to feel aches in my hip and quads. I slowed a bit but still felt good – however that feeling did not last. I started to struggle which came to a head at the hills, where cramping become a constant battle and a rhythm of Run, cramp, walk it out – run/cramp/walk it out. I considered a medical tent to see if I could get my calves massaged, but the moment I saw the clipboard and knew it meant paperwork and more wasted time, I changed my mind and left the tent.
I am truly grateful for the extra aid on the course – I took a banana, some pickle juice, and I have a vague recollection of taking a few bites of a donut before tossing it away. I also recall cursing a bit as the Citgo sign took FOREVER to pass by, but then I knew it was the last mile.
I wish I could have been able to show more elation and enthusiasm at least for the pictures – the cramping remained a constant and any thought of streaming in dramatic style across the finish long went out the window. I crossed the finish with a flood of different emotions – mild disappointment at my time (2nd worst ever in 4:32 and change), extreme relief to finish the course, but I did tear up – I finished a long held bucket list race that to me, will always be special. Boston is special. And I did it. Finally!!!
And I will have to come back to redeem myself on this course – but that’s a different story…
Travelling with the RunK2J group made this experience ever more special – I valued their advice and truly enjoyed the fun and camaraderie. I could not have asked for better travel and running companions to be with me on such a coveted race.
Would you do this event again? Why?
I would absolutely come back – I need to come back to do the course again to better my time!
Would you recommend this event? Why?
Boston marathon is highly coveted by many a marathoner – the oldest marathon in North America has a revered history and tradition – and to be inducted and initiated into this special group is more meaningful to me that any Worlds event I have taken part in. It does not have to be for everyone, but for those that want to chase the unicorn, the experience in participating is a sweet one.
Closing thoughts. Any hints for others planning to do this race? Where to stay? Things to bring? What to wear?
Follow RunK2J and its members’ advice, including this website and HockeyGeekGirl’s guide to the Boston marathon. As a first time runner, I defer to the many resources of others to help prepare for this storied race.
As a personal note – study the course, join the social media forums, listen to podcasts (Ali on the Run’s Boston marathon guide was helpful), and the find function in the Facebook group of Boston Marathon 2024 throughout the lead up and during the weekend. And in terms of running kit for race day, just bring everything. I did, and was still missing stuff for the hot day…
Overall Venue Rating: :
5 – Monumentally Awesome
Please rate the course:
5 – Excellent
Please rate the aid stations:
4 – Great
Run K2J 