Boston Marathon 2024: Runners Share Hardest Part Race

Boston Marathon, oldest race in history, challenges runners with hills, heat, and dehydration. Finishers share struggles from start to finish.

The Boston Marathon is a prestigious event that holds immense value for runners worldwide. Known as the oldest continuously run marathon, the 26.2-mile course starts in Hopkinton and winds its way through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline before culminating in Boston's Copley Square.

The course presents a variety of challenges, with changes in altitude and terrain that take runners over hills, under bridges, and through tunnels. The race is renowned for its difficulty, with so many turns and elevation changes that it cannot be used to set a world record for the marathon.

In this year's race, runners faced additional challenges due to high temperatures in the high 60s and strong sunshine intensifying the heat. Dehydration and the grueling hills were cited as some of the toughest aspects of the race by finishers.

Some runners found the middle section of the race to be particularly challenging, with worries about pace setting in early on. Others struggled with the hills, dehydration, and cramping towards the end of the race. The downhills, heat, and mental fatigue in the final miles were also highlighted as significant obstacles.

Overall, the Boston Marathon is a test of physical and mental endurance, pushing runners to their limits over the course of 26.2 miles. Despite the challenges, the race remains a coveted event for runners seeking to challenge themselves and achieve new personal goals.