Monday, April 20 marks the 130th running of the Boston Marathon. In the running world, Boston is often treated as the ultimate holy grail: one race to rule them all. When an event has achieved that level of fame and notoriety, it only makes sense that there would be some big feelings and opinions to go along with it. Here are mine.
You Don’t Have To Want Boston To Be A “Real” Runner
For the longest time, I thought every runner wanted Boston. It’s like there was a subtle pressure in the community that chasing the Boston bib was the ultimate goal. Let’s clear the air: if you run, you’re a runner, Heartbreak Hill or no. To take it one step further, I have an inconic unicorn medal, and I only had to run 6.2 miles to earn it!
Charity Runners Are The Heart Of The Race
The elites are incredible to watch, and the BQ qualifiers have worked their tails off to get there, but I love the charity runners who get out there to support the causes nearest and dearest to their hearts. To me, that’s even more inspiring than a sub-3 hour finish. These runners raise millions for hospitals, youth programs, and local charities, which, in my opinion, makes them more than worthy of toeing that start line.
It’s Time for Boston to Join the Lottery System
This might be the hottest take of all: maybe it’s time Boston considers a lottery system similar to the other World Marathon Majors like London, Chicago, or Tokyo. While the Boston Qualifier status is a prestigious tradition, it creates a division that becomes openly ugly when acceptance emails roll out. Opening a portion of the field to a lottery would allow dedicated, lifelong runners, who may never hit a specific time standard, the chance to experience the magic of Hopkinton. It would diversify the starting line and prove that running Boston is about heart and dedication, not just a qualifying time.
Spectating is Just as Exhausting (And Important) As Running
Or so I’m told. I’ve never spectated the Boston Marathon, but we don’t give the spectators enough credit. Standing on your feet for hours, screaming until you lose your voice, and high-fiving thousands of sweaty palms is a feat of endurance in itself. From Cleveland Circle, the Wellsley Scream Tunnel, Heartbreak Hill, or Boylston Street, the crowd energy is what carries the runners through the toughest miles. If you’ve ever cheered on the sidelines of a major race, you know that spectators work hard, and the community wouldn’t be the same without the hype crew.
Patriot’s Day Should Be a National Runner’s Holiday
Why is this just a Massachusetts thing? Marathon Monday should be a day where runners everywhere are encouraged to run their own distances, wear their favorite gear to work, and celebrate the sport. It’s a day that represents resilience and community, and that’s a vibe we should be spreading far beyond the borders of the Northeast.
The Boston Marathon will always be a cornerstone of our sport, but it’s important to remember that it’s just one chapter in a much larger story. Whether you’re inspired by the elites, moved by the charity stories, or perfectly content never running a marathon in your life, the beauty of running is that it belongs to all of us. Let’s keep celebrating the miles, and remembering that the only pace that matters is the one that keeps you moving forward.
Do you have any hot takes about the Boston Marathon or any other big running event?
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Your charity runner take really stood out to me. Those stories just hit differently. Anyone can chase a time, but putting that kind of effort into a cause at the same time is a whole other level.
I ran the Boston Marathon last year, and honestly, the spectators blew me away. It felt like there wasn’t a single quiet stretch the entire course. The energy was nonstop. By the end I almost felt like they deserved a medal too… standing there for hours, cheering like that is no small effort!
The energy at Boston is supposed to be unmatched. I bet it was an absolute dream to run there!
I agree with alot of this! I think its great that the BQ is something to work towards, but for some runners its just not a feasible goal. It kind of bothers me that some people can BQ every year and get to run it over and over and others work so hard to barely BQ once and then don’t make the cutoff. I feel like there should be a way to let new BQers get spots before others take them for the 10th time.
That’s a really excellent point. It would definitely be more equitable.
I’ve never had that “need to run Boston” urge. I used to qualify regularly, when it was a lot easier to get in because there weren’t so many applications but I never went. My husband has been there twice and enjoyed it but neither of us really want to go back.
Years ago, when my husband ran his first full Ironman, I told him that being a spectator was just as exhausting as participating. We were out there for 13 hours, it was hot (Arizona in April), and it was a really long day. Okay, I was kidding but I agree, spectators are important.
I can imagine spectating Ironman is a sport in and of itself!
I’d love to run Boston and spectate. I doubt either will happen.
I’m not someone who can raise money. And BQing is out of the question.
I don’t feel left out. I can cheer virtually and there are so many other races.
I don’t plan on being a 6 star runner.
Same. It’s a great goal and an even greater accomplishment, but I’d rather do shorter races. It would be super cool to spectate, though!
I wish Patriot’s Day was a national holiday where no one worked. Kind of like Christmas! For a while I used to take Patriot’s Day off so I could watch the marathon, but it doesn’t really work for me to do that anymore.
There was a time when I wanted a BQ… but now it doesn’t seem to matter. I guess I don’t really feel unfairly left out- as Darlene said, there are plenty of other races for the rest of us!